South African Ground Transportation Kwela Fleet takes active role in African Tourism Board
One of South Africa largest and most established ground transportation operators, Kwela Fleet Management based in Pretoria, South Africa joined the African Tourism Board.
Kwela Fleet was established in Pretoria in 1996. Cuthbert Ncube, CEO of the company explained: “We are a 100% black-owned company with a highly experienced and committed management team. A vast number of our clientele include government departments, embassies, travel management companies and of course private requests as well. A chauffeur, transfer, tour, car rental, and fleet management service that’s large enough to span South Africa, yet involved enough to make your comfort, safety, and convenience a primary concern. ”
The company states on their website www.kwelafleet.co.za: We can be found in the country’s 4 major urban centres; East London, Cape Town, Durban and of course, Gauteng. And everywhere you find us you will encounter our personal touch in the way our reservation staff attends to you, in the immaculate condition of our vehicles and ultimately in the dedicated drive, our chauffeurs render.
Kwela provides a variety of services.
- Chauffeur driven cars
- Transfers
- Corporate road show services
- Customized services
- Tours
- Fleet Management
- Car Rental
Included in all our services are personal insurance cover of up to R10 million per accident as well as vehicle insurance waivers and public liability insurance.
Comfort is standard. And so is safety. It’s no wonder then that our fleet is made up of vehicles that are the leaders in their respective segments. Our Luxury Fleet includes Mercedes Benz, Audi’s, BMW and many more.
Cuthbert Ncube accepted the role of Vice President of the African Tourism Board. Chairman Juergen Steinmetz said: We are so privileged to officially welcome Kwela Fleet among out corporate members. CEO Cuthbert, who is also our Vice President already demonstrated a taste of his leadership and he is now instrumental in showing his unique vision to make Africa one tourism destination. ”
Founded in 2018, the African Tourism Board is an association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to the African region.
More information on www.africantourismboard.com
Global Rescue joins African Tourism Board with a simple mission
Global Rescue joined the African Tourism Board showing emphasis on their medical, security, evacuation, travel risk and crisis management services to the African continent. Global Rescue is the world’s leader for such services since its founding in 2004. Their services are delivered anywhere by their teams of critical care paramedics, physicians, nurses, and military special operations veterans.
“Global Rescue is proud to join the African Tourism Board and bring the Safe Travel Partner Program to ATB members. The STPP improves the safety and resilience of destinations by applying safe travel best practices, assets and resources. This can be used a differentiator in the marketplace by destinations that take the safety of their travelers seriously and are willing to make the investment to provide for that safety” said Global Rescue CEO and founder Dan Richards.
Celia Chase, VP Marketing added: “Our medical advisory and evacuation services include exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Department of Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations, Elite Medical Group and Partners HealthCare. Our track record has made us the chosen provider to government agencies and some of the world’s largest companies, universities, nonprofits, and tour operators. With our Destination Safe Travel Program, Global Rescue will assess, plan and operationalize a plan to improve the perception of a destination by making it a safe travel location in the minds of consumers and partners.
“Our mission is simple – to be there when it matters most.”
African Tourism Marketing Corporation chairman Juergen Steinmetz said: “We’re excited to work with Global Rescue and thank them for their investment to put the African Continent on their map. It will help to make Africa’s tourism product safer and more attractive for the American Visitor and beyond.”
Founded in 2018, the African Tourism Board an association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to the African region.
More on Global Rescue: www.globalrescue.com/ More on African Tourism Board www.africantourismboard.com
African Tourism Board VP echoes South African President: It’s time for Africa to unite!
Africa Day united 40 heads of State on Saturday in Pretoria when attending the inauguration of the South African President, Mr. Cyral Ramaposa “It’s time for Africa to unite”, the president said.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism for South Africa Ms. Elizabeth Thabithe said during a side event for tourism leaders: “The time is now to break all barriers that have separated us for so long and create a new dawn for Africa and all who abide in Africa.” She added: “Tourism is a reinforcer to achieve this gigantic objective.”
The African Tourism Board Vice- President Cuthbert Ncube, who shared a podium, pleaded with African Leaders to work together in creating an efficient, capable ethical continent free from corruption, a continent that values excellence with a determination in eradicating poverty in Africa.
“We need to embrace Tourism as a driving tool to promote our God-given 80% untapped wealth of resources combined together across our Mother Continent.”, the African Tourism Board VP said.
The Vice-minister applauded ATB in its endeavor in bringing Africa together as one and has promised her undivided support for the African Tourism Board. “Together we can achieve more.”
South Africa swearing in their new President and with the festivities came one of the most incredible flyovers The event was held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the heart of Pretoria. The flyover consisted of a pair of South African Airways Airbus A340-600s flanked by the South African Air Force’s Silver Falcons display team in their Pilatus PC-7 Mk.IIs. A parachutist crashed into a pole but was not critically injured.
The President committed to putting South Africa at the disposal of Africa and that the renewal of Africa must and should be implemented and he will be part of the team thereof.
He reaffirmed his determination to work with African Leaders across the continent as to realize the African Union Vision known as “Agenda 2063”. It’s about all Africans working towards forging a free trade area that stretches from Cape Town to Cairo. This will bring growth and opportunity to all African countries.
Trend setter for tourism to enter the European Parliament: The best Tourism Minister of the World Elena Kountoura
The European Parliament is about to say yes to travel and tourism, and after today’s election, new trends may be set in European Tourism Policies. The bars for tourism are most likely to be raised with Elena Kountoura expected entry in European politics.
On May 8 eTurboNews reported about the well-liked Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura had submitted her letter of resignation to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipra. She resigned to win a seat in the European Parliament, and it looks like she won.
Elena Kountoura, born in 1962 , and a former international model ran for the European Parliament, for the Independent Greeks party.
Today Europe voted for a new parliament and according to preliminary results the Independent Greek party lost its majority as the ruling party of Greece and will be number two when entering the EU Parliament. According to sources, the Independent Greek is still expected to have 5 delegates in Brussels and Elena Kountoura is number two on the list.
What does this mean for tourism in Europe? Elena Kountoura was seen as one of the most active, outspoken and accessible tourism ministers in the world. Transparency, her down to earth appearance also to the global media, and her vision made her one of the most liked and respected ministers.
She closely worked with Jamaica Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett, who was just elected chair of the UNWTO Regional Commission of the Americas, and former UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai as well as the former president of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca on the launch of the global tourism resilience center.
Elena Kountoura has also been supportive of a global initiative for Tourism and Poverty Alleviation known as ST-EP. ST- EP was put in place under former UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli in 2002 in South Africa. The seven ST-EP mechanisms include the employment of the poor in tourism enterprises. The initiative is under the leadership of South Korean ambassador Dho Young-shim, and was praised by Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
“I will continue to work with the same passion as I did to make Greece a world champion in tourism… in order to make Greece a champion in Europe,” the former tourism minister said. She told Neo Magazine in 2015 while ago: “Greece has never been sexier: The record boom in Greek tourism with more to come.” She was correct: Greece attracted over as much as 33 million visitors in 2018, 30.1 million visitors in 2017 and 26.5 million in 2015 ]making Greece one of the most visited countries in Europe and the world, and contributing around 25% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
African Tourism Board President will speak at the IATA Regional Aviation Forum in Ghana
The African Tourism Board knows the importance of connectivity for the growing travel and tourism industry to the continent. African Tourism Board objective is to sell Africa as a shared destination. Airlines see there is money in serving routes to Africa, and more and more carriers establish routes. Africa is now also on all major airline networks in the world.
African Tourism Board announced Alain St. Ange, president of the organization, has been invited to speak at the IATA Regional Aviation Forum for West and Central Africa, taking place in Accra, Ghana on June 24 and 25.
Under the theme “Aviation: Business for Regional Prosperity”, this high-caliber event will bring together distinguished aviation decision makers and influencers, representing Governments, regulatory agencies, airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, tourism organizations, international and regional organizations, aviation suppliers and aircraft manufacturers from Africa, the Middle East and globally.
Ghana Minister of Aviation, Honourable Joseph Kofi Adda and IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa & Middle East, Muhammad Ali Albakri, together with other senior IATA executives and aviation industry are expecting to welcome key aviation leaders to the event.
Amongst many other key topics, this regional aviation forum will focus on:
- Aviation in National Economic Planning
- Aviation supporting Regional Agro-Industry
- Growing Political Will to drive the Aviation Agenda
- Securing the Prosperity of Aviation Businesses in West and Central Africa
- Aviation supporting Regional Tourism Growth
- Removing Impediments to Slow Collaboration among African Airlines
Founded in 2018, the African Tourism Board an association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from the African region. More on Africa Tourism Board and to join visit www.africantourismboard.com
LB Alliance joins African Tourism Board: Some Unsolicited Advice
Chiriga Moore, founder and owner of LB Alliance in San Francisco, California joined the African Tourism Board today.
Moore said: “Increased Tourism by members of the African Diaspora has birthed travel and event companies seeking opportunities to connect with black-owned businesses throughout Africa. Joining the African Tourism board is an additional resource to help our allies learn how their events contribute to the GDP, help to highlight the value of Africa’s rich arts & culture scene and bridge gaps of inequality across the globe, empowering all of us to blossom together!”
