For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

Where press releases are breaking news

Guam Visitors Bureau teams up with local artist for ongoing mural series

by

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is pleased to announce the non-profit membership corporation is working with local artist Lee Hiura San Nicolas to produce a series of murals around the island.

GVB has been a long-time supporter of the arts on island and sponsored numerous events to include Pow! Wow! Guam, Guam Art eXhibit (GAX), and Guam Spraycation. The Bureau has also encouraged the growth of art spots and linking businesses with local talent.

“GVB has been working with other local and international artists for many years to beautify our island. We’re proud to continue that effort by collaborating with Lee,” said GVB President and CEO Pilar Laguaña. “This project is all about creating art with purpose. We wanted to create murals that told a Guam story and will become new attractions for our visitors and residents to see. There are five prime spots that will have large scale murals in the coming weeks for everyone to enjoy.”

Two of the five murals have already been completed. San Nicolas has finished a mural of a large coconut crab or ayuyu in the village of Anigua close to the Federal District Court. The second mural that was done is of a Chamorrita girl, Cameron San Agustin, and large hibiscus flowers next to the old Blockbuster/ Oasis Empowerment Center in the village of Tamuning. The next mural project will be at Paseo de Susana with the last two murals to be finalized.

“As an artist, I work hard to create paintings that visually speak both to me and to my audience about the beauty and culture of our island,” said San Nicolas. “Art is a movement and I hope to inspire the younger generation of artists to show their love of Guam and pair it with their love for art. Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ GVB for supporting the local art scene!”

Guam Visitors Bureau teams up with local artist for ongoing mural series
lee san nicolas at work
Guam Visitors Bureau teams up with local artist for ongoing mural series
chamorrita girl mural
Guam Visitors Bureau teams up with local artist for ongoing mural series
ayuyu mural

San Nicolas has a “street island style” that aims to depict original culture fused with contemporary art flavor. He began his early career as a graffiti artist and has worked toward professional aspects of art in creative forms. His work is featured in galleries and throughout the local community. San Nicolas is a graduate of the University of Guam and majored in Liberal Arts.

Follow GVB on instagram @visitguamusa and Lee San Nicolas @thefueking for highlights on the mural project.

Source:http://www.visitguam.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

JOSH TYQUIENGCO

Public Information Officer

GUAM VISITORS BUREAU

Office: (671) 646-5278 

josh.tyquiengco@visitguam.org  |  http://www.visitguam.com

Guam Visitors Bureau seeks tourism destination marketing representation services in the Philippines

by

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), a public, non-stock, non-profit membership corporation, has issued a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) soliciting proposals from established marketing companies to act as GVB’s TOURISM DESTINATION MARKETING REPRESENTATION SERVICES THE PHILIPPINES to assist GVB in promoting Guam tourism and achieving visitor arrival goals in the Philippines.

RFP packages can also be downloaded at no cost from GVB’s website or obtained (in USB format) at the GVB Office, 401 Pale San Vitores Road, Tumon, Guam, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday, excluding Guam holidays.  A non-refundable $25.00 fee is required for each packet picked up at the GVB office payable in US$ cash, bank wire transfer or major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, JCB).

Questions, if any, should be made in writing to the President and CEO, which can be dropped off at the GVB office; emailed to procurement@visitguam.org; or sent by fax to 671-646-8861 according to the timeline provided in the RFP.

GVB hereby notifies all offerors that it will affirmatively ensure that minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit a response to this request for proposal and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color or national origin in consideration for an award. 

GVB reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any imperfection in the proposal, or cancel this solicitation all according to law in the interest of the bureau.  Direct or indirect contact with the GVB Management or Staff, Board Member, or any person participating in the selection process is prohibited. 

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please note the deadline for submission is no later than 5:00 p.m. (Chamorro Standard Time) on Monday, October 28, 2019.               

MEDIA CONTACT:  Guam Visitors Bureau, Setbision Bisitan Guahan, 401 Pale San Vitores Road, Tumon, Guam 96913, (671) 646-5278, Fax: (671) 646-8861, guamvisitorsbureau.com, visitguam.com, info@visitguam.com

Limitless possibilities, diversity, drama… and dogs drive Smart Monday

by

Limitations are a source of creativity’ – sound improbable? Not according to artist Phil Hansen, keynote at IMEX America which began today with Smart Monday, powered by MPI.

Hansen was forced to find creative ways to overcome a tremor in his drawing hand and in the process he learned how to ‘embrace the shake’ – creating art using other tools – shoes, coffee cups, matchsticks… even hamburgers! Through live examples of his disruptive artistic process – the audience ripped up one of his artworks and created one of their own – he shared his learnings in his keynote: Embrace the shake: transforming limitations into opportunities. “We’re taught that we need choice, but limitations can prompt fresh thinking – don’t seize the day… seize the limitation.”

The audience accepted the challenge – John Larson, from Marquis Exhibits, says: “What an inspiring guy – he’s shown me never to be afraid of the unexpected. A situation may seem like a failure, but it’s simply a different option.” Cathy Peterson from Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau adds: “A lesson learned is the importance of looking at things differently – reframing how we approach a project.”

Ask ‘What if…?’

Smart Monday, powered by MPI, is a dedicated day of education which sets the tone for an intense week of business, networking and skills development at IMEX America, September 10 – 12 in Las Vegas. Imagination was the driving force behind the day with a whole host of experiential activities designed to prompt attendees to ask ‘what if…?’.

What if I change my event and include different groups of people? This is one of the questions Julius Solaris from EventMB.com asked attendees to consider in his session Unleash your Event Imagination. As research partners on the IMEX Talking Point of ‘Imagination’ this year, EventMB.com launched their report, created in association with PSAV, containing best practice case studies of some of the most imaginative events across the industry.

A host of experiential activities from mindful sessions at the Be Well Lounge, digital portrait painting, a string art wall, to Paws for a Break (downtime with dogs!) gave attendees both relaxation and inspiration as PK Keiran from Butler Events explains: “Mindfulness is a real thing, something we all need to do and embrace. I dragged people over to experience the joy of it.”

Diversity and drama drive the education

“The future of finance is female – and we all need to take better control of our financial futures” – Dr. Mara Catherine Harvey from UBS Switzerland AG issued a rallying cry to women at She Means Business, a joint event by IMEX and tw magazine, supported by MPI. Mara, keynote at the new conference, showed some hard-hitting stats on the true impact of the gender pay gap over a lifetime and talked about the need to drive forward progress on workplace equality and to pass on the powerful message to the next generation. She encouraged her audience to understand the impact of all their decisions on women, not just at work but in every product and service they purchase. She urged event planners to transform the value chain and also the supply chain of their businesses. Ask yourselves “where are the women in everything we do? Make sure your RFPs ask where your suppliers stand on gender equality. You have the power. You need to use it,” she urged.

Attendees were put in the driver’s seat of a high-stakes challenge at InsideRisk’s session – What kind of leader are you under maximum pressure? Based on the true story of Swiss executive J.P. Mottu, who in 1988 found himself in charge of saving a young engineer kidnapped by Colombian rebels, the interactive session challenged attendees to consider what they would do if faced with these incredibly complex – and dramatic – decisions.

Smart Monday also featured special events for specialist audiences, including an Association Leadership Forum, Executive Meeting Forum plus open-to-all education crafted and delivered by leading industry associations including EIC, ICCA, PCMA, IAEE and SITE.

Tailored education to transform

The IMEX America Executive Meetings Forum at Caesars Palace earlier in the day saw 35 senior corporate meetings executives gather in what facilitator, Terri Breining, described as ‘a sacred space’. With a full day’s program shaped entirely around the challenges and issues gathered from the group in advance, this year’s Forum focused on specially curated conversations on topics including motivating teams and best practice leadership. Attendees included representatives from KPMG, Boston Consulting Group, Astra Zeneca, Enterprise Holdings and EY. This program also focused on what Breining called ‘clearing the underbrush’. “You told us you want to walk away from today with actionable insights and a sense of how to cut through all the ‘stuff’ that inevitably accumulates around your role. You want to learn new ways to be more effective, you want to find inspiration from each other and you want to discover new course correction tools and approaches. Our goal today is to help you transition or transform, possibly both.”

The ability to adapt and respond to these drivers of change was at the forefront of the Association Leadership Forum. “We need to have strategic conversations looking up to 10 years into the future in order to consider how to prepare our association for the future and engage with staff,” advised speaker Hannes Combest, CEO of the National Auctioneers Association.

IMEX America continues September 10 – 12 in Las Vegas.

