Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/244474
•Pg_68-82__BMT_pg86-162 1/9/14 1:23 AM Page 71 F RO M T H E M OT H E R L A N D AFRICA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION HOLDS 38TH ANNUAL WORLD CONGRESS IN BUEA, SOUTHWEST CAMEROON International Event Convenes Delegates From Business, Government and the Non-Profit Sectors to Explore Cameroon's Newest Attractions in the Southwest Region. Cameroon Delegates Emphasize Importance of Attracting U.S. Tourist Arrivals and Investment. The Africa Travel Association, the leader in tourism promotion to Africa, held its 38th Annual Congress in Buea, Cameroon from October 1620, 2013. Under the banner of "Re-Discovering Cameroon," nearly 200 international and local delegates, including tourism ministers from Cameroon, Uganda and Zimbabwe and representatives from the public and private sectors, gathered at the newly-opened Mountain Hotel to be "re-discovered" time and again, particularly when there is so much "to newly discover, given the country's incredible tourist potential, natural resources, cultural diversity, peaceful cohabitation of religions and political stability, which makes our country a tourist El Dorado, known as "All Africa in one country." Also building on the theme, ATA's executive director challenged the delegates to take a new look at Cameroon and to share ideas and insights on how to grow the industry and refine products. "Please consider how we can diversify a country's attractions by investing in new niche tourism products; please also consider how the public and private sectors can partner together to support the packaging and growth of tourism in the region." REACHING OUT TO THE U.S. MARKEt Throughout the deliberations the Cameroon delegates from both the government and private sector emphasized their desire to connect with the North American market. In his remarks, Minister Bella Bouba Maigari spoke about the importance of turning Cameroon's diversity into innovative products that could be sold to the North American marATA Executive Director, NEPAD representative and Uganda's Minister of Tourism — in Buea, Sud-Ouest, Cameroon. ketplace. He said, "The explore how tourism is one of the most promising industries across Government is determined to spare no effort in order to boost up the Africa and an evolving industry in Cameroon. tourism industry," announcing that Cameroon recently opened a new The Congress was hosted by the Cameroon Ministry of tourism information bureau office in Washington, D.C. Tourism and Leisure under the auspices of Honorable Minister of A number of U.S.-based speakers explored this topic in their presenState, Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Bella Bouba Maigar i. In his tations. John Riggin, president of Partner Concepts, spoke about how to opening remarks, the Minister said, "The 38th edition of ATA's promote a successful African destination, product or service in the U.S. Congress in Buea is taking place at a time when tourism, a sector market. Bianca Menendez, Political/Economic Chief at the U.S. with a strong added value that cuts across sectors, is ranked as one Embassy, spoke about the realities of doing business in Cameroon; and of the biggest industries in the world. The important role it plays in Mark Walton, Managing director of Onyx Global Marketing, spoke Cameroon's economy contributes significantly to improving the about strategies and tactics for a country to adopt to improve its brand. trade balance." For more information about ATA, visit http://www.africatravelassoDrawing on the theme of the event, the Minister said Cameroon will ciation.org/. B M & T ••• November/December 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 71