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"I
am Angola, a land that holds great promise in the
many avenues of travel, tourism and hospitality -
growth industries destined to employ and involve an
increasing number of my citizens as time marches
on. I greet you and invite you to explore all
corners of the land, where you will meet a cross
section of my people, whose warmth and friendship
will remain in your hearts and minds for a
lifetime. " Angola
Welcomes the World! Travel and Tourism on Fast
Track! Hear
Interviews on TravelTalk
Radio direct
from Luanda with Hon. Eduardo Chingunji, Lance
Bailey, Gaynelle Henderson Bailey, Jerry W. Bird,
Chief Margaret Fabiyi, Robert Eilets, George
D'Angelo and Terry Leonard of Associated Press. A
similar broadcast with ATA Executive Director Mira
Berman and others will be online soon.
Exploring
the Host City:
In
late October, 2005 the stage was set, as delegates,
speakers and dignitaries from Africa, the USA and
Canada began arriving in Luanda. Some came in
advance and seized the opportunity to discover the
host city's scenic and cultural attractions,
starting with a leisurely stroll along the
'marginal,' a wide pedestrian seawalk that extends
from Le Presidente Meridien hotel, the Port
Authority and Tourism Ministry offices for ten or
more city blocks. The Portuguese colonial
architecture is magnificent, with edifices such as
the rose colored Banco de Angola; building cranes
on the skyline attest to the rapid development
taking place. The Tourism Ministry provided a bus
trip around the peninsula, where a miniature Coney
Island anchors the far end of the narrow strip, and
facing the ocean on both sides of the road is a
string of delightful beach front restaurants for
every taste, many with lively, upbeat
entertainment, discos and casinos. Rui, our tour
director, treated us to refreshments at his
personal Hernando's hideaway, a laid back bistro
called Coconuts, where you could drink, dine or dip
and dive in the rolling surf. Other stops included
a shopping spree at the Artesanat Market and a
'cooler' at Jango Veleiro. An evening cocktail
party at Le Presidente Meridien gave visitors a
chance to rub elbows with their host country
colleagues. The
Ramparts We Watched:
The
most breathtaking views of Luanda port and the bay
area, are seen from the historic white-walled Sao
Miguel Fort, perched like a proud sentinel high
above the city. From here, Luanda Bay, with its
many shades of blue, is lined to the horizon with
craft of all types, sailboats, sleek motor
launches, barges and freighters. Inside the fort,
elaborate ceramic tiles tell the story of Angola
from early years, and in the courtyard are large,
imposing statues of Portugal's first king, renowned
explorer Vasco de Gama and other notables. Rusty
relics of the recent civil war, mark the Armed
Forces Museum on this site as a living testament to
the folly of war and the hopeful emergence of Peace
Through Tourism. Today's only battles are in the
Olympics and on the basketball court, where
Angola's stars shine, and on the football field,
where the Angola team has qualified for the World
Cup for the first time. While we stood there in awe
of this national treasure, a crew was rolling out
reams of red carpet for an Independence Day event,
one of many activities held at Luanda's most famous
landmark. An
outstanding dinner cruise by motor launch to
Mussulo,
one of the sun-kissed, palm fringed islets on
Luanda Bay, rounded out our taste of a great city
that is about to reclaim its stature, not only as a
magnet for business, but as a fun place for
visitors from many lands. Getting
Down to Business: The
opening ceremony on Monday October 31 at the Palace
of the Congress, featured addresses by H.E. Eduardo
J. S. Chingunji, MP, Minister of Hotels and
Tourism, Republic of Angola, the U.S. Ambassador
Cynthia Grissom Efird (who hosted ATA delegates at
her residence later in the week), ATA Executive
Director Mira Berman and ATA First Vice President
Gaynelle Henderson-Bailey. As Honorary Chapter
President, the Minister stated, "After Angola
became an effective member of the Africa Travel
Association, the inauguration of the Angolan
chapter on the 27 of October 2005 represented the
high point in the structural and organizational
process of its participation in this important
institution." He went on to say, "The gathering of
such distinguished individuals here today, to help
launch the Angola chapter is proof that ATA can
count on the goodwill and solidarity of the people
of the land of the Palanca Negra and the Weltwishia
Mirabilis represented by the members of this
chapter." If it is
Good News - it Must be Africa :
"Using
the Media to Change the Way the World Looks at
Africa, " was the theme for an International Media
Panel moderated by Karen Hoffman, ATA Press
Director and Vice President, The Bradford Group,
New York. Panelists included Charles Gatt Jr.,
Publisher, Travel World News; Jerry W. Bird, Editor
and Publisher, Africa Travel Magazine; Terry
Leonard, Southern Africa Bureau Chief, Associated
Press and Sandy Dhuyvetter, President, TravelTalk
Radio. This working luncheon provided tips on
getting the good news about Angola and other
African destinations out via print, broadcast and
the internet media. Of special note is the fact
that the entire event through November 4, was
recorded on video and audio by TravelTalk Radio for
broadcast throughout the USA and worldwide. Many of
the symposium participants were interviewed and the
results may be seen and heard on the
internet. The
Cultural Foundations of Tourism:
Moderator
for this lively panel was Dr. Gaynelle Henderson-
Bailey of Henderson Travel Services, ATA First Vice
President. Key topics included: Outcome of the ATA
Eighth Cultural and Ecotourism Symposium in Kampala
- by H.E. Akaki Ayumu Jovino, Minister of State for
Tourism and Antiquities, Republic of Uganda. Last
year's symposium was a significant landmark, as it
was the first time a head of state, in this case,
H.E. President Museveni, made a personal
invitation, and Uganda's First Lady became patron
of the country's first ATA chapter. •
Tourism attractions in Urban Cultural Venues within
the African Continent- by Patricia Walker, The
Cultural Explorer. •
National Heritage Conservation Commission of Zambia
- by Maxwell Zulu, Education
Officer. •
South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs
and Tourism - by Violet Tsepane. South Africa has
been an ATA success story, with chapters in four
provinces, and more on the way. Ms. Tsepane
stressed the importance of members attending Indaba
2006 Conference and Trade Show, to be held at a
convenient time, following the 31st ATA World
Congress in Ghana, May, 2006. Historical
Impact of the Slave Route on African Tourism An
inauguration of the Craft, Cultural and Tourism
Fair was held across Luanda Bay near the Panorama
Hotel. The
Tourism Factor of Understanding and World
Peace: Panel
Chairman was H.E. Minister Eduardo J.S. Chingunji.
Louis D' Amore, CEO and founder of the
International Institute of Peace Through Tourism
served as moderator.
Topics
included: The ATA- PATA Factor. Mr. D'Amore spoke
of the historic memorandum signed in Thailand that
unites the Africa Travel Association and the
Pacific Asia Travel Association, a major step in
the global reach of both organizations. He quoted
from the latest edition of Compass, PATA's
magazine, entitled "Getting the Asia-Africa Show On
The Road." Another important news item is the fact
that Uganda will host the 4th Africa Conference of
Peace Through Tourism, an ATA-IIPT
event. •
Miracle Corners of the World and New York
University - by Eddie Bergman and Robert Alsbrooks,
co-founders of MCW. This organization has enjoyed
considerable success in a short time, with projects
in Tanzania and West Africa. •
Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Republic of Kenya
- by Rebecca Nabutola, Permanent Secretary. Ms.
Nabutola related the experience, where her
Ministry, being deprived temporarily of its
traditional markets in Europe and North America,
aggressively sought and captured new market areas
in Asia. Today Kenya is enjoying further success as
visits from original markets return. •
Community Outreach and Training - by Justina Wake,
Director of Tourism, Republic of Zambia. According
to Ms. Wake, Community Based Tourism involves
training and establishing initiatives in the areas
where the poor people live - making locals aware of
opportunities to engage in tourism enterprises. She
cited examples such as building a community lodge
or tourism village and cultural center. The people
are then provided business skills, and in creating
markets for arts, crafts, basketry, agricultural
products and other items for sale to tourists or to
nearby lodges and restaurants. Ms. Wake made
special reference to the Bush Camps Company in
Zambia's Luangwa Valley, which has formed a network
of more than 50 members (www.itswild.org). "When
local communities generate economic benefits from
these natural and cultural resources through
tourism, they are most likely to appreciate and
contribute more to sustainable development of the
tourism industry," she said. Tourism
Development, Marketing and Training:
One
of ATA's perennial favorites, the marketing panel
was moderated by Marlene Melton of New York City,
owner of African Ventures Inc. , who spoke on
Marketing Africa to North America. Her program
included: •
From Malta to The Gambia, Libya, Togo and Tunisia.