#IMEX19

IMEX AMERICA 2019
IMEX America 2019 is currently taking place September 10 – 12 at the Sands Expo® Convention Center preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9.
www.imexamerica.com

Exhibitor news can be found here: 
https://portal.imexamerica.com/exhibitor-press-releases.php

IMEX AMERICA 2020
IMEX America takes place in September again next year: September 15 – 17, 2020.
#IMEXcited. Why? Because IMEX America is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2020. More details to follow soon.

For further press information, please visit the on-site press center (Upper Lobby, Level 2, Sands Expo® Convention Center) or contact:
Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com
Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau names Heather Miller new Midwest Regional Sales Executive

by

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) continues to strengthen its group and convention sales department with the appointment of Heather Miller as Regional Sales Executive. Ms. Miller is responsible for sales and business development from two key markets, the Midwest region and nationwide Incentive Market.

“Heather brings an impressive reputation and consistent track record of surpassing group sales goals,” said Ed Simon, Executive Vice President, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “As an Illinois native with more than 15 years of experience, she recognizes our destination’s potential within the Midwest association and corporate communities and is eager to motivate her professional network toward our meetings and conventions offerings.”

Prior to joining Greater Fort Lauderdale’s convention sales team, Ms. Miller held numerous group sales positions for global hospitality brands including Marriot International and Wyndham Vacation Resorts.

Ms. Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Western Illinois University.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ivonne MacMillan, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB – 954-767-2408 / imacmillan@broward.org ; Finn Partners – 954-368-9807 / gfl@finnpartners.com

IMEX America to spark imagination with educational offerings designed to engage, inspire and bring more creativity

by

IMEX America, the largest meetings industry trade show in the U.S., will be bigger than ever, September 10 – 12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian® | The Palazzo® in Las Vegas. IMEX America will bring together around 3,500 suppliers and 4,000 qualified buyers to plan and book everything from high-level incentives to huge association conventions as well as to make important new contacts, strengthen existing relationships and seal critical deals.

What’s new

So far, 21 new exhibitors have already signed up this year including Tourism Trinidad, Visit Spokane, Visit San Antonio, Destination Cleveland and Rocco Forte Hotels. To date, more than 30 current exhibitors have expanded their presence at the show, including Live National Special Events, Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau, Discover Palm Beaches, Utah and the Canadian Tourism Commission.

His keynote breaks down resistance to limitations by recognizing their role in driving – not stifling – creativity. More news on all keynotes will be announced by MPI in July.

Hansen’s keynote is part of more than 180 education events over the entire show designed for meetings and events industry professionals at all levels – both buyers and exhibitors. The learning opportunities – deep dives, one to one sessions and hot topic tables – provide fresh thinking on how to make meetings more engaging, embrace new ways of thinking, consider the big issues, and explore innovation and creativity.

Jessica Pettitt, who combines stand-up comedy with diversity training at Good Enough Now, will lead a discussion “Inclusion: beyond the law for meeting professionals,” to learn how to keep attendees feeling safe and welcomes. It also includes how to implement elements to foster inclusive environments. Lynn Wellish, an award-winning hospitality industry trainer and speaker, will discuss how to put lead generation in your comfort zone by offering tips and tricks to overcome sales call reluctance.

Inspiring imagination

The show is especially important as a source for new ideas and for unleashing attendees imagination, which ties to the Talking Point for this year’s show. The IMEX Group is championing imagination through encouraging meeting and event professionals to consider how they can collaborate with other organizations and the benefits this can bring. Through its Talking Point, IMEX celebrates diversity and also focuses on best practice in event sustainability, including offering education sessions designed to encourage exhibitors and buyers to reduce the environmental impact of their show participation. EventMB, an online resource for event professionals, will present research on imagination in events.

“We’re working to bring the power of imagination to everything we’re doing at IMEX America,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. “Absolutely everything – and everyone – is connected or capable of becoming connected and the driving force behind all the positive changes we’re witnessing is the power of the human imagination – a uniquely human quality. So, we’re exploring and celebrating this aspect of being human – one that we frequently take for granted. Think of it as a human superpower; our instinct to ask, without judgment or limitation, ‘What if…’”

IMEX America takes place September 10 – 12, 2019, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9. Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all who work in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

eTN is a media partner for IMEX.

Greater Fort Lauderdale appoints Agnes Zaranski as New England Regional Sales Executive

by

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) continues to expand its convention sales presence in critical market areas with the addition of Agnieszka Zaranski as Regional Sales Executive. Ms. Zaranski will be responsible for sales opportunities and business development in the New England region.

