The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) has announced a transformative step in its leