June 24, 2010 Brussels, BELGIUM and SOUTH AFRICA

UNICEF Schools for Africa video

June 20, 2010, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

June 17, 2010, Southern California, USA

June 10, 2010, Washington, DC, USA

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: ATA Gambia Congress Sponsor CDC Development Solutions just released its monthly newsletter, Harnessing the Power of Tourism for Economic Development. Read more.

June 2, 2010, Accra, GHANA

PRESS RELEASE: Delta Air Lines Launches First Nonstop Service between Accra and World’s Largest Airline Hub in Atlanta: Increases choice for passengers travelling between Ghana and the Americas

Today, Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) launches the only nonstop service between Accra’s Kotoka International Airport and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s largest airline hub.  The flight operates four times per week* using a 243-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft, complementing the airline’s existing five weekly nonstop services between Accra and New York-JFK. Read more.

April 6, 2010, New York, NY, USA

NEWS RELEASE ATA received the 2010 Best Promotion of Travel to South Africa Award from South African Tourism at the first annual Ubuntu Awards at the Plaza Hotel in New York on April 6, 2010. Hon. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, South Africa Minister of Tourism, presented the award to ATA.

CANCELLED: NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

SPECIAL EVENT: RETHINK AFRICA Passport Health, The Mid Atlantic Chapter of the Africa Travel Association, The Tremont Hotel and DAASN invite you to a night of discovery, live music, delicious food, world class wines, networking and fun in Baltimore, MD. For more information, click here.

March 15, 2010, Abu Dhabi, UAE

ATA President and Executive Director Participate in NYU Africa and the Indian Ocean Conference

ATA President, Hon. Shamsa Mwangunga, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania and Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director, particiapted in a three-day conference held at the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute from March 14-16, 2010. Together they presented on a panel entitled "Promoting Tourism in Africa's Indian Ocean Coast," chaired by Judith Aidoo of Caswell Capital Partners, LLC. Click here for more information on the event.

Photo: (from left) Dr. Yaw Nyarko, Africa House Director, Hon. Shamsa Mwangunga, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania and ATA President; Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director

March 15, 2010, Atlanta, GA, USA

PRESS RELEASE: Delta Air Lines Celebrates Launch of Atlanta-to-Accra Nonstop Service with Special Summer Vacation Fares

Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced introductory fares from all Delta domestic markets for travel to Accra, Ghana via the world’s largest airline hub at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Delta’s nonstop flight from Atlanta to Accra, which begins June 1, will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

For travel between June 1 and Aug. 28, Delta is now offering a special leisure fare from Atlanta to Accra for $799* each-way if ticketed or purchased before March 31, 2010. This fare has a minimum Saturday night stay and a maximum stay of one month. *Additional taxes, fees, restrictions and baggage charges may apply. See below for details.

“These special fares provide a great opportunity for customers all across the U.S. to travel to Accra and reunite with friends and family this summer,” said Bobby Bryan, Delta’s commercial manager for West and East Africa. “As the leading U.S. airline to Ghana for more than three years , we’re delighted to be adding a second nonstop service, boosting travel and tourism between our two nations.”

In addition to nonstop service to Atlanta, Delta offers flights four times weekly between Accra and its hub at New York-JFK. These flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Delta flights between Accra and Atlanta and New York are available for booking online at delta.com or via authorized travel agents.

For more information on fares and to purchase tickets, please visit www.delta.com.

ATA California Chapter at 2010 LA Times Travel Show
Sylvia Frommer-Mracky and Ron Mracky of ATA's California Chapter participated in the 2010 LA Times Travel Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California from February 13-14, 2010. As the largest travel show in the U.S., the show included more than 500 exhibitors, trip giveaways and cultural entertainment.

February 10, 2010, Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

Tanzania Ministry of Tourism Classifies 100 Hotels The Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources has completed classification of about 100 hotels into various star rankings. Deputy Minister Ezekiel Maige told the 'Daily News' today that a total of 203 hotels in Dar es Salaam and Coast regions have been assessed but "more than half of them did not attain star standards, though they can still be called hotels."

