The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has introduced company, staff and board changes as part of its recovery plan.

“The pandemic has highlighted the value that many associations can provide and ATTA is no different. With all of us experiencing the most difficult trading times over the last 18 months, I am excited to share details of a brighter future,” said ATTA Chairman and Serengeti Balloon Safaris MD, John Corse.

He explained that ATTA  – established over 25 years ago – would retain its current structure as a global and pan-African industry membership association comprising the buyers, suppliers and specialists of African tourism.

A newly formed company, Experience Africa Events, a company limited by shares and wholly owned subsidiary of ATTA, will provide the platform for the promotion of tourism to Africa.
 
“We see that the separation of our remit into its two distinct elements will allow greater focus on each and therefore provide members with greater energy on both sides. ATTA will expand and improve its services, information, lobbying and support for our own members in international source markets and across Africa. 

“Our signature exhibition, Experience Africa will be held at the London Oval in June 2022 and through our new events company, we will enhance our marketing menu to cover all types of virtual and physical events. This will include exhibitions, trade dinners and network gatherings in source markets and across Africa,” said Corse.
 
To facilitate this plan, the following Board appointments and changes are effective immediately:
 
Nigel Vere Nicoll ~ President and Group Managing Director
As a founder member of ATTA, Vere Nicoll will expand his President’s role to oversee both companies as Group Managing Director. 
 
Kate Kenward ~ Managing Director of the trade association ATTA Ltd
Kenward is currently a consultant and director of the ATTA Management Board and, as the new MD will, as a former executive director of the UK based specialist tour operators’ association AITO, bring invaluable experience in membership association management.
 
Chris Mears ~ Managing Director of Experience Africa Events Ltd
Mears has headed up the ATTA team for the last four years and has the experience, networking and organisational expertise that will be required to establish our new stand-alone events and networking company within the African tourism community.
 
Anita Powell ~ Founder of Small World Marketing, and the Africa Hub, has stepped down from ATTA^’s Management Board. As one of ATTA’s only three Fellows, she holds an ex-officio place on ATTA’s Advisory Board.