Africa Travel Association (ATA) - Continent Full of Growth Markets in Tourism

Today I attended a meeting with Edward Bergman, Africa Travel Association (ATA). I've actually personally known Edward and ATA for a number of years.

ATA does tremendous work and represents an exciting continent which is full of growth markets. They also have a wonderful staff including Sharon Roling who serves as Vice President / Director of Media & Communications for ATA. As such, I encourage you to learn more about the Africa Travel Association including their mission, events and opportunities for involvement/engagement with the association.

Here's a brief overview of the Africa Travel Association:

Website: http://www.africatravelassociation.org/
 Email address: info@africatravelassociation.org

ATA International Headquarters
152 Madison Avenue, Suite 1702

New York, NY 10016 USA 
Tel: +1.212.447.1357 USA Toll Free: 1.888.439.0478

Vision

To bring the world to Africa and Africa to the world.

Mission

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) was established as an international travel industry trade association in 1975 to promote travel, tourism and transport to and within Africa, and to strengthen intra-Africa partnerships. ATA partners with the African Union Commission (AUC) to promote the sustainable development of tourism to and across Africa. ATA's annual events in Africa and the United States bring together industry and government leaders to shape Africa's tourism agenda.

Members

As the world’s premier travel industry trade association promoting tourism to Africa, ATA provides services to a broad range of members including: African governments, their tourism ministers, tourism bureaus and boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, front-line travel sellers and providers, tour operators, travel trade media, public relations firms, consulting companies, non-profit organizations, businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other organizations engaged in tourism promotion.

Governance

While ATA is a global association, it is registered as a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association in the U.S., with its headquarters in New York. ATA is overseen by an International Board of Directors. ATA’s daily operations are run by an Executive Director and a management team.

Objectives

• Advocate for Africa as a leading global travel destination
• Raise awareness of Destination Africa's diverse travel products
• Promote positive news on Destination Africa
• Develop and promote travel programs to and across Africa
• Assist country and private sector members with marketing and promotions
• Serve as a liaison on tourism matters in Africa between member countries
• Present opportunities for members to market and showcase their products and services
• Offer members continuing education, training and learning opportunities
• Help members increase business through exposure, networking and referrals
• Organize events where tourism stakeholders meet to discuss issues of common interest and concern
• Conduct research with partner organizations on tourism matters in Africa