In November 2006, the East African Community's Council of Ministers approved the classification and standardization criteria to be used in the region in the quest to attract more capital into the economic grouping.

The standardized classification guarantees higher quality tourism facilities and better management of the hospitality industry.

Mr Maige said that his ministry had, in 2006, also completed preliminary assessment of Hotels in Manyara and Arusha regions. He noted that classification of all hotels countrywide could take about three years, provided funds were available.

He said that financing has been the major problem in the classification exercise but the ministry was confident that the new Tourism Act 2009 would reduce the problem as it requires creation of Tourism Development Levy.

The classification is expected to mitigate customer complaints of being charged at higher tariffs than the level of the hotel.

"In some cases a tourist could pay US $400 hoping that he would find hotel services worth that amount of money but when they come they find a different environment -- the service turns out to be more expensive but at a lower quality standard," he said.

He said that all hotels are expected to maintain standards according to their classes and that the Director of Tourism would monitor and punish those who would not adhere to the requirements.

December 28, 2009

Emirates Sale
On Tuesday, December 29th only, you can save $150 off a round-trip economy class ticket from New York (JFK Flt.204) to Africa at emirates.com/spotlight.  The following destinations are included: Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Durban, Entebbe, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Lagos, Luanda, Nairobi and Tripoli.

December 14, 2009

Emirates Weekly Sales
Book Emirates online sale fares to Durban, Johannesburg, Khartoum and Addis Ababa by January 15, 2010 for travel from JFK, Houston and Los Angeles from January 18th to March 31, 2010 and from San Francisco from January 12th to March 31, 2010.

December 14, 2009

NTA Announces Special Courier Advertising Rates for Africa Advertisers Reach NTA tour operators by advertising in Courier magazine. Distributed to over 1,500 NTA tour operators, Courier will feature an Africa Trip Planner in March! Advertising is a proven way to build exposure to the NTA audience who is booking millions of dollars in packaged travel annually.

• 86% of NTA tour operators read Courier monthly
• 56% of NTA tour operators packaging internationally
• ranked the #1 travel trade magazine over all other industry publications for the past three years
• 86% tracked readership

Deadline for special rates: December 28.
Content deadline: January 19.
All rates are quoted in US dollars.

Contact Ashley Tabor at +1.859.226.4350 or ashley.tabor@NTAstaff.com                                       

December 11, 2009, Dakar, SENEGAL

ATA Represented at Senegal Gambia Travel Market Mboka
ATA hosted a stand at the Senegal Gambia Travel Market at the City Hall in Dakar from December 3-5, 2009. The travel trade fair was attended by professionals from both Senegal and Gambia. ATA’s stand was visited by the Senegalese tourism minister and Dakar mayor, alongside other distinghished guests.

Photo: Hon. Thierno Lo, Senegal Tourism Minister

December 11, 2009, ZANZIBAR

ATA Participates in ADHT Conference

ATA attended the 5th International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference in Zanzibar from October 25-30, 2009.

November 22, 2009, Kunming, CHINA

ATA Participates in CITM Exhibit

ATA participated in the China International Travel Mart (CITM) at the Kunming International Convention and Exhibition Center in China from November 19-22, 2009. Asia's largest international tourist exhibition featured six exhibition halls, including an international one. CITM participants showed a keen interest in Africa, ATA and African destinations. "Given the sheer volume of outbound tour operators and travel agents currently working in Asia, an ATA-CITM partnership couldn’t be timelier," said Chi Lo, a former ATA intern who represented ATA at the event.

Photo: Chi Lo at the ATA booth.

November 23, 2009, Reno, NV, USA

NTA's Annual Convention

The ATA-Gambian Delegation poses with friends from the National Tour Association (ATA) and the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), as well as from the Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA) at a special Destination Gambia luncheon sponsored by Mexico, Jordan and The Gambia at NTA's annual convention in Reno in November 2009.