“New England is an important growth market for us and Agnes brings more than a decade of sales and business experience and tremendous knowledge and contacts to make certain that we have a strong presence there,” said Ed Simon, Senior Vice President, Convention Sales & Services, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Having built her career and professional network both in South Florida and the Northeast, she is very qualified to represent us and ensure we are pursuing the best opportunities for our hotel partners and future convention business.”

Prior to joining the Greater Fort Lauderdale’s convention sales team, Ms. Zaranski held various roles in sales management within organizations including Boca Raton Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort by Hilton, and Marriott International Global Sales.

Ms. Zaranski earned a Master of Science in Hospitality Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

About Greater Fort Lauderdale

From the seagrass to the sawgrass, Greater Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward County, boasts more than 34,000 lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and Superior Small Lodgings reflecting a vibrant cosmopolitan vibe. Visitors enjoy 23 miles of Blue Wave certified beaches, discover 300+ miles of inland waterways that run from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Everglades, dine at thousands of restaurants and eateries, get immersed in a thriving arts and culture scene and indulge in top shopping.

For more information, contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 22-SUNNY or visit www.sunny.org . Get social and engage with Greater Fort Lauderdale on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @visitlauderdale.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ivonne MacMillan, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB – 954-767-2408 / imacmillan@broward.org , Finn Partners – 954-368-9807 / gfl@finnpartners.com

Moscow selected to host annual GSMA Mobile 360 Series event

by

Eurasia conference, a regional event held as part of the activities of GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association), will be held in Moscow, October 8-9 2019.

The decision to host the event in Moscow was adopted as a result of an active work of the Russian Convention Bureau which provided the proposal for venues, and organized an inspection visit for representatives of the international association.

The event will be held in Moscow for the second time, following the successful launch in 2018 which gathered over 600 attendees from 21 countries and 52% were Director-level and above.

In 2019, the conference and exhibition will bring together over 600 policymakers, regulatory authorities, international organisations, Mobile Network Operators, mobile technology solution providers and broader ICT ecosystem players from Russia, the CIS region and the international market leaders in 5G technology. The event will be held at the Lotte Hotel Moscow.

Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, said: “The sphere of mobile and high technologies plays a key role in stimulating economic growth, attracting foreign investments and increasing global competitiveness through development of science and technology. Adding more industries to the list of events organized by the Russian Convention Bureau will not only facilitate the development of corresponding areas of the real economy sector but also help create the image of the country on the international arena as one of the most meaningful players on the market of the event industry.”

Alexey Kalachev, Director of the Russian Convention Bureau, said: “We use various tools of working with international associations as we work to attract various business events to Russia. We are ready to offer universal and customized solutions that will correspond to the needs and expectations of conference organizers of various scale in different industries.”

Travel News | eTurboNews

The Development and Promotion of MICE in Thailand

by

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is leveraging the development of Thai MICE business in long haul markets in collaboration with foreign chambers of commerce representing Australia, UK, USA and Germany.
​Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, disclosed, “The signing of this MOU – The Development and Promotion of MICE –  between TCEB and Foreign Chamber Alliance (FCA), comprising 4 chambers of commerce representing our main target countries, which are Australia, UK, USA and Germany.
It’s considered another remarkable step of TCEB in altering our role to leverage MICE by serving as a business partner who joins hands with foreign organisations to promote the development of Thai MICE in international markets, as well as to penetrate into long haul MICE markets in Oceania, Europe and the USA, side by side with our main short haul target markets in Asia.
“Indeed, the collaboration is a new dimension of promoting Thai MICE business in long haul markets with concentration on Oceania, Europe and the USA. This is the very first time that the Foreign Chamber Alliance – FCA, which represents Australia, UK, USA and Germany, signed an MOU with a Thai government agency. Interestingly, FCA has more than 20,000 members that include businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs from business, industrial and service sectors, such as Minor Hotels Group, AccorHotels Group, Marriott Hotels Group, convention centres business, as well as oil, mining, pharmaceutical, automobile and other industries,” he added.
“These are considered high potential business groups for propelling the national economy and are included among the targeted industries that the Thai government is keen to encourage in line with the 4.0 Policy. For this reason, this is a lucrative opportunity for us to collaborate to develop and raise the competitiveness of Thai MICE. The 4 chambers of commerce have recognised the importance of using MICE as the gateway to the development of commerce and investment in Thailand and ASEAN,” he said.
With this MOU, the framework for the development of MICE business will embrace 5 dimensions of operation:
• The sharing of MICE statistics and events
• MICE business development
• MICE market promotion
• MICE business research
• MICE personnel development.
Mr. Chiruit further said, “The initial collaboration to mutually promote MICE business will mainly focus on hospitality service, because members of the FCA have long records of investment in Thailand, which have been running alongside their nationwide service businesses. Hence, they have eyed to extend collaboration with Thai government agencies, as they believe the endeavour will open a new door to operate MICE business in Thailand and ASEAN.
“This, in turn, will allow them to study about the dynamics and direction of the Thai MICE market. By joining with TCEB in formulating a marketing development scheme, the synergy will open a new door to connecting with other alliances who relate with the promotion of Thai MICE business in targeted countries. Moreover, there will be co-operation in drawing international events into Thailand, marketing promotion and provision of support for events previously held in Thailand,” he said.
“Target groups and alliances will be invited to participate to strengthen the potential of MICE events held here in Thailand. The FCA will join with us in the exchange of marketing information related to targeted industries held by allied chambers of commerce and TCEB will exchange information on Thai MICE business, including statistics and events, to fully bolster mutual MICE business development,” said the TCEB President.

