Culture

ATLF 2024: Empowering African tourism, unleashing opportunities

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

ATLF 2024: Empowering African tourism, unleashing opportunities

The African Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) 2024 is set to be an unprecedented convergence of tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators from across the globe.

Hosted in the vibrant city of Gaborone, Botswana, this year’s forum promises to redefine the future of African tourism, with a spotlight on the highly anticipated masterclass and business-to-business (B2B) events.

The ATLF 2024 masterclass is designed to equip participants with cutting-edge insights, strategies, and skills required to navigate the evolving landscape of the tourism industry.

The masterclass will feature distinguished speakers who are shaping the future of global tourism, including; Mark Okraku-Mantey, deputy minister, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Republic of Ghana, who will share his visionary approach to driving cultural and tourism growth in Ghana, as well as Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Netherlands, a global authority on conventions and events.

Gopinath will bring his vast expertise on how Africa can position itself as a leading destination for international meetings and events.

Others speakers are: Emily Mburu-Ndoria, director, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and digital trade, AFCFTA Secretariat, who will explore the role of trade in services and digital transformation in boosting tourism across the continent, while Lasse Ristolainen, Development Principal, Kasada Capital Management, will offer insight with her extensive experience in hotel development and investment, as well as exploring innovative approaches to tourism infrastructure in Africa.

On his part, Olayinka Bandele, chief of Inclusive Industrialization Section, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa, will discuss sustainable tourism as a driver for inclusive industrialization in Africa.

Shatha Al Kaud, founder of Emportality Sustainability Consultancy, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a leading voice in sustainability, will offer strategies on embedding sustainable practices in tourism development.

The B2B event at ATLF 2024 will be a dynamic platform where tourism professionals can forge new partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and engage in high-level networking. The event is engineered to create an environment where business deals are not just discussed but realized, ensuring long-term growth and collaboration within the African tourism sector.

Prominent leaders and industry figures will participate in the event, including: Keitumetse Setlang, CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation, a champion for Botswana’s tourism industry, who will highlight the country’s strategies for attracting global travelers.

Nombulelo Guliwe, chief executive officer, South African Tourism, will delve into the innovative approaches South Africa is taking to maintain its position as a leading tourism destination in Africa, while June Chepkemei, chief executive officer, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), will share Kenya’s success stories in tourism and discuss future-plans to further elevate the nation’s tourism offerings.

Hamza Farooqui, chief executive officer, Millat Investments, South Africa, a leading entrepreneur, will discuss investment opportunities in Africa’s tourism sector and the importance of building resilient tourism economies.

Kamil Al-Awadhi, regional vice president, Africa and the Middle East, IATA, will provide insights on the future of air travel in Africa and how the continent can enhance its connectivity to boost tourism.

The ATLF 2024 will serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the African tourism industry. By bringing together an elite group of speakers and attendees, the forum will not only showcase the potential of African tourism but also provide actionable solutions to the challenges facing the sector.

The ATLF 2024 is organised by African Tourism Partners (ATP), a UN Tourism-affiliated award-winning Pan-African tourism development and strategic destination marketing advisory firm.

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Culture

Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha marks 25 Years on throne

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Ofala Festival 2026 celebrated Onitsha’s royal heritage as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe marked 25 years on the throne and addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.