Corinthia Hotels International - by Fumeke Mary
Sarr, General Manager, Hotel 12 Fevrier,
Togo. •
Training as Primary Focal Point for Tourism
Development - by Harold J. Cook, Henderson Travel
Services. •
ATA and Nigeria Liaison - by Chief Margaret Fabiyi,
Webisco Travel and Tours. •
Marketing and Development of Tourism in Post War
African Countries - by Patricia Brown, Kambi Travel
International. Kwanza
River, Quissama National Park Excursion:
The
Minister of Hotels and Tourism in his wisdom
decided it would be worthwhile to expose ATA
delegates to as much of this beautiful country as
possible. An afternoon bus tour to the National
Park of Quissama, sponsored by the Association of
Travel Agents and Tour Operators of Angola,
included a stop at the Slave Route Museum and a
geographical phenomenon Angolans call the "Moon
View" because of its resemblance to the surface of
a small planet. Another stop included the Craft
Market, where many of the delegates helped the
local economy by purchasing artwork and souvenirs.
Typical purchases include items of ebony, rosewood,
straw, malachite, bronze and pottery. Wooden masks
and musical instruments, including marimbas
kissanges, xingufos, ankle rattles and drums are
popular. The route was south along the coast, with
the ocean in view, affording great scenery and an
opportunity to observe some of the swank, upscale
residential communities springing up - signs of an
imminent real estate boom. In mid afternoon, ATA
delegates walked across the Kwanza River Bridge,
and prior to luncheon they were greeted by members
of the Association of Hotel and Restaurant
Operators of Angola. By the way, "kwanza" is also
the name for Angola's main currency. Flight to
the Land of Diamonds:
It
is common knowledge that when you mention diamonds
and Angola in the same sentence, people are all
ears and their eyes grow wider. This beautiful,
bountiful country ranks high on the world scene for
this precious gem in addition to its rich oil
reserves. Host Country Day, Wednesday November 2
began with a flight via Fokker 50 to the Province
of Lunda Sul Saurimo, organized by the National
Diamond Company, Endiama E.P. The day's activities
included a meeting with H.E. the Governor of Lunda
Sul and a presentation of the Catoca project by the
PCA of Endiama. ATA delegates then visited a hydro
electric dam project, and the diamond mine and
plant facilities at Catoca. Members stayed
overnight in the area, returning to Luanda the
following morning. Impact of
Tourism on the Environment:
The
above theme, and its related topic, "Using Natural
Resources for the Development of Ecological
Tourism" were the focus of a panel moderated by
H.E. Rejoice Thizwilondi Mabudafhasi, Deputy
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
Republic of South Africa, who was also a speaker.
Her program included: •
Best Practices - by Dr. Bane Maleke, Manager
African Partnerships, Development Bank of Southern
Africa. •
Urbanization Within Sustainable Tourism - by Lance
Bailey, Architect. Mr. Bailey provided an
insightful presentation on factors of urbanization
that impact specifically onAfrica, such as the fact
that this continent has created so many of the
world's 'mega cities. ' The number is rising, which
calls for special initiatives to be implemented in
the immediate future. •
Case Study from Ngorongoro Conservation Area,
United Republic of Tanzania - by Victor
Runyoro. Fashion
Finale and Gala Evening:
ATA
events always end with a flair, and this occasion
was no exception, thanks to an outstanding fashion
show, followed by cultural entertainment and
dancing until the wee hours. Angolans love to party
- and showed their visitors what great hosts they
can be. Most ATA members were amazed at how quickly
the week went by and how many topics were covered
in depth. They come to share knowledge and to learn
as much as possible about the host country. What
they now know about Angola, will be welcome news
for the entire travel industry. Pioneers
in Ecotourism: As
of this year, ATA has held events in over 30
African cities. The Africa Travel Association (ATA)
is an international, nonprofit, nonpolitical travel
industry association, established in 1975 to
promote tourism to the continent of Africa. Its
membership includes African government ministries
and tourism offices, airlines, hotels, cruise
lines, tour operators, travel agents, tourism
educators, media and public relations firms. ATA
has chapters throughout Africa and North America;
is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel
Agents), WTO (World Tourism Organization), an
industry partner with ARTA (Association of Retail
Travel Agents), a founding member of the Coalition
of Partners for IIPT, International Institute for
Peace through Tourism; and a Green Globe
member. Each
major event organized by the Africa Travel
Association (ATA ) and hosted by a different
African Country is another step in Africa's march
towards a better future through tourism. The first
Ecotourism Symposium was held in Saly/ Dakar
Senegal in 1992, and its previous symposium was in
