A great number of African and international decision-makers from a number of diverse sectors will meet in Geneva this September at TourismAfrica2006 to network and explore further areas of cooperation.These sectors include investment, tour operating, hospitality, transport, engineering, construction, media and culture.

On September 10 and 11, key figures and executives in international travel and tourism stakeholders in Africa’s travel & tourism industry will gather to analyse the key factors linked to the growth of this industry. Under the presidency of Mr. Jean-Claude Baumgarten (President, WTTC), qualified experts will lead debates on the following themes in six separate sessions: 

Investment chaired by Mr David McMillan, CEO, IH&RA.
Design and realisation of tourist projects chaired by Mr Peter Boswell, General Manager, FIDIC.
Training and Education in tourism chaired by Mr Ruud J. Reuland, General Director, Lausanne Hotel School.
Air Transport chaired by Mr Thomas Windmuller, Senior Vice President, IATA.
Tourist promotion chaired by Mr Ousmane Ndiaye, Regional representative for Africa, UNWTO.
Image of Africa chaired by Mrs Elizabeth Wangari, Head of the Africa Unit, World Heritage Centre, UNESCO.

The two days of discussion will set the scene for a variety of activities taking place from September 12 to 15 ranging from investment, development, promotion and culture linked to Africa’s tourism industry.

The African continent’s Travel & Tourism Economy (direct and indirect impact) in 2006 is expected to account for 9.9 % of GDP and 16,060,000 jobs (7.8 % of total employment).

Africa’s Travel & Tourism is expected to grow 6.8 % in 2006 and by 4.6 % per annum, in real terms, between 2007 and 2016.*

As a tourist destination, Africa is facing the possibility of vast growth. To achieve this, the potential which has been identified must be nurtured and tapped.

 

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