Seychelles tourism personality Alain St.Ange was recognised for his exemplary work and contribution to the growth of the sector in Africa at the Africa Travel 100 Global Personalities Awards presentation, which formed part of the Africa Diaspora Tourism Conference, held in Lagos on September 23rd as part of the 15th Akwaaba African Travel Market, which took place in Nigeria from September 22nd to 24th, 2019.
As the current President of the African Tourism Board and former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, St.Ange has been instrumental in creating avenues for the continued growth of tourism in Africa. “I thank wholeheartedly the African Tourism Diaspora for this wonderful recognition,” said St.Ange as he collected his award.
Speaking at the Africa Diaspora Tourism Conference prior to the awards, St.Ange said; “Africa must decide to use all of its assets and key USPs to reposition Africa.” To great applause from delegates in attendance, St.Ange spoke from his heart, begging African countries to work together in positioning the continent and its Indian Ocean Islands at the forefront of global tourism.
The Executive director of Africa Diaspora Awards, Kitty Pope said “I am so excited to be a part of this project and 2019 marks the 400 years of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. This event finally reconnects Africa and it’s Diaspora in the right way through Travel and Tourism.”
The Organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, in his response said; “We organised the Africa Travel 100 Women Awards in 2017, and women in tourism groups in Africa took off. Then, in 2018 we organised the Africa Travel 100 Awards for Tour Operators and organised the first African Tour Operators Summit. Finally, the Africa Travel 100 Global Personalities Awards brings together all the major players in Africa and the Diaspora. This collaboration with Kitty Pope and her organisation will help energise collaborations across the seas.”
Akwaaba Travel Market has grown to become the most important African Tourism marketing platform in West Africa, drawing attendance from over 20 countries. The Travel Fair not only boasts a large number of visitors but also excels in the promotion of the Exhibitors from the region’s leading hotels, airlines, travel agents, tour operators and related industry suppliers that participates in the event.