November 5, 2009, Dakar, SENEGAL

ATA Launches Senegal Chapter

An ATA delegation, led by Edward Bergman, participated in the official launch of a new ATA chapter in Senegal. Salif Badiane, CEO of African Connection Tours, was appointed interim chapter president. Participants included Cheikh Sadibou Dia, Permanent Secretary of the Tourism Ministry, Elhadji Malick Mbaye, Director General of the Tourism Board, Abdoul Aziz Gueye, Senegal Tourism Office Director, and Ogo Sow, ATA Board Member.

October 25, 2009, Montreal, Quebec, CANADA

ATA at the Montreal Travel Show

ATA, represented by Ogo Sow and Levald Thomas, participated in the SITVE International Tourism & Travel Show at Place Bonaventure in Montreal from October 23-25.

October 16, 2009

Exclusive Offer in Kenya from the African Specialist: Leading Holiday Specialist Somak Announces an Extension to its Exclusive Travel Offer.

Somak Holidays offer a unique 2 for 1 hot air ballooning deal over the Kenyan plains. This popular offer has now been extended for bookings made by 30th November 2009.

An early morning balloon ride over the Kenyan plains is an experience not to be missed. Floating along above the stunning landscapes and  wildlife is breathtaking and serene. Scramble into the basket and wait for the pilot to fire up the balloon and take you high above the scenery below. After an hour or so the balloon is carefully brought down and a lavish bubbly breakfast is prepared. A perfect start to the day.

This excursion is normally $495 per person. For bookings made by 30th November 2009 Somak offer this on a 2 for 1 deal.

A balloon ride over the Mara can be arranged for those choosing the thrilling Cheetah Safari. This 7 night safari includes Samburu National Park, Lake Nakuru and the world famous Masai Mara National Park. Game drives take place twice a day with every chance of seeing the ‘big five’ animals, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino and so much more. Luxury lodges are included in the itinerary and a warm welcome is guaranteed. Somak’s 5* Cheetah Safari is offered from $1489 per person.

Somak Holidays is the leading safari operator in Africa. Established since 1968 Somak has a highly experienced team in Nairobi and Mombasa to ensure every guest has a unique and exceptional holiday. Being established so long, Somak is able to command unbeatable value for money, exclusive offers and to secure the best rooms available at lodges and resorts. Somak offer a huge range of itineraries across East Africa including every type of safari and beach fun at the coast. Tailor-made options can be arranged for those who prefer to design their own itinerary, and special arrangements made for weddings, honeymoons and renewal of vows.

Somak has a unique luxury lounge near the airport at Nairobi which offers 24/7 comfortable seating, hot showers and snacks. It is the perfect spot to relax after a long flight, or between a safari and a beach stay. Belongings can be left here for safe keeping whilst on safari.

Somak has a highly experienced team of friendly and knowledgeable driver/guides who are on hand to ensure that every safari is exceptional. No question is too small for our driver/guides who seem to know everything about birdlife and wildlife. They certainly know where the animals can be seen, and herds of elephants, languishing leopards and families of lions are spotted in the bush.

Reservations: For more information and bookings please call 1877 40 SOMAK or visit http://www.somak.com/usa or email salesusa@somak.com

Press Trips to East Africa
Please let us know if we can assist you with a commission for East Africa. We will do our utmost to arrange a productive and enjoyable trip, either individually or in a small group. 

About Somak Holidays
follow us on twitter: /somakholidays; find us on facebook: 'Somak Holidays'

Established in 1968, Somak Holidays is an independent, family-run tour operator offering a wide selection of exotic holidays to Africa, India, Indian Ocean and the Middle East. 

Somak Holidays has been awarded numerous accolades including TTG’s Best Tour Operator to Africa - 2006 and Travel Weekly’s Best Specialist Operator to Africa - 2007, 2008 & 2009.

