The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) proudly celebrated the success of its Global Forum 2024, held in Costa Mesa, California, from September 19-22. This event marked APTA’s first Global Forum in the United States since before the COVID-19 pandemic, following the immense success of last year’s Forum in Cape Town, South Africa.
With 76 total participants, the Global Forum brought together a dynamic mix of travel advisors from North America and top-tier suppliers from across Africa. Attendees participated in two days of engaging presentations, networking opportunities, and the much-anticipated APTA Connect B2B sessions, which paired buyers with suppliers in two tailored, one-on-one meeting sessions.
“Our return to the U.S. for the Global Forum was a major milestone for APTA, and the turnout reflects the growing interest in African tourism among North American buyers,” said Jessie Tate, Acting Executive Director of APTA. “We’re thrilled with the energy, enthusiasm, and productive connections made here. The success of this year’s event only strengthens our commitment to continue building bridges between North America and Africa’s tourism industries.”
The three-day forum featured fantastic keynote speakers, including Melissa Sciacca from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Kim Livingstone from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and Karin Jones of Anastasia’s Africa, who shared insights on conservation, sustainability, and the future of African tourism. The APTA Connect B2B sessions were one of the event’s highlights, offering invaluable opportunities for North American travel advisors and African suppliers to foster strong business relationships in an intimate, structured setting.
As the Global Forum concluded, Jessie Tate, who has been much appreciated during her tenure as Acting Executive Director, announced her return to her role as head of APTA’s Virtual Chapter. The APTA Executive Board has appointed Todd Neuman as the organization’s new Executive Director. Neuman, a seasoned executive with over 35 years of experience in the airline and travel industries, most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer at AirlinePros International, and previously as Executive Vice President for the Americas at South African Airways. His extensive expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic planning across international markets will bring a fresh vision to APTA’s continued growth and impact.
The Global Forum was hosted at the stunning Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, located in the heart of Orange County. The closing evening, featuring the “Sundowners by Sea” event—a sunset cruise along Newport Bay—provided a perfect blend of networking and leisure, bringing the 2024 Forum to a memorable close.
Looking ahead to 2025, APTA is excited to announce that the Global Forum will return to Africa, as the organization plans to alternate the Forum’s location between Africa and the United States annually.
