Zim to host ATA 2012 conference

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Engineer Walter Mzembi, hosted the ATA team.
“ATA was last in Zimbabwe in 1988, when the congress was held in Harare and, after 23 years, we are proud to be heading back.
“We are positive that the 2012 congress will attract leading tourism experts from across the globe. It will surpass all expectations and is an event not to be missed,” said Mr Bergman.
The five-day congress will commence in Victoria Falls on May 18.
At least 300 participants are expected to grace the event, among them tourism ministers, tourism board heads, private sector leaders, travel industry professionals, including product buyers and sellers, travel trade media, scholars and African Diaspora leaders.
Minister Mzembi said the event would offer the country another opportunity to tell its story.
“It is indeed an honour to be the proud host of the ATA’s 2012 World Congress. The 37th annual Congress in Zimbabwe will afford the delegates an opportunity to experience our many attractions,” he said.
The country’s hosting of such events is testimony to the improving tourism industry, which last year was estimated to have grown by around 10 percent.
According to the organisers of the event, the congress will address timely industry topics such as web-based public relations and on-line communications tourism promotion, and the latest travel trends on the continent.
The ATA 2012 congress also offers a wide range of networking events, including receptions, gala dinners and the ATA Young Professionals Programme, representing travel, tourism and hospitality students and young professionals from North America and Africa.
ATA’s 36th Annual World Congress in Senegal was held in Dakar, Senegal, in May last year.
ATA is one of the leading global trade associations promoting travel and tourism to Africa and strengthening intra-Africa partnerships.
Established in 1975, the organisation partners with the African Union Commission to promote the sustainable development of tourism across the continent.