The Africa Travel Association (ATA) has announced that registration is now open for the 37th Annual World Congress, to be held from May 18-22, in Victoria Falls , Zimbabwe , one of the world’s top natural wonders and adventure capitals. ATA’s hallmark event on the African continent will be hosted by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) under the auspices of Honorable Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Walter Mzembi. The theme of this year’s event is “Africa Tourism: Partnering for the Future.”
Delegates can register for the five-day travel industry event on-line at ATA’s website or call for information. Special early bird rates for ATA members and students are available until April 30 at $400. After this date, ATA members can register for $500. Non-member registration fee is $600. Among the expected 300 participants are tourism ministers and industry experts representing tourism boards, tour operators and their product development executives, front-line agents, ground operator companies, airlines, and hotels. Participants from the travel trade media and the corporate, non profit and academic sectors are also expected to attend, along with African Diaspora representatives and ATA’s Young Professionals Program participants.
Zimbabwe is home to a diverse range of tourist attractions, including its own seven wonders: (1) people and culture; (2) history and heritage; (3) Great Zimbabwe (grand medieval palace); (4) Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya); (5) wildlife and nature; (6) Eastern Highlands; and (7) Lake Kariba . Delegates will sample some of these wonders during the Host Country Day and by participating in pre and post congress tours.
The ATA International Board of Directors meeting will be held on Friday, May 18. Saturday, May 19 begins with sessions focusing on Destination Zimbabwe, followed by an opening ceremony with cultural entertainment. The next few days include ample networking, learning and professional development panels and workshops, addressing industry topics, such as community-based travel, agro-tourism, academic travel, faith-based tourism, e-tourism, marketing, branding, private sector investment, women and tourism, sustainable tourism, and African culinary products. Delegates will also participate in roundtables for tourism ministers, a media marketplace, networking events, host country day(s), and gala dinners. Zimbabwe will also organize a marketplace, featuring art, sculpture and daily excursions in Victoria Falls . The event will close on Tuesday, May 22. Pre and post co! ngress excursions and trips will be available to delegates.
The Congress will take place at the Elephant Hills Resort, www.elephanthillshotel.com, in Victoria Falls. The venue offers special accommodation rates for delegates. Special rates are also available at other hotels in Victoria Falls. South African Airways, Presenting Sponsor and Official Airline of the 2012 ATA World Congress, has organized special discounts for delegates attending the ATA World Congress in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. For travelers originating from one of SAA’s U.S. gateways (New York City or Washington DC ), there are discounts of 10% off of most published fares. For delegates traveling from one of SAA’s African or other international gateways, discounts of between 5 to 15% off of most published fares are available. Arik Air is the Official Media Carrier of the World Congress. Advance media registration is also available. Media wishing to attend the congress must apply for media accreditation. To receive a form, contact ATA at info@africatravelassociation.org.
Africa Travel Association, www.africatravelassociation.org; South African Airways, www.flysaa.com; Arik Air, www.arikair.com; Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, www.zimbabwetourism.net