Somak Holidays is a member of APTA, ATA, ABTA and AITO and licensed by ATOL

Reservations: For more information and bookings go to http://www.somak.com/usa or call 1877 40 SOMAK or email salesusa@somak.com

October 10, 2009, New York, New York, USA

ATA Organizes Travel Industry Workshop at ATE Travel Show in New York

ATA joined Adventures in Travel Expo (ATE) as a major industry partner in presenting Destination Africa to travel industry professionals interested in learning more about Africa at a special workshop at ATE’s travel show at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on Saturday, October 10, 2009.

At the workshop, Africa’s leading travel experts representing North (Egypt), South (South Africa), East (Tanzania) and West Africa (Senegal) highlighted their region’s unique and diverse travel offerings and spoke about current trends and forecasts for the future. ATA industry members then presented special vacation packages, tours, flights and offers to the American consumer. SITA World Tours, the workshop sponsor, provided a holistic view of Africa as a travel destination for American tourists and travelers.

Workshop speakers included Achma Asokan from Group Systems America, Inc., a company representing over twenty Africa-based airlines; El Hadji Aziz Gueye, Director of the Senegal Tourism Office; Karen Hoffman, the Tanzania Tourist Board Representative; Dean Jacobberger, Manager of Trade Relations at South African Tourism; El Sayed Khalifa, Director of USA & Latin America at the Egyptian Tourist Authority; Lloyd Murray, President of Palace Travel; Charlie Newton, Senior Sales Director of SITA World Tours; and Kathi Scott of South African Airways Vacation. Edward Bergman, Executive Director of ATA, moderated the event.

October 1, 2009, Washington, D.C., USA

ATA Organizes Industry Workshop at at the Corporate Council on Africa's 7th US-Africa Business Summit

As one of the world’s fastest-emerging travel marketplaces, Africa is garnering more and more attention from US travel consumers as a destination with significant opportunity for
exploration, development and investment. This workshop, Marketing Destination Africa in the US Marketplace, offered participatns a birds-eye view of the African tourism industry, exploring where and how Africa fits into the US market, and current and future trends. Speakers included:

• Edward Bergman Executive Director, Africa Travel Association (Moderator)
• El Hadji Aziz Gueye Director, Senegal Tourism Office
• Kaliba Senghore Deputy Minister of Tourism & Culture and Permanent Secretary Department of State for Tourism and Culture, The Gambia
• Lisa Simon, CTP President, National Tour Association
• Ogo Sow President, Ogo Sow Communications
  Advisor on African Diaspora Affairs to the Africa Travel Association
• Gregg Truman Vice President, Marketing, South African Airways
  

September 13-15, 2009, Las Vegas, NV, USA

ATA Partners with ASTA

As part of ATA's commitment to promote Destination Africa, ATA joined again with ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents) to anchor the ASTA US national show in Las Vegas from September 13-15, 2009. By working in partnership with one of the US's leading travel detailing and destination expos, The TradeShow, as well as with the North African destination of Egypt and East Africa's Kenya, ATA and its partners (see picture) can help promote Africa as a global tourism destination in the US marketplace.

September 6, 2009

ZARA Tanzania Adventures

Zara Tours (ZARA Tanzania Adventures) is a local outfitter based in Moshi, Tanzania.  Founded 23 years ago by Tanzanian woman Zainab Ansell, has evolved into Tanzania’s largest Kilimanjaro outfitter and one of the country’s largest safari operators, with daily departures up the Kilimanjaro Mountain with a choice of six routes.  We put more people on the Kilimanjaro summit than any other company.  In addition, weekly departures are available on seven group safari itineraries through the wild areas and amazing bush lands.  We have friendly, experienced and professional officials for the safaris and our standard properties such as two hotels, Springlands and Highview, as well as at our tented camps.

Your safety and comfort are foremost as we bring your dreams to life and craft them into lifelong memories. 

