Register for ITIC – WTM Africa Virtual Summit 7 – 8 April 2021
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ITIC and WTM AFRICA announce co-operation and launch of the Africa Virtual Tourism Investment Summit Series
ITIC Ltd – International Tourism and Investment Summit – has today announced a strategic alliance with WTM Africa (World Travel Market Africa) owned by Reed Exhibitions, leveraging each companies’ strengths and commitment to propel growth in travel and tourism through innovation in products, destination marketing and investment in sustainable development and infrastructure.
ITIC and WTM Africa will host the virtual Africa Tourism Investment Summit, which forms part of Africa Travel Week from the 7 – 9 April, and a further virtual event on 24 June 2021 to assist African countries, as well as worldwide delegates and clients, in their ambition to achieve their objectives and future growth potential.
The overall theme for the Conference series will be Africa: Post Covid-19 Investment Opportunities in Sustainable Tourism, covering the major aspects of the sector with an approach of ‘THINK TOURISM 360°’.
The Conference is designed to be the first in a series of virtual summits starting on 7 April and will feature a Ministerial Roundtable with senior government speakers representing African nations in a one-hour session from 12h30 to 13h30 CAT. The session on 8 April will run for two-and-a-half hours, from 10h30 to 13h00 CAT, featuring three topics covering re-setting business financing, travel and health in the post Covid-19 era and new project investment opportunities.
Each session in April will be a teaser and introduction for the Second Africa Virtual Tourism Investment Summit to be held on the 24 June 2021.
As part of Africa Travel Week Connect in the City, which will be an in-person event from 1 to 3 September in Cape Town, Africa Tourism Investment Summit and ITIC will host a deal room. On 2 September, project owners, investors and financiers will have the opportunity to meet in person with selected participants to showcase their development projects and funding requirements to prospective funders.
ITIC is a leader in providing B2B travel investment conferences and has developed as a specialised global tourisminvestment platform that brings together investors, financial and legal services, technology experts, government tourism ministers, tourism and travel industry leaders and professionals, policy makers and public and private project owners and developers to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
The company’s objective through its conferences is to unlock a diversity of investment and business opportunities in tourism and travel destinations around the world that can be aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda – Sustainable Development Goals.
Chairman of ITIC and former Secretary-General of UNWTO, Dr Taleb Rifai said: “Such an alliance between the WTM Africa and ITIC with their complementary services will inevitably present significant opportunities for the tourism and travel industry in the continent.”
This series of virtual and live conferences are designed to stand out as a sought-after platform to stimulate a new thought process focusing and discussing key global tourism challenges, business and investment opportunities in the sector with a special focus on Africa and its island destinations.
The conferences will also help drive international awareness and investments in Africa and surrounding Island destinations as well as act as a catalyst for growth. These will attract private equity firms, institutional investors, fund managers and influencers, who have the power to channel capital and to raise funds by using key regional Stock Exchanges to raise and structure funds to invest in live and bankable tourism projects.
Our objective is to make tourism a driver to boost and develop the other industries with the Eco-System in a sustainable manner – SME within different sectors to support the tourism industry – such agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology, textile and many of sectors of the economy to create employment, wealth within the country and for the benefit of the people.
Mr. Gerald Lawless, a Board Member of ITIC, WTTC Ambassador and former President and CEO of the Jumeirah group commented: “ITIC has become the catalyst and the platform for actually joining investors and the tourism industry together and by ensuring we understand what travel and tourism can do for small and large communities.”
Mr. Ibrahim Ayoub, Group CEO of ITIC and Organiser of the Summit with WTM Africa, said: “The International Tourism & Investment Conference (ITIC) working in partnership with WTM Africa provides an unique platform uniting a broad spectrum of stakeholders of the African and global tourism industries: tourism ministers, policy makers, tourism experts, tourism project owners, funding agencies, high-net-worth investors, bankers, private equity firms, fund managers, venture capitalists, family offices and law firms in order to tackle key global tourism challenges and investment opportunities in African and Island economies. We aim to bridge investments and innovation in tourism projects with a view to promoting inclusive growth and sustainable economic development for the benefit of the people.”
“ATIS is focused on stimulating the continent’s economic growth through one of our most valuable assets,” says Megan Oberholzer, Portfolio Director: Travel, Tourism & Creative Industries Portfolio for Reed Exhibitions South Africa.
“With investment being an important lifeblood for Africa’s Tourism sector, providing this extraordinary range of opportunities for collaboration not only in conjunction with Africa Travel Week, but throughout the year, will shine a spotlight on the major investment opportunities available.”
