First All-Africa Tourism Conference in U.S.

Washington – Leading African and American tourism officials, as well as private sector representatives, will discuss business opportunities at a meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this fall hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), the business association representing 150 U.S. companies interested in investing on the continent.

According to an August 22 CCA press release. The goal of the 2002 Africa Travel, Tourism and Gaming Trade, Show and Conference, which will be held from September 30 to October 2, is “to help businesses explore travel and gaming opportunities on the African continent.”

Participants will come from throughout the United States, as well as South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Angola, Mauritius, Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia.

The gathering will be the first travel industry trade show dedicated to the entire continent of Africa held on American soil, says CCA President Steve Hayes.

As the first event of its kind, Hayes pointed out, “the conference will offer representatives from the American and African travel industries the unique opportunity to identify agents, representatives, and suppliers, as well as explore joint venture partnerships and strategic alliances. U.S. operators will learn about Africa first-hand from African and American professionals who already know Africa's appeal.”

The show, which is designed to promote the potential of Africa’s 53 countries to leisure and corporate travelers, is scheduled at a time when travel to Africa is expected to increase, the CCA Press release said.

The CCA calculates that more than 30 million tourists visit the continent annually and more are expected. Tourism is second only to oil as the largest source of revenue for Africa, earning $12,000 million a year. A successful opening of the U.S. market could generate another $6,000 million in revenue, CCA says.

Participants at the conference will be able to learn about Africa through a variety of exhibits, workshops, and plenary sessions. Topics for the workshops include “Marketing Business & Leisure Travel to Africa,” “Safety and Security in Travel,” “Gaming: Economic Opportunities,” “Tourism Infrastructure projects,” "Cross-Border Travel,” "Tourism as an Economic Driver,” and “Eco-tourism: A practical Approach.”

Exhibitors at the conference will highlight travel destinations, hotels, and airlines for travel buyers and events and travel planners, while tour and casino operators will explore ways to start businesses and expand gaming operations