Kampala, Uganda at the personal invitation of
President Museveni. With eyes on the Asian market,
ATA sent African delegations and keynote speaker to
the World Tourism Summit at Nanjing,
China. Africa
Showcase in America:
To
create an even greater positive presence for
Africa, ATA exhibits anchor an Africa Village
Section at Adventure Travel Expos and Travel
Industry Trade Shows across North America. These
year round, big city, face-to-face encounters are
creating a valuable opportunity for African tourism
destinations to reach and influence potential
visitors in previously untapped markets. ATA has
also reached out to the academic community,
providing tourism panels at the Harvard Business
School's Annual Conference on Africa for two
successive years. Further examples are University
of Illinois, Wharton School Business, an outreach
program at Munroe College, and Miracle Corners of
the World, a New York University inspired project
that delivers books and medical supplies. The
Association publishes a quarterly Africa Travel
Magazine and has a 2,600 page web site that often
ranks #1 for Africa related searches on Google and
Yahoo. Speaking
about Angola: If
the country could speak, it might say. "I am
Angola, a land that holds great promise in the many
avenues of travel, tourism and hospitality - growth
industries destined to employ and involve an
increasing number of my citizens as time marches
on. I greet you and invite you to explore all
corners of the land, where you will meet a cross
section of my people, whose warmth and friendship
will remain in your hearts and minds for a
lifetime. Many strong and lasting bonds will be
formed in Luanda as a result of this fall season of
your association's 30th Jubilee
year.". Facts
Worth Knowing: Angola
has a population of 12 million and is bordered by
Namibia, Zambia and Congo, with the Atlantic Ocean
to the west. Angolans speak a combination of
Portuguese and Bantu languages and the currency is
Kwanza (Kzr). The country's main exports are
petroleum products, diamonds, minerals, coffee,
fish, timber, cotton, sisal and other agricultural
products. From here on the Congo river, Sir Henry
Morton Stanley began his historic trip into the
heart of Africa in search of the famous Dr. David
Livingstone. Being a resource rich country,
Angola's many natural resources make it one of
Africa's wealthiest nations. Oil: Fueling Angola's
Economy. Angola, the second largest oil producer in
sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria, is pumping
760,000 barrels a day from its vast offshore oil
fields. This production, which accounts for more
than 40 percent of Angola's Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) and as much as 90 percent of government
revenues, is expected to top one million barrels a
day when new oil fields come on stream. Continuing
exploration, particularly in the deepwater blocks,
is finding new reserves faster than oil companies
are depleting old ones. Angola ranks third behind
Iran and Saudi Arabia in new oil discoveries.
Angola's climate varies depending on the altitude -
the warmest months being September and October,
while the coolest are July and August. Mountains
rise from the coast, leveling to a plateau which
makes up most of the country. The northern plateau
is thickly vegetated while to the south the country
becomes increasingly arid. Lightweight casual wear
may be worn year round. U.S. dollars are widely
accepted. Contact
Karen Hoffman,
africatravelasso@aol.com,
212 447 1926, fax 212 725 8253. Web site:
http://www.africa-ata.org The
Embassy of The Republic of Angola 2100-2108
16th Street, NW, Washington, DC
20009 202-785-1156
phone, 202-785-1258 fax Web
site: http://www.angola.org
More
city and country pages are available on our |
Angola
is a success story in the making -- a fascinating,
uplifting saga of recovery, renewal, revival,
restoration, and a massive face-lift for Luanda and
points beyond. Shout it from the rooftops ...
"Peace has come to Angola -- at last it can be
told." This resource rich republic on Africa's
South Atlantic Coast has finally escaped the
shackles and shadows of its topsy turvy past, and
is becoming a shining example for emerging
countries around the world. Thanks to its presence
in Angola, the Africa Travel Association (ATA) is
the first international tourism organization to
spread the good news far and wide, in North America
and to its growing global audience. I saw the signs
a few years ago, when Angola exhibited at an ATA
Congress Trade Show. That positive move signaled
the country's desire to get back on track for
tourism -- and due to continued efforts by H.E.
Eduardo Jonatáo. S. Chingunji, Minister for
Hotels and Tourism, ATA has become the platform for
Angola's happy return. Not only was ATA's Ninth
International Cultural and Ecotourism Symposium
awarded the prestige of a state event, a
significant, lasting benefit was the inauguration
of an active Angola Chapter of the Africa Travel
Association, with the Minister as Honorary
President and First Lady Dr. Ana Paula dos Santos
as its Patron.