A post conference Concept Paper as a guideline to tourism investment will be made available to delegates and key tourism stakeholders.
For more information, please contact the Organiser of ITIC Mr. Ibrahim Ayoub at [email protected]
ABOUT THE ORGANISERS
ITIC UK
The London UK based ITIC Ltd – International Tourism and Investment Conference – facilitates challenging dialogue between tourism industry leaders and stakeholders on the sustainable development of tourism and travel in collaboration with governments, investors and project owners to create joint ventures that invest in developing innovative tourism and travel facilities, infrastructure and services that benefit all stakeholders, especially the host countries and their peoples.
Our team does extensive research and we provide valuable content, insights and market intelligence on tourism investment opportunities for the regions in which we operate. Complementing our conferences and investment services, we produce high quality corporate documents and publications, and promotions for our clients that add value and enhance the profile of their brands.
To find out more about ITIC and its International Tourism and Investment Conference programme in Africa, Bulgaria, Dubai, London UK, and elsewhere please see: www.itic.uk/videos
WTM AFRICA
World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events, online portals and virtual platforms across four continents, generating more than $7.5 billion of industry deals. The events are:
WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. More than 6,000 travel industry professionals attend Africa’s leading inbound and outbound travel and tourism market. WTM Africa delivers a proven mix of hosted buyers, media, pre-scheduled appointments, on-site networking, evening functions and invited travel trade visitors.
Next Virtual Event: Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 May 2021
Next Event: Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 April 2021 – Virtual http://africa.wtm.com/
IBTM Africa is the leading conference for the meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) industry in Africa and aims to inspire the business events world to deliver exceptional experiences for their customers. Targeting inbound business, IBTM Africa is the platform for African and Indian Ocean suppliers and international buyers to meet, network and transact business in a highly targeted and interactive environment.
Next Event: Wednesday 7 April to Friday 9 April, 2021 – Virtual
Arabian Travel Market (ATM)now on its 28th year, continues to be the focal point for the Middle East’s resilient and ever-changing travel and tourism landscape and prides itself on being the hub of all travel and tourism ideas, providing a platform to discuss insights on the ever-changing industry, share innovations and unlock endless business opportunities. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #IdeasArriveHere
Next in-person event: Sunday 16 to Wednesday 19 May 2021, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
Next Virtual Event: Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 May 2021
ITIC Middle East Tourism Investment Summits
ITIC Global Tourism Investment Summit – INVEST, FINANCE & REBUILD
Watch ITIC Ministerial Panel and Full 10-hour Virtual Summit
as it was live streamed on Monday 9 November & Tuesday 10 November 2021
Monday, 09 November 2020
Tuesday, 10 November 2020
Paul Hoskins
Director
ITIC Ltd & Invest Tourism Ltd
Paul Hoskins is a director of London based companies ITIC Ltd – International Tourism Investment Conferences, Invest Tourism Ltd and founder director of the FULCRUM Travel Marketing+PR consultancy.
Following graduation in travel management and business studies from the City of London College, Paul has worked for more than thirty five years as a business travel, tourism and hospitality marketing consultant, travel agent and tour operator. With extensive experience in corporate and interim management, destination promotion, communications, conference moderating, media relations, broadcasting, health-care and property management.
Paul is a member of the Institute of Directors, the Reform Club, President of Skal International London UK, immediate past President of Skal International United Kingdom and executive committee member and former Chairman of PATA – the Pacific Asia Travel Association – UK & Ireland Chapter.
H.E. Mr. Nayef Hmeidi Al-Fayez
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
Jordan
H.E. Nayef Hmeidi Al-Fayez has served as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and Minster of Environment of Jordan several times.He has recently been appointed as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities on 12/10/2020.
After obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science and international relations from Brigham Young University in the United States. Al Fayez started his career as assistant chief of Royal Protocol at the Royal Hashemite Court, and worked closely to His late Majesty King Hussein bin Talal and His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah.
In 2006 he moved to work in advanced positions in the Jordanian government, especially in the field of tourism development, and headed several leading institutions and companies specialized in the field of tourism, environment, and development such as the Jordan Tourism Board, the National Company for Tourism Development, the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts – Les Roches, the Jordan Heritage Revival Company, the Jordan Oil Terminals Company “Jotic”, the National Microfinance Bank, and the Jordanian Microfinance National Network “Tanmia”.
He also participated in the membership of several bodies and committees such as the Baptism Site board of trustees and the higher steering committee of Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND).
He has participated and represented Jordan in many conferences and international events as an expert on Tourism, Environment, and sustainable development.
Al Fayez holds several Orders of Merit and Medals on local and international levels.