​He went on to say, “Nevertheless, the FCA expects the Thai government to leverage the competitiveness of Thai MICE business in order to serve global competition. For example, facilitation of customs and immigration procedures; development of infrastructure and transportation; construction of convention centres; development of MICE personnel that meets international standards, and establishment of One-Stop-Service MICE centres. All of which will open a new door to the holding of MICE events in Thailand by efficiently offering enhanced convenience for MICE entrepreneurs and organisers,“ he declared.

Proposals to establish MICE service centres has been included in TCEB’s earlier strategic plan, and the Ease of Doing Business project as well  as the draft of a national strategy of NESDB (National Economic and Social Development Council).
​Mr. Chiruit went on to explain, “After the completion of MOU signing, TCEB is set to discuss with the FCA on the preparation of Phase I work plan, which lasts two years. Both parties will encourage practical co-operation in a rapid and consistent manner. Initially, we have planned to attract events and provide support to the holding of events that relate to targeted industries according to the government’s 4.0 Policy, particularly in the provinces governed by the administration of EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor),” he said.

​“TCEB expects that the collaboration will not only leverage the competitiveness of Thai MICE in long haul markets in Oceania, Europe and the USA, but will also help to attract international events into several regions in Thailand, especially those considered main markets in MICE City project, which are Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. Definitely, we believe the rapport will encourage transfers of technology and knowledge of each industry among one another, and thus will promote advancement in all regions and stimulate income distribution to communities nationwide,” concluded Mr. Chiruit.

Mr. Benjamin Krieg, Vice President, Austcham, explained, “The role of the Foreign Chamber Alliance (FCA) in Thailand and the purpose of signing the MOU combines key Foreign Chambers and their members through this important collaboration, we provide a common voice on advocacy to develop and grow opportunities that can benefit our members and the country of Thailand,” he said.

“The MICE industry is growing, and will also continue to grow in importance and contribution to the overall tourism sector within Thailand, and of course the greater Thai economy. Our primary aim is to continue to increase and grow the competitiveness of Thailand as a leading destination for MICE not only within Asia, but the world, further complimenting the amazing tourism industry that we already are so fortunate to be a part of,” concluded Mr. Krieg.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Destination Florence CVB partners with City of Florence for international tourism promotion

by

Destination Florence CVB is the new official partner of the City of Florence to promote the destination and better the quality of tourism.

The Florence Municipality, The Florentine Chamber of Commerce and The University of Florence signed an agreement to outline new and effective strategies in the tourism field, relying on the governence of tourism and the ability to directly foster agreements between institutions and individuals, while defining and clarifying the roles of various on-site actors.

The agreement is dedicated specifically to the MICE tourism and to better the quality of tourism in all the Florenctine territories and it has the aim of choosing a partner to develop activities and strategies.

Thanks to the winning of a competition notice, Destination Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau has been selected as the unique partner of the City of Florence and its partners to promote the destination all over the world and acquire more conferences and events.

To develop the activities, the Municipality of Florence allocated 320.000 Euros per year for a total period of three years, to be renewed for two more years.

Destination Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau has been operating for over 20 years as a destination agency to attract large events, congresses, international marriages, and individual tourists. It represents a comprehensive outlet for tourism thanks to more than 300 partners, a network that makes it possible to have a synchronized bond with the territory and the operators functioning within, strengthened by signed agreements with trade associations of reference.