Reading Chriga Moore’s new year resolution published on her “Unsolicited Advice” blog explains her commitment:
1. I will continue to advocate for people of color in the meetings and event industry.
2. I will volunteer to support other event planners
3. I will network, build and persevere because we matter and we are good at what we do.
4. I will stay determined to #LivLife in more ways than one.
Juergen Steinmetz, interim chairman of the African Tourism Board says: “I was fascinated by Chiriga’s vision and knowledge. I agree with our VP Cuthbert Ncube when I say that she will bring a great addition to our organization.”
Founded in 2018, the African Tourism Board an association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from the African region.
More information and to join visit www.africantourismboard.com
Guatemala partners with UNWTO to launch Sustainable Tourism Observatory
The new Observatory is located in the city of La Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a leading tourism destination. Led by the Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT) and supported by the Guatemalan government, the Observatory will periodically collect data and scientific evidence as it monitors the effect tourism has on the historic city. This data will then be used to assess how tourism can best be used to help drive sustainable growth and development.
“We warmly welcome Antigua´s entry into our global network of observatories. This demonstrates Guatemala’s strong commitment to tourism as a force for good,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The Observatory will generate more and better evidence of the economic, environmental and social impacts that tourism has on Antigua and the surrounding area. This will facilitate decision-making so that tourism can continue to drive sustainable development.”
The establishment of the new Observatory was announced during the 64th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas, also held in Antigua (15-16 May). Moving ahead, the Observatory will work with an interdisciplinary group of local experts. This commitment to the input of local stakeholders is a key feature of the INSTO Observatories around the world.
Jorge Mario Chajón, Director General of INGUAT, adds: “This project will have a real multiplier effect, maximizing the economic as well as the social benefits that tourism brings. We welcome the opportunity to partner with UNWTO and work together to make tourism a key part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Israel Loves Africa: African Tourism Board and Rwanda Air Take Action
African Tourism Board representative in Israel Mr. Dov Kalmann, has sent his congratulations to H.E. Ambassador Joseph Rutabana of Rwanda to Israel:
“In the name of the African Tourism Board, please accept our warmest congratulations as a result of this important development which will have a major impact for both the Israeli and Rwanda tourism industry, Israel is a nation with booming outbound and incoming tourism figures. The Israelis are excited to explore new exciting travel destinations whereas Israel has such a wide variety of tourism products to offer to the African travelers. The importance of this new series of flights is far beyond the scope of Rwanda only and will be felt by the whole region. We salute Rwandair for this decision and will be at your disposal for creating the brand awareness of Rwanda in Israel.”
Rwandair will start operating direct flights connecting Kigali in Rwanda with Tel Aviv, Israel starting on June 26, 2019. This is according to an agreement signed by the Ministry of Transport Israel Katz and the Ambassador of Rwanda Rutabana . Each country is entitled to operate up to 7 weekly scheduled flights between the countries, without any limitations regarding equipment or type of aircraft
Last month Dov Kalmann was appointed in Cape Town as the Israeli representative for the African Tourism Board. He gave an extensive overview of the booming Israeli outbound travel industry and the huge potential for the Africa travel industry to promote to Israeli travelers.
He explained: Israel has a population of less than 9 million. In 2018 Israeli tourists went on almost 8 million trips, compared to less than 3.5 million trips in 2010. During the WTM Africa, at least 4 more African airlines approached Dov with news about their intention to operate direct flights to Tel Aviv. All of them want to work with the African Tourism Board to create brand awareness of these destinations in Israel.
African Tourism Board Marketing Chairman Juergen Steinmetz said: “We encourage airlines with services to Africa to join the African Tourism Board and work with us on our vision to promote Africa as one tourist destination.”
Founded in 2018, the African Tourism Board an association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from the African region.
Dov Kalmann operates Pita Marketing in Tel Aviv. African Tourism Board is currently working on a promotional plan for ATB Members interested in promoting their destination or tourism business in Israel. More information and to join visit www.africantourismboard.com
Tourism Ethiopia joins African Tourism Board
Today Tourism Ethiopia joined the African Tourism Board as an observer.
Tourism Ethiopia (TE) is a national organization under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism;
The mission Tourism Ethiopia has is to transform tourism of the country in general by developing tourism products to world standards and marketing them to the global market.
In charge of the new cooperation with ATB is Musa Kedir, the Tourism Destination Development Senior Officer
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most beautiful countries and its landscapes are epic in both scale and beauty. Here is a place where you can trek more than 3000m above sea level (the Simien and Bale mountains) or visit the lowest place on the African continent, the Danakil Depression. In between, there are lush highlands and stirring deserts, vertiginous canyons and sweeping savannah, vast lakes and high plateaus. If you look hard enough, you’ll also find landmarks of great significance, from the source of the Blue Nile to, again, the mesmerizingly desolate Danakil Depression, peppered with an astonishing 25% of Africa’s active volcanoes.
