Workshop Information*

2002 Africa Travel, Tourism and Gaming Trade Show and Conference

September 30-October 2, 2002

Atlantic City Convention Center | Atlantic City, New Jersey

Workshop 1A: Marketing Business and Leisure Travel to Africa

                       Tuesday, October 1, 2002 9:30-11:30am  RM: 404

Sponsored by: African Travel Association and Ethiopian Airlines

Description:

The workshop will first present a brief overview of the wealth of diversity of tourist attractions found across the African Continent, as well as the excellent infrastructure and facilities available to business travelers. The briefing will also cover the broad range of accommodations offered visitors that range from world class deluxe to budget, state-of-the-art conference centers and will review the increase in direct air access to the Continent from the US. The speakers will then address more specifically the topic of how to reach the vast untapped potential of American business and leisure travelers by targeting and developing special interest markets: business and corporate travelers, leisure, affinity and special interest groups travel including cultural heritage tours, meeting/conference and incentive travel.

Speakers:

H.E. Ambassador Daudi N. Mwakawago, Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations

Tewolde G. Mariam, Regional Director, The Americas, Ethiopian Airlines

Dr. Gaynelle S. Henderson-Baily, First Vice President, Africa Travel Association

Sunit Sanghrajka, Director of Operations, Big Five Tours & Expeditions/ Amtour Vacations, Inc.

Mira Berman, Executive Director, Africa Travel Association (Moderator)

Workshop 1B: Safety, Security and Cross Border Travel

                      Tuesday, October 1, 2002 9:30-11:30am  RM: 401

Sponsored by: The Corporate Council on Africa

Description:

Safety and Security while traveling in Africa is a concern to tourists and governments alike.  Ensuring the protection of foreign visitors is a priority for the African governments who rely on the tourism industry as a source of yearly revenue.  Tour operators, airlines and hotels find security precautions increasingly important in this time of increased concern for safety.  This workshop provides information on current security risks and offers participants advice on ensuring protection for travelers and tourists.

In Africa, tourism is often not limited to a visit to one country, but rather spread throughout a region as many national attractions are shared with neighboring countries.  This workshop also provides expert advice on issues related to traveling through multiple countries in Africa.

Speakers:

Kelley L. MacTavish – Mungar, Executive Director, Pearl of Africa Tours & Travel Limited.

Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Chairman, Air Mauritius

Leo Labaj, Director of Security Operations, Telemus Solutions

Ambassador Tom McDonald, Conference Chairman (Moderator)

 

Workshop 2A: Gaming: Economic Opportunities

                      Tuesday, October 1, 2002 2:00-4:00pm  RM: 404

Sponsored by: The U.S. Commercial Service

Description:

Since being instituted in the late 1970’s, the Gaming and Casino industry in Atlantic City has experienced tremendous growth and change. The industry, the State of New Jersey, and Atlantic City itself have all been partners in what most agree has been a very successful experiment?  This workshop will explore the origins of gaming in Atlantic City and the partnerships that were necessary to bring the industry into existence. The workshop will provide both the public and private sector audiences with an historical perspective in terms of the regulatory, legal, demographic, economic and social obstacles that were overcome in order to establish what is today an efficient, profitable and transparent regulatory environment to Atlantic City gaming. Also, workshop panelists will present information on what it takes to be a profitable gaming establishment in Atlantic City, what the gaming industry has given back to Atlantic City and the State of New Jersey, and how the industry is regulated today. Whether you are a prospective vendor/supplier looking to capitalize on the economic opportunities that exist doing business with the casinos, or a foreign government official exploring ways to establish gaming in your country or expand existing operations, you will find the information presented in this workshop of critical importance.