The Ministry of Tourism of the city of Florence, Cecilia Del Re, said “We are very proud to have selected a unique partner for the promotion of the city. Florence is a unique city to host conferences and events also thanks to the new tramvia, the huge renovation of our congress centre and the future major enlargment of our airport”.

Destination Florence CVB presented a project to better the tourism within the city of Florence thanks to specific activities and with two main goals: acquire more conferences and events and attract a qualified tourism.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:

– Increase the number of winning bid and conferences to be held in the city
– Presence at primary Fairs and Events of the sector (ILTM Cannes, ATM Dubai…)
– Augment number of tourists with a qualified profile and high spending capacity
– Increase the average duration of stay within the territory
– Expand and diversify the range of services, products, and experiences
– Qualitatively enhance the image of Florence worldwide
– Promote qualified and certified tourist services in the city, including the greater metropolitan area, to include lesser-known concepts of great touristic value

Carlotta Ferrari, Director of Destination Florence CVB said: “Florence is one of the most attractive destination of the world in fact it is in the top five cities to host conferences and events. We will continue to promote Florence to acquire more conferences and events each year.”

“Also, thanks to the Destination Florence project, we will develop and promote tourism offerings, proposing a benchmark for a single, potential national model. We are working with the most innovative technology as our new chat bot that we will presented in the next months and we are also opening our official account on WeChat to promote Florence in the Chinese market.”

Travel News | eTurboNews

Africa Tourism Leadership Forum: Next stop Durban

by

Themed “Stimulating intra-Africa Travel through thought leadership,” the 2019 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) is the only Pan-African public-private tourism leadership dialogue platform that is convened, led, and hosted by Africans in Africa. The African Tourism Board is a strategic partner for the event.

The 2019 ATLF and Awards will be hosted by Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau in Durban, under the auspices of the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa from August 29-30, 2019. It is convened by African Tourism Partners with the support of its key strategic partners including BDO South Africa, NEPAD, Africa Travel Associations (ATA) and Voyages Afriq.

According to Mr. Sihle Zikalala, Provincial Minister for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in the KwaZulu-Natal, gatherings like ATLF allow thought leaders in Africa to bring into the limelight exceptional industry developments and inspiring stakeholders who work hard to build a sustainable African travel and tourism industry.

“As the proud host of ATLF 2019, we look forward to welcoming all stakeholders from across the continent and the rest of the world, not only this innovative event but, also to experience what South Africa and our beautiful Province offer the world. ATLF is an African Project that we must all be part of and support,” says Mr. Zikalala.

The 2018 ATLF and Award edition was held in Accra in Ghana. It was hosted by the Government of Ghana through Ghana Tourism Authority and its parent Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. This was attended by Tourism Ministers as well as over 500 public and private sector executives. These included representatives of UNWTO, NEPAD, Diplomatic Corps, Directors-General, global hotel brands, travel management companies, associations, regional executives of airlines, tour operators, educational institutions, researchers and many other industry professionals.

Kwakye Donkor, Africa Tourism Partners’ (ATP) CEO congratulates KwaZulu-Natal Province for winning the bid to host the 2019 ATLF and Awards. “The Provincial Leadership has truly exemplified true values of thought leadership by aiming to bring together industry leaders in Africa to Durban, to once again advance their commitment to promote intra-Africa travel, dialogue and recognize change-makers in Africa’s tourism development as a collective,” says Donkor.

Among the key focus areas of dialogue during the 2019 ATLF and Awards are:

  • The present and future imperatives of Visa Openness, E-visas and Air Connectivity
  • Outlook on the impact Business and MICE Tourism on national economies
  • What it takes for Africa to harness the multi-level Chinese outbound travel market
  • How to embrace and optimize disruptive technological innovation for intra-Africa travel
  • Delivering critical travel and tourism infrastructure with Development Finance Institutions
  • Spotlight on wildlife and biodiversity conservation as strategic tourism assets in Africa
  • Skills Development and Capacity Building across the sector value chain and more
  • Practicalities of Measuring the Return on Destination Marketing Investment

The Africa Tourism Leadership Awards recognizes the best African travel and tourism industry change-makers and innovators. For strategic partnerships, attendance or more information, please contact Ms. Nozipho Dlamini at: nozipho@africatourismpartners.co.za and +27 81303 7030.

Travel News | eTurboNews