B.1 Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-life experience and major challenge.  When you reach the top you can experience total freedom.  It is not only a great shot, but also perfectly communicates “total freedom – being higher than the clouds – overlooking the whole continent of Africa”

B.2  Safari Adventure.

Our individual safari in Tanzania can include any park and areas of Northern Tanzania.  We primarily visit northern areas such as Kilimanjaro Mountain, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti, Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara.  Individual itineraries in the North range from 1-9 days and commonly visit the above spots, plus Tarangire, Oldoinyo Lengai, Usambara Mountains and Lake Victoria.  South itineraries range from 5-day Selous safaris to 12-day trips that add Mikumi, Ruaha and the Udzungwa Mountains.  Finally, the firm offers three weekly group packages that combine Kilimanjaro climbs of 5-7 days with 4-5 day safaris to comprise 11-13 day adventures.  There’s also an 18 day combination trip that joins a 7 day safari with a visit to Zanzibar.  (Photos to be used attached as Safari on the “terrain car” and “safari car”. 

B.3 (Last) Masaai culture

We do also coordinate cultural tourism as a part of our long days tour or as a day tour.  It is an opportunity of a client to experience magnificent life style of bush people and amazing wildlife resources of Tanzania.  Visit our www.zaratours.com.

July 23, 2009

Emirates on the Road and in the Air in Africa

DUBAI, U.A.E., 23rd July 2009 - Emirates is hitting the road in Africa to lift the profile of its expansion plans on the continent.

Events will be held in South Africa and Angola, countries where Emirates is launching new routes this year. Flights to Durban start on October 1st, while services to the Angolan capital of Luanda begin on October 25th.

The main thrust of the road show activities comes from Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates, whose road show will cover more than a dozen towns and cities across South Africa between July 22nd and August 23rd.

Emirates Holidays, equipped with its 2009/10 brochure, A World of Choice, will be promoting its 120 destinations in key shopping malls and briefing travel agents throughout the country.

The Emirates' Holidays road show kicked off in Durban on July 22nd and takes in places such as Umhlanga, Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, George, Cape Town, Polokwane and Bloemfontein, before wrapping up in Johannesburg a month later.

Despite the world's economic difficulties, the tour operating arm of Emirates has experienced an increase in year on year sales and South Africa is one of the strongest performing markets, both inbound and outbound. The launch of daily flights to Durban will supplement a daily service into Cape Town and a triple daily into Johannesburg.

John Felix, Senior Vice President, Emirates Holidays, said: "South Africa is one of our top revenue markets and its important for us to get out there and reinforce our brand presence. It's also an opportunity for us to relationship build, make new contacts and fine-tune our products based on market feedback so we can ensure that our customers are getting the very best service and value for money. A road show of this size is particularly significant in these tougher economic times and very much demonstrates our commitment to the industry, our partners and our clients."  

On the airline side, the final touches are being put to plans to bring together more than 1,000 travel industry representatives for a major road show event in Durban on July 27th. The high-profile gathering will generate the usual Emirates' buzz, introducing the airline to the coastal city alongside top entertainment, ahead of the first flight from Dubai on October 1st. 

Meanwhile, to the northwest in Angola, Emirates is working on a launch event in Luanda, which will celebrate the arrival of the carrier in the Angolan capital on October 25th. Top travel industry figures, business partners and senior government officials are expected to attend to mark the three flights a week service.

Nigel Page, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Americas & Africa, said: "Africa has played an increasing role in the expansion of Emirates since we launched flights to Cairo back in 1986. With its burgeoning commercial activity and rapid development, we look forward to further exciting work on the continent, while at the same time playing our part in supporting Africa's economic growth."

Emirates SkyCargo will provide assistance on both routes with the belly hold of passenger aircraft being used to transport a range of mostly consumer commodities in and out of the trade-rich continent.  

The carrier has been gradually strengthening its services across Africa. In February this year, Emirates went double daily to Lagos, while the Nairobi route will be boosted with an extra weekly flight from August 1st. On the same day, daily flights to Tunis and Tripoli become de-linked. 

