505 50 (ATA congress ends with pledge to build new partnership for tourism development

The Africa Travel Association's 35th Annual Congress ended with a commitment among Africa's tourism stakeholders to boost efforts to develop new public-private partnerships devoted to advocating for and developing the tourism industry in Africa.

Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, the Minister of Tourism and Culture who is also the new ATA President, closed the event that was attended by more than 300 participants as well as press from Africa, Europe and North America. In her closing remarks, the Tourism Minister highlighted the importance of tourism as an engine for economic growth and prosperity. She also said: "This may mark the end of a successful event, but it also marks the beginning of our joint efforts to work in partnership with the public and private sector to promote the travel and tourism industry to and within Africa.

The Gambia was a proud host of this event and hopes that our infectious spirit will inspire other countries and tourism stakeholders to action." At the same meeting, during the assocition's 35th congress, ATA announced a number of milestones for making a strong case for increased investment in the tourism industry. ATA members, friends and supporters have shown that they are truly committed to promoting tourism to Africa as a means to promoting socio-economic development.

Edward Bergman, the executive director of ATA noted that when they return to their home countries, they will continue to work in partnership with tourism stakeholders in the public and private sectors to promote the industry and inspire others to follow their example.

Congress milestones include the following:
The announcement of the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Africa Union and ATA declares that the two organizations will undertake a commitment to develop collaboration in the area of travel and tourism promotion, the launch of a joint effort by New York University's Africa House, the World Bank and ATA to make a case for developing Africa's tourism industry with the preparation of the joint publication of the state of tourism in Africa. Using facts, figures and stories, the report paints a picture of the current and potential impact of tourism on both a country's and a region's development strategy.

The report also advocates for increased attention and resource allocation from national governments to the tourism industry. During the congress, the industry workshops and networking events, the Africa Tarvel Association (ATA) and the United Nations World Travel Organisation (UNWTO) engaged in discussions on how the two global organizations would pursue collaboration and cooperation in the areas of travel and tourism development in Africa in the future.

The Gambia Organizing Committee also at the closing of the four-day international event announced its commitment to hosting the first "Carbon Off-Set Free" ATA congress. In addition to planting seedlings to grow an "ATA Forest" at The Gambia Is Good (GIG) Forest, the Committee limited the "carbon footprint" of the congress by ordering produce from the award-winning project Gambia is Good.

As a sign of his commitment to developing The Gambia's tourism industry, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yaya Jammeh, hosted the delegates at a number of special events, including a visit to his home village, Kanilai, and a gala dinner and evening of entertainment at the Sheraton Hotel Spa and Resort in Brufut.

ATA congress tradition
In what has become an ATA congress tradition over the last few years, Shamsa Mwangunga, the outgoing ATA President and Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania hosted a special evening dinner and dancing at the five-star Ocean Bay Hotel in Bakau.

Host country tour
On the first of two Host Country days tour, ATA delegates visited James lsland and Juffureh. James Island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was a base of transportation of slaves from The Gambia to other parts of the world. At James Island, delegates participated in a special memorial, in which they floated flower wreathes down the River Gambia and stood in a moment of silence. They were also asked to consider making a donation for the restoration of the Jetty to James Island. The project was organized in cooperation with the United States Ambassador to The Gambia, Barry Wells.

Following the day-long visit to James Island and Juffreh, the delegates enjoyed a special cocktail reception at the luxury hotel, Coco Ocean Resort and Spa. The evening event was co-hosted by the US Ambassador to The Gambia and the Management and staff of Coco Ocean under the theme "Discover Africa's Genuine Warmth". the ATA-Gambia event brought together tourism ministers and more than 300 travel industry professionals from across Africa, Europe and North America for four days to explore the latest issues facing the travel trade industry, learn about "Destination Gambia," and advocate for increased resources to the tourism industry.

During this event, delegates explored industry topics such as Sustainable Tourism in The Gambia, Innovative and Interactive Marketing, Niche Markets and Emerging Trends, Standards in the Hotel Market in Africa, Connecting the Africa Diaspora to Destination Africa, and Hospitality and Tourism Education in Africa. Special sessions were also held on tourism and development, advocating for tourism resources, and partnerships with airlines serving Africa.