THE PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS ATA FROM PAGE 16 EB: We’re working with the national carrier – Ethiopian Airlines – to provide attractive air transport. More details to follow. TWN: What’s the average turnout for ATA congresses? EB: It’s been averaging around 300, and we’re trying to increase attendance. TWN: What would you like buyers here to especially know about the congress? EB: While the congress is important for tourism across the continent, buyers and agents should know that there’ll be many Ethiopian suppliers and government representatives in attendance. ATA has already hosted two pre-congress events in Addis to attract attention and build excitement about the congress, and had large turnout from the travel community…we all recognize how the congress can be an important tool in helping tourism become an increasingly important source of job creation and revenue for Ethiopia. TWN: Who should attend the congress? EB: Since we’re a tourism-centric association, our membership includes anyone involved in selling or promoting the African continent as a destination…as the industry continues to grow and transform, we want to welcome an increasingly diverse group of attendees, including:Tour operators interested in or already selling Ethiopia/Africa; Individuals who lead tour groups (NGOs, religious groups, educational institutions, research groups, etc); Government agencies and leaders with an interest in expanding travel trade to their respective countries; Young people who have interest in working in tourism industry; Diasporans looking to reconnect with their homeland through building links with Ethiopia and a continent-wide gathering of representatives; Anyone with an open mind toward exploring a culturally rich destination. TWN: Can you describe the program of events? EB: Details are still being worked out…we’re committed to ensuring that all sessions will be not only interesting, but actionable…plans are to make this congress interactive, and combine general interest sessions with practical workshops to encourage real give-and-take participation among delegates. Session titles? Not finalized yet, but to give a general idea, previous congresses have included “Doing Business Together,” wherein African and North American tour operators, organizers and local ground operators tackled issues/obstacles to realizing the dream of a prosperous, tourism-based economy; “Open Skies & African Tourism Challenges,” featuring presentations by a continent-wide panel of airline executives; and “Marketing Africa”— a roundtable with US travel agents and tour operators, and African ground operators. TWN: Anything being planned that’s The Zambian Safari Company is a <strong>Travel</strong> Agent, Tour Operator and General Sales Agent for many of Zambia’s Lodges and Adventure Companies. A One-Stop Shop with many years experience creating quality holidays throughout Zambia and Southern Africa. With first hand knowledge of the recommended lodges, the Zamsaf Team can also offer comprehensive, expert advice for all ones needs, concerns and travel arrangements throughout the selected areas. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN AFRICA SOON! Shop No.3 • Central Park • Cairo Road • Lusaka • Tel: 231450/222941 e-mail: reservations@zamsaf.co.zm • website: www.zambiansafari.com totally new? EB: ATA’s congresses offer something unique — we’re always attended by a fair number of African tourism ministers from our member countries. We’re organizing roundtables with the ministers, which will allow buyers and suppliers to have actual one-on-one interaction with one another in a relatively informal setting. What a great way to get firsthand information and forge practical professional relationships! Also on the meeting “menu,” we’re exploring the possibility of having one day of the program devoted to concurrent sessions focused on different attending countries, again, providing real opportunities for up-close-and personal, results-oriented networking. TWN: Past congresses have included a “Host Country Day.” Will this be part of the 2007 program? EB: Of course — it’s the best way to give delegates a taste of Ethiopia…they’ll be shown some of the highlights in and around Addis Ababa. We’re also encouraging people to spend some time exploring this fascinating country before or after the congress on one of pre- and posttours that’ll be offered…. remember, this is the land of the Queen of Sheba and the source of the Blue Nile! TWN: So, what’s the goal of this next – your first as director – congress in Ethiopia? EB: Beginning in December, we’ll be intensifying marketing efforts to promote the congress. Besides wanting everyone who attends to feel the magic of the country — and continent —, our plans for the congress are right in line with our goal of making ATA truly a global organization that fosters public/private partnerships, along with strong government partnerships and growing public participation, as well as the premier African tourism marketing organization. Hope to see you there! Africa <strong>Travel</strong> Association, info@ africatravelassociation, www.africa travelassociation.org 18 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • DECEMBER 2006
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