Ethiopia, the only African country to have escaped European colonialism, has retained much of its cultural identity and its story is one of Africa’s most fascinating. It all begins with Lucy, one of our most celebrated ancient ancestors, moves effortlessly into the realm of ancient Aksum with its obelisks and echoes of the Queen of Sheba, and then takes on power and passion as Christianity, with mysterious echoes of Ancient Israel, takes center stage. And unlike so many other places in Africa, the ancients here left behind some extraordinary monuments to faith and power which serve as focal points for so many wonderful journeys.
When it comes to human cultures, Ethiopia has an embarrassment of riches. There are the Surmi, Afar, Mursi, Karo, Hamer, Nuer and Anuak, whose ancient customs and traditions have remained almost entirely intact. Venturing into these communities and staying among them is akin to receiving a privileged initiation into a forgotten world. A highlight of any trip here is witnessing one of the many festivals that are an integral part of the traditional culture, from age-old ceremonies marking rites of passage to Christian celebrations of singular passion, the impact upon those who witness such events can provide travel memories to last a lifetime.
The government in Ethiopia decided in 2013 that tourism could generate jobs, income and wealth just like any other economic sector.A tourism transformation council was established to provide direction to the industry and the ETO was created to handle marketing, promotion and product development.The tourism push coincided with a massive upsurge in foreign investment from China, India, Turkey and other nations that boosted GDP to annual growth rates of around 10%.With the Ethiopian economy going like gangbusters, tourism is slowly but surely moving toward the great expectations generated more than half a century ago.Several members of the private industry from Ethiopia already joined African Tourism Board.
CEO Doris Woerfel said: “We’re excited to work with Tourism Ethiopia in making Africa one tourism destination. Ethiopia brings so many new opportunities to promote tourism to Africa.”Founded in 2018, the African Tourism Board is an association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from, and within the African region. For more information and how to join, visit africantourismboard.com.
Tourism Solomons CEO invited to join PATA Board
Strong recognition for the Solomon Islands on the international tourism stage and huge kudos for Tourism Solomons with CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto invited to join the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) executive board.
The move follows Mr Tuamoto’s attendance at the ‘PATA Annual Summit 2019’ in Cebu, Philippines, last week where, taking part in a leadership debate, he gave an impassioned presentation on the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 8 – ‘Sustainable economic growth and decent jobs for all’.
The presentation, delivered in conjunction with his counterpart from the Guam Visitors Bureau, received a standing ovation from the hundreds of delegates attending the event.
Following this at the organisation’s annual general meeting, Mr Tuamoto was invited by PATA chair, Dr Chris Bottrill and the executive to join the board as a director, in the process becoming the first-ever Fijian to achieve the honour.
Describing the invitation as a “real feather in the cap” not just for the Solomon Islands but the entire Pacific region, CEO Tuamoto said he was extremely humbled by the invitation and to have so much trust placed in his hands by the leadership of the Asia-Pacific’s most highly respected travel industry organisation.
“This is indeed a prestigious honour and I would like to express my extreme gratitude for being given this amazing opportunity,” Mr Tuamoto said.
“Being appointed to the executive board and being able to contribute further to an organisation that does so much to help develop tourism-oriented opportunity for the Solomon Islands and beyond, to the entire Pacific region is indeed a privilege.”
The invitation to join the PATA board represents yet another major career milestone for Mr Tuamoto.
Prior to joining the then Solomon Island Visitors Bureau in 2013, he already had a strong profile on the international tourism scene.
As former CEO of Tourism Fiji, his vast overseas experience with the Fijian national tourist office included stints as Regional Director for both Australia and The Americas prior to his appointment to the dual CEO and international marketing director roles in 2008.
While with Tourism Fiji Mr Tuamoto was the catalyst and took personal management responsibility for the international repositioning of Fiji’s international tourism profile under the highly successful ‘Fiji Me’ branding.
He replicated that success on behalf of the Solomon Islands in mid-2018 as the driving force behind the move to rebrand Tourism Solomons and the concurrent launch of the extremely well-received and highly distinctive ‘Solomons Is.’ branding.
Mr Tuamoto’s activity on the regional tourism landscape includes the role of deputy chair for the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.
On the commercial front, his experience includes Director of Commercial Operations and a managing director role with the iconic Fiji-based Blue Lagoon Cruises.
He has also acted as a senior consultant to government bodies and major private sector organisations in several countries across the South Pacific region.
A graduate in mathematics and physics from the University of the South Pacific, Mr Tuamoto holds an MBA from the University of Wales in Cardiff.
He has also completed management studies at Harvard Business School in Massachusetts, the Wharton Business School in Pennsylvania, and the University of Hawaii.