In all, 16 passenger and cargo destinations are currently served in Africa. They are: Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Cape Town, Casablanca, Dar es Salaam, Eldoret, Entebbe, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Lagos, Lilongwe, Nairobi, Tripoli and Tunis.

Mr Page added: "It's highly significant that Africa is the only continent where Emirates has announced new routes for this year, despite the challenging industry conditions. We also have around 4,000 Africans amongst the 140 or so nationalities employed across the Emirates Group."

Since establishing itself as an airline in 1985, Emirates has mushroomed into a major player on the international travel and tourism stage. More than 50 brands now make up the Emirates Group including Emirates Holidays, Emirates SkyCargo, Emirates Hotels & Resorts, Skywards and Dnata.

July 10, 2009

Score Up To $500 Off with Emirates Two-Day Africa Sale 

New York – July 9, 2009 – Leisure and business travelers planning a trip to Africa can save up to $500 by taking advantage of Emirates’ “Two-Day Africa Sale,” July 14th-15th.The first 500 U.S. travelers who book a Business Class ticket will receive a $500* price reduction while the first 500 to book an Economy ticket will bank $150* in savings when booking exclusively on www.emirates.com/africasale.  Travel is valid on any fare listed on www.emirates.com/usa at time of booking from any Emirates U.S. point of departure to the following 16 African destinations (Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Cape Town, Casablanca, Dar es Salaam, Durban (beginning October 1), Entebbe, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Lagos, Luanda (beginning October 25), Nairobi, Tripoli or Tunis).

Emirates currently serves four U.S. gateways with non-stop service to Dubai: New York, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. All passengers flying on Emirates are privy to the airline’s award-winning 1,200 channel on-demand entertainment system, multi-course meals and attentive service. Business Class passengers also can take advantage of additional amenities like lie-flat beds, use of Emirates posh airport lounges and chauffeur-drive service.

For more information about Emirates please visit, www.emirates.com/usa.*Discount is included in quoted fare at time of booking

July 9, 2009

Ethiopian Airlines Wins the 2009 Airline of the Year Award

Washington, D.C. – July 9, 2009 – Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that it has been named the ‘Airline of the Year 2009’ at the African Business Awards organized by the London-based African Business and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC). The award was presented to Ethiopian Airlines at the African Business Awards ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Ballroom, in London on July 06, 2009. According to the 2009 judging panels of the African Business Awards, the winners of the Airline of the Year 2009 were chosen from a pool of nominees based on “solid financial results coupled with distinctive customer service, punctuality and innovative products and services for consumers, especially in opening new routes.”

Ethiopian Airlines is one of the largest airlines in Africa serving 53 destinations around the globe. As the winner of the 2007 African Business of the Year and Best African Airline Award for 2006, its service and quality are unparalleled among African airlines. Featuring five flights weekly from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport, the airline offers both morning and evening departures, with the morning departure allowing seamless connections to 32 African destinations. For more information about Ethiopian Airlines, visit www.ethiopianairlines.com.

April 23, 2009

March 23, 2009, SUN CITY, SOUTH AFRICA

ATA Attends ASTA International Destination Expo in Sun City, South Africa

ATA participated in American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) International Destination Expo in Sun City, South Africa from March 9-12, 2009. Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director and Doris Wooten, ATA First Vice President, gave presentations on current trends and strategies on both "Selling Destination Africa" panels. They also addressed key issues such as tourism growth markets, seasonal trends, responsible tourism, and transportation.

Left to right: Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director, Kinola Pather, Sun International Resorts and Hotels, and Lorenzo Giani, Vice President of Sales and Marketing North America Sun International Hotels and Resorts. Photo credit: Lorenzo Giani.

