Rwanda wins bid to host 2020 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum
Rwanda has won the bid to host the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) 2020 and Awards, scheduled to be hosted from 13thto 15thJuly, 2020 in Kigali.
The theme for this year’s gathering is “Shaping a better future for Intra-Africa travel together”.
The intra-African travel game-changing event will take place at the Kigali Convention Centre and is expected to bring together over 500 industry leaders from across the globe.
Building on the success of previous ATLF events that were held in Accra, Ghana in 2018 and Durban, South Africa in 2019, this year’s forum will explore ways to transform intra-African travel.
Among the focus areas identified for deliberation are thought leadership; travel technology and innovation; transformation of intra-Africa travel; destination marketing and showcases; MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events)/business events strategies; African aviation routes and airlift; modernisation of visa policies; rural tourism development; start-ups; youth in tourism and tourism investment funding.
The youth demographic that participated in the 2019 edition in Durban demonstrated that the forum is a platform for African youth in tourism and start-ups to identify ways they can fulfil their potential.
The event is being organised by African Tourism Partners and BDO South Africa.
Commenting on the Rwanda’s selection as the forum’s host,the Chief Tourism Officer Ms. Belise Kariza at the Rwanda Development Board also noted that:
“Tourism is Rwanda’s leading foreign exchange earner and an essential pillar of economic development. Hosting ATLF 2020 will be an opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s tourism achievements and create synergies among African countries to promote intra- African travel and Destination Africa.”
Mr. Kwakye Donkor, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Tourism Partners said:
“We are enthused that the event has become a blueprint for actionable collaboration among African tourism stakeholders and service providers over the past three years. Likein ATLF 2018 and 2019 respectively, we urge all industry stakeholders across the continent to make time to join the Kigali Forum this year, and also submit their entries for the 2020 Africa Tourism Leadership Awards.”
Nelly Mukazayire, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Convention Bureau said:
“We are delighted to host ATLF in Rwanda and the forum will contribute to the country’s MICE vision, and amplify the voices of MICE tourism.”
Outstanding Youth Innovators in travel will be awarded during the event. In order to stand a chance to win, innovators are encouraged to submit their projects via https://www.tourismleadershipforum.africa now.
For more information, pleasecontact info@africatourismpartners.comor +27 (0)81 303 7030.
Notes to the Editor
About Africa Tourism Leadership Forum
Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF), is a Pan-African dialogue platform that brings together key stakeholders from Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors. It aims to provide a continental platform for dialogue, networking, sharing insights and devising strategies for sustainable travel and tourism development across the continent. It also focuses on the enhancement of Africa’s brand equity and promoting intra-Africa travel. The African Leadership dialogue platform designed and convened by Africans in Africa to promote tourism as a priority sector and significant economic development pillar in African states.
About Rwanda
Rwanda is located in the heart of Africa and is at the centre of the East Africa Community. Kigali, the capital city, is uniquely positioned to serve a regional market of over 60 million people with a logistics advantage vs other regional capitals due to proximity, ease of access and advanced infrastructure.
In 2019 Rwanda was the world’s second-fastest-growing economy. The average growth over the decade to 2018 was 7.5% p.a. and the GDP per capita is USD 787 (3.8x since 2002). Key sectors contributing to Rwanda’s GDP are Services 48%, Agriculture 28%, Industry 17% and other sectors 7%.
Rwanda is ranked 2ndin Africa and 38thin the world in the ease of doing business and the only low-income country in the Global Top 50. The country is recognised as a leading reformer improving from 150thin 2008 to 38thin 2019 (World Bank, Doing Business Report, 2019).
Rwanda is a low-risk country, ranking 1st in Africa and 5th in the world as the safest country and recognised as having the lowest debt ratio in the region, stable credit ratings and a stable currency.
Rwanda is the fastest-growing destination and a preferred MICE destination. Kigali is ranked 2nd in Africa by the International Congress and Conference Association to host association meetings.
The most sought-after experience is Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Parkwhere visitors can spend life-changing hours amongst the gentle giants with whom humans share 98% of the same DNA.
Visitors can enjoy a safari in Akagera National Park– one of Central Africa’s most extensive protected wetlands, the park has 440 square miles and is home to the ‘Big 5’ and over 500 bird species.
Delegates can experience the only canopy walkway in East Africa. The canopy walkway is a bridge suspended 200 feet above the Nyungwe National Park. The walk takes 60-90 minutes, and explorers get to enjoy the incredible umbrella trees, blooming orchids, lush greenery and encounters with the 13 primate species which live in Nyungwe.
Also, visitors can enjoy Rwanda’s traditional cultural experience including visiting the King’s Palace Museumlocated in the south of the country. The Rwandan monarchy’s history can be explored by also visiting the renowned cows with horns as large as elephant tusks. These animals served an essential role during royal ceremonies and played a role in traditional Rwandan dance.
Contact Person for Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), Mr Yves GAHONZIRE, Business Development Manager M: +250 788 357 850 / E: yves.gahonzire@rcb.rw and Ms. Samantha Gateretse, Marketing Manager M: +250 789 532 168 / E: samantha.gateretse@rcb.rw