Speakers:

Mike Pollock, Editor and Publisher, Michael Pollack’s Gaming Industry Observer PRESENTATION

Michael A. Fedorko, Acting Chairman, New Jersey Casino Control Commission

James B. Kennedy, Executive Director, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority

Timothy Wilmot, President of the Casino Association of New Jersey

Joseph Hanley, Department of Commerce (moderator)

 

Workshop 2B: Ecotourism: A Practical Approach

                      Tuesday, October 1, 2002 2:00-4:00pm RM: 401

Sponsored by: The African Wildlife Foundation

Description:

Ecotourism encompasses a commitment to preserving natural resources, and developing a sense of social responsibility toward communities who are willing to coexist with large and sometimes dangerous wildlife literally “in their backyard.”  This workshop, presented by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), provides a practical overview of how ecotourism is successfully being utilized as a conservation strategy in Africa and throughout the rest of the world.  Beginning with an overview of AWF’s important work as a conservation NGO, the workshop brings together a group of wildlife conservation and travel industry specialists to discuss: 1) the principal characteristics of an ecotour, 2) the importance of inbound and outbound tour operator relationships when conceiving an itinerary, 3) architectural design of an eco-lodge, and 4) how to create and implement successful and sustainable community based development projects.  Upon completion of topic presentations, panelists will engage in a Q/A session with attendees.

Speakers:

Moses Kanene, Marketing Specialist, African Wildlife Foundation

Greg Greer, Director of Sales, International Expeditions

Hitesh Metah, EDSA

Craig Sholley, Program Development Officer, African Wildlife Foundation (Moderator)

 

Workshop 2.5: Overview and Perspectives on the Continent of Africa

                       Tuesday, October 1, 2002 4:15-5:30pm  RM: 404

Sponsored by:  The African Society

Description:

Most Americans do not know a great deal about the continent of Africa.  Even those individuals who have traveled to a country of two in Africa – or are doing business on the continent—may not have an overall view of the potential, contributions and challenges facing Africa’s 54 nations and their inhabitants.

These presenters will provide and educational and experienced perspective on the peoples, politics, economics and cultures of African countries, as well as a broad assessment of the business climate, according to region, throughout the continent.

Speakers:

Leonard Robinson, President and CEO, The Africa Society

Bernadette Paulo, Vice President, The Africa Society

PRESENTATION

 

Workshop 3A:  Tourism Infrastructure Projects

                        Wednesday, October 2, 2002 9:30-11:30am  Rm: 401

Description:

This workshop will provide information on infrastructure projects in various African countries by their respective Ministers of Tourism.  It is designed to show economic progress and highlight economic opportunities for participants. 

Speakers:

H.E. Nandcoomar Bodha, Minister of Tourism & Leisure, Mauritius

H.E. Alexandre Lyambabaje, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Rwanda

H.E. Ousmane Masseck Ndiaye, Minister of Tourism, Senegal

Workshop 3B:  Tourism as an Economic Driver

                        Wednesday, October 2, 2002 9:30-11:30am  RM: 404

Sponsored by:  The Corporate Council on Africa

Description:

Given Africa's natural resources and cultural heritage, the potential for tourism on the continent is exceptional.  Tourism to Africa is a source of economic growth and sustainable development.  Investment in the growing tourism sector of Africa provides good economic returns and as well as potential diversification into other areas.   This workshop will provide case studies on past and present tourism projects in Africa as well as practical advice on the “economics” of tourism, financially viable recommendations and an indepth look at the tourism industry in Mauritius. 

Speakers:

Iain Christie, World Bank PRESENTATION

Karl Mootoosamy, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Lincoln Marshall, Director of the Accelerated Master of Tourism Administration, The George Washington University PRESENTATION

Jacob Henderson, Vice President, Travel Service

Stephen Hayes, President, The Corporate Council on Africa (moderator)

 

Workshop 4A:  The Significance of COMESA Regional Integration on the Travel and

                        Tourism Industry in Africa

Sponsored by:  The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

Description: 

This workshop will focus on the programs that COMESA is implementing that have a significant impact on tourism.  This will include topics on air transport liberalization, telecommunication projects aimed at linking the whole region, protocol on free movement of persons in COMESA, road transport programs, trade and investment political risk insurance programs and the investment environment for tourism. 

Speakers:

Watipaso Mkandawire, Senior Investment Promotion Officer, Regional Investment Agency Unit, COMESA Secretariat

Julius Okara, Air Transport Project Coordinator, COMESA

PRESENTATION

Charisse Glassman, Office of Africa, COMESA Desk Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce (moderator)