March 19, 2009

ATA Participates in New York University's First Africa-Arab Gulf Relationships Conference Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates—ATA participated in New York University's First Africa-Arab Gulf Relationships Conference from March 3-4, 2009 at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research. ATA representatives spoke on the "Africa and Arab Tourism Relations" panel, chaired by Judith Aidoo, NYU Africa House Board and Caswell Capital. Panelists included Hon. Shamsa Mwangunga, Minister of Natural Resources & Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania and President of ATA; Edward Bergman,  ATA Executive Director and NYU Africa House Board; Ogo Sow, ATA Board of Directors and ATA Special Advisor, Television and Radio Personality.

Left to right: Edward Bergman, Ogo Sow, Hon. Shamsa Mwangunga, and Mariet Westermann, Vice Chancellor of NYU. Photo credit: Ogo Sow.

March 18, 2009

Enjoy Easter with Alisa Hotels ATA Board of Director's Member Alisa Hotels is pleased to announce Easter packages at both of their properties, Alisa North Ridge Hotel and Alisa East Cantonments Hotel, in Accra, Ghana. The Easter Break Away Package includes a stay in one of the Alisa Club rooms for only $49.50 (USD) per person per night* and includes all taxes, a welcome cocktail and a sumptuous breakfast on the morning of your check out. The Enjoy Accra Over Easter package includes a 3 night stay in one of the Alisa Club rooms for only $207.50 (USD) per person for the ENTIRE weekend* including a welcome cocktail, 2 dinner buffets, 1 Easter brunch, a sumptuous breakfast buffet, access to the Alisa East Cantonments pool and an extensive guided tour to Ghana. Additionally, the Picnic Hamper is available during your stay in at Alisa Hotels during the Easter Holiday. Alisa Hotels prepares your picnic hamper including fruit juice, mineral water, sandwiches, muffins and fresh fruit—ready to go when you are for only $20 (USD) per person.

South African Airways Announces New Non-stop Service from New York JFK to South Africa
Fort Lauderdale, FL—South African Airways has announced that it will operate new non-stop service from New York JFK to Johannesburg beginning May 1, 2009. Flight SA204, which will now depart at 11:35AM and arrive in Johannesburg at 8:45AM the following day, opens up a host of online connections, taking more travelers to more of Africa through SAA’s Johannesburg hub.

The same-day connections feature flights to Botswana, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. As an African airline with global reach, SAA’s unmatched African network will now make it possible to leave New York in the morning and connect throughout South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa as well as Africa’s Indian Ocean islands, all with seamless connections. Within South Africa, SAA offers frequent service to cities such as Cape Town and Durban, and the new flight schedule will allow travelers to arrive at these popular cities mid-day. Coupled with SAA’s commitment to excellence and its award-winning service, there is no better choice for service from the U.S. to Africa.

Click here to view flight timetables and book flights.

December 9, 2008

ATA Board Member Ron Mracky Attends USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) Annual Conference & Market Place held in Palm Desert, California from December 3-5, 2008, had the Africa Travel Association (ATA) represented by ATA International Board Member, Ron Mracky. “All meetings at the USTOA Conference were highly valuable and placed Africa in the forefront position of the market,” Mr. Mracky reported. USTOA is the major travel and tour association whose members directly influence the U.S. tourism industry.  Headed by President Bob Whitley, USTOA member companies are responsible for a majority of tours and vacation packages sold by travel agents in the United States. A number of the USTOA members are Tour Operator Members of ATA. USTOA and ATA share the commitment to responsible and sustainable world tourism, with Africa high on the industry’s list of leisure destinations.  This provides a strong mutuality between the two associations in formulating the directions the industry needs to take during the world economic recovery period.  

December 9, 2008

New York Times Joins ATA New York Times and NYTimes.com reach the largest and most influential audience of business and leisure travelers of any publication, with The New York Times publishing more travel content every year than any other US publisher. Click here to view the NYT Africa Travel Guide. Click here for more info and to register for The New York Times Travel Show (February 6-8).  

Put the power of The New York Times to work for your destination by advertising in The New York Times. For more information, call Jonathan Rekedal at New York Times Advertising Department Africa Specialist at
+1 212-556-7756, or email at rekedjs@nytimes.com.

November 26, 2008

ATA Member Sun International Opens New Hotel on Victoria Island Sun International is proud to announce the opening of their new corporate hotel, Federal Palace Hotel, in Lagos, Nigeria. "Situated in the commercial hub of Victoria Island, Lagos, and overlooking the mighty Atlantic Ocean, the Federal Palace Hotel is impeccably tailored to international corporate standards.  Conduct a boardroom meeting in the very same walls that witnessed the signing of Nigeria’s independence declaration in 1960 or manage your daily business affairs in the luxurious convenience of one of our eight Boardrooms or Executive Business Centre.  The Federal Palace Hotel caters for the discerning corporate traveler who values consistency in excellence and who wants to align their company with only the best of everything, including the hotel in which they stay.  Welcome to Lagos’ premier business hotel where your business is our pleasure."

November 20, 2008

Senegalese Native and Brooklyn Restauranteur Publishes Senegalese Cookbook A new ATA member, Lake Isle Press is proud to announce that Senegalese native Pierre Thiam has published a new cookbook featuring the diverse and delicious recipes—both new and old—of Senegal in West Africa. Yolele! Recipes from the Heart of Senegal is the first Senegalese cookbook to be published in English and has already received rave reviews from the world’s leading culinary experts:

“We would have to be grateful for almost any new contribution to the too-sparse literature of African food. But restaurateur Pierre Thiam's book on the richly appealing food of his native Senegal is beyond the call. Fresh, lively, and intelligent, Thiam's YOLELE documents, through good strong recipes, fine writing, and much marvelous photography, a fascinating food tradition and the culture in which it is embedded. Reflecting warmth and pride, this highly personal book connects us to those who know, make, and love this food. A most welcome addition to the kitchen shelf!”
—Nach Waxman, Owner, Kitchen Arts & Letters

Click here to purchase Mr. Thiam’s cookbook.

November 13, 2008

Ethiopian Airlines Journeys Names Manute Bol As Official Spokesperson Washington, D.C.—Manute Bol, former NBA star, has been named the official spokesperson for Ethiopian Airlines Journeys, the premier tour operator for Ethiopia and East Africa. Born and raised in Sudan, Manute Bol brings a friendly, recognizable face, as well as a wealth of knowledge and love of Africa, to Ethiopian Airlines Journeys.“We are most pleased to begin this partnership with Mr. Manute Bol and we look forward to the future,” said Gobena Mikael, director of North and South America, Ethiopian Airlines. Mr. Bol’s promotional activity with Ethiopian Airlines Journeys will include participating in print and online advertisements, appearances at trade shows and special events, and a launch of a new Ethiopian Airlines Journeys itinerary featuring Manute. Click here to view the video .

November 7, 2008

November 2008

Kenya Board Meets with New York Representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board visited ATA Headquarters in November to discuss the possibility of working together to market Destination Kenya. (From left), Edward Bergman (ATA Executive Director), Wanjiru Munene (Director of Tourism) Cecily Mbarire (Assistant Minister of Tourism), Fred Okeyo (Regional Marketing Manager, North America) (Photo by Eddie Bergman)

October 26, 2008

October 25, 2008

October 14, 2008

From Malawi to Egypt: Join the African Peace Caravan En Route to ATA's 34th Congress The Africa Peace Caravan aims to promote peace and freedom in Africa through its annual 4x4 travel experience on the African continent. With a Peace Flag in hand, the caravan will travel to the host country of the next ATA Congress, crossing as many countries as possible to encourage cross-cultural exchange. The caravan will start in Malawi on November 1, 2008 and then travel north toward Egypt (through Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan), arriving on the occasion of the 34th Annual Congress (May 17–22, 2009) on May 15, 2009.To track the African Peace Caravan as it travels from Arusha, Tanzania to Cairo, Egypt, click here.

Invitation to a Festive Tanzania Evening with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete New York, New York