Suha Al Arda
Vice President – Treasury &
Managements Accounts – Finance
Royal Jordanian Airlines
Bilingual financial management professional, with an MBA (finance) and BSc in Computer Science, and with over 13 years of proven private sector experience in core areas of financial planning, analysis treasury and project management. Excellent analytical, writing, presentational and interpersonal skills.
EXPERIENCE- Over 13 years of experience in financial planning and analysis.
- Strategic planning, devising policies and procedures, supporting special projects.
- Participating in, and informing, senior management decision making.
- Human resource management – experience leading and managing teams.
- Proven experience as a fast learner able to deliver – joined RJ in 2007 at entry level and reached the highest level in only 9 years (one of the fastest promotion track among all RJ employees).
- MBA (Finance), New York Institute of Technology, Amman, Jordan (2005-2007). GPA: 3.95. Ranked 19th out of all MBA students in Jordanian universities 2007.
- B.Sc. Computer Science, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan (1996-2000).
- Vice President Treasury and Management Accounts, Finance Department, Royal Jordanian Airline (Sep 2019 – current)
- Head of Treasury, Finance Department, Royal Jordanian Airline (Jan 2016 – current)
- Manager, Management Accounts Section, Finance Department, Royal Jordanian Airline (Jan 2012 – Dec 2012)
- Team Leader, Financial Reporting and Budgeting, Management Accounts Section, Finance Department, Royal Jordanian Airline (Aug 2007 – Dec 2011)
- Member of the Board of Directors for Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Company Joramco representing RJ from (Oct 2019 – current)
- Member of the Board of Directors for Alpha Catering Company representing RJ from (Oct 2016 – Oct 2019)
- Member of IATA Airline Cost Management Group Steering Committee
- Member of Middle East Leadership Academy
Lerato Mbele
Presenter, Talking Business Africa
BBC World News
Lerato Mbele is presenter of Talking Business Africa and co-presenter of In Business Africa, two of BBC World flagship African programmes.
Lerato joined the BBC in 2012 as presenter of the renowned breakfast radio programme, Newsday, on BBC World Service. She then joined the Africa Business Report team, fronting the weekly television show until 2018 when Talking Business Africa and In Business Africa were launched in its place.
Prior to joining the BBC, Lerato served as a Senior Business Anchor for CNBC Africa when it launched in 2007. She hosted a variety of business focused programming and specials including presidential debates and the live CNBC Africa Debate at the World Economic Forum in Africa in 2009. Lerato was also previously the co-editor of Designing Democracy, an Anti-Poverty Ambassador for the Southern Africa Trust and a recipient of literature awards from the World Association of University of Women.
Lerato began her journalism career in 1999 at South Africa’s state-owned broadcaster The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). She eventually served as an anchor for the channel’s daily news show News at 10 and also fronted the weekly show, The Ambassadors.
Lerato has interviewed notable political figures, including Nobel Peace Prize laureates Kofi Annan, Wangari Maathai and F.W de Klerk, and has also interviewed Bill Gates, Olusegun Obansanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Uhuru Kenyatta.
Lerato is a Chevening Scholar and a regular speaker at conferences and televised debates, having participated the World Bank and IMF annual meeting in Washington DC and the UN Climate Change Summit COP17 in 2011. She also holds an MSc degree in Development Studies from The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. In March 2014 Lerato was named by the World Economic Forum as one of its Young Global Leaders for 2014.
Gavin Watts
Client Transformation and Delivery Director
Yoti
Gavin has over two decades of experience across the aviation and government sectors, gained through a flying career in the Royal Air Force and as the operations manager at Gatwick. More recently, Gavin has delivered major transformation projects for central government departments whilst working for tier 1 consultancies. Heading the aviation offering at Yoti, Gavin has been instrumental in the success with Heathrow airport, exploring the use of remote enrollment of biometrics for seamless journeys and more recently the trials of rapid point of care COVID testing.
Angus Urquhart
Sales Director
GeneMe UK
Angus is an experienced commercial leader with over 25 years working in senior roles in sales and marketing. He began his career at the largest newspaper in the United States – USA TODAY where he worked with many of the world’s most iconic aviation and travel brands. He then worked at Ink Global where he was a group publisher of many major travel partners such as KLM, United Airlines, Eurostar, EasyJet, RyanAir, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines amongst others.
He moved into technology where he launched the world’s first digital watch magazine and took the largest digital news-stand into Europe before becoming involved in digital marketing and working with Katalystt on a variety of projects in this space including WeChat. He is the Sales Director of GeneMe UK and brings his extensive commercial leadership skills to oversee the development of the FRANKD kits usage in multiple sectors.