Botswana wraps up its successful three-year hosting of the African Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) with over 600 participants. The forum has significantly boosted the nation’s tourism sector and economy.

Botswana has successfully concluded its three-year term as host of the African Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF), marking a significant milestone in its tourism sector.

The forum, held annually at the Gaborone International Convention Centre, saw over 600 participants from 43 countries this year, underscoring the event’s growing impact and the nation’s strategic role in regional tourism development.

Also read: ATLF 2024: Empowering African tourism, unleashing opportunities

In his keynote address, Botswana’s Vice President Slumber Tsogwane celebrated the forum’s success and its positive effects on the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.

He highlighted the increased participation year-on-year and the forum’s contributions to various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation.

Tsogwane also emphasized Botswana’s commitment to becoming a prime destination for MICE events as part of its economic diversification strategy.

Wilhemina Makwinja, Acting Minister of Environment and Tourism, echoed Tsogwane’s sentiments and reflected on the resilience of Botswana’s tourism sector, despite recent challenges, including the death of Minister Dumezweni Meshack Mthimkhulu. She vowed to continue his work and maintain the sector’s momentum.

The 7th edition of the ATLF focused on the theme “Charting a New Path Forward for Intra-Africa Travel, Tourism, and Investment.” This year’s forum included robust discussions, B2B engagements, and a cultural evening, emphasizing the need for improved intra-Africa travel and investment.

Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General, praised the forum for its role in shaping Africa’s tourism future and enhancing regional connectivity.

Wamkele Menethe, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressed the benefits of increased intra-African travel and the need for easier visa policies and better flight connectivity.

He noted that such efforts would significantly benefit African economies and promote regional integration.

Emily Mburu-Ndoria from the AfCFTA and Elcia Grandcourt from UN Tourism also highlighted the importance of strategic investments in tourism and the resilience of Botswana’s tourism sector.

They encouraged further collaboration between governments and the private sector to address challenges and boost growth.

Kwakye Donkor, CEO of African Tourism Partners, praised Botswana’s hosting achievements and emphasized the need for open borders and more collaboration to enhance tourism across Africa.

He also celebrated the formation of the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance, which aims to advocate for the tourism industry’s needs and remove barriers.

The forum concluded with awards recognizing significant contributions to African tourism. Notable winners included Rwanda Development Board, Taubie Motlhabane of Cape Town Convention Centre, CNBC Africa, Qorokwe Camp Botswana, Cape Town International Convention Centre, and Ethiopian Airlines.

The ATLF 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award went to Rodger Foster, CEO of Airlink, South Africa.

As Botswana hands over the hosting mantle, the vice president invited attendees to explore the country’s attractions, including the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Makgakgadi Salt Pans, and Tuli Block, while also experiencing Botswana’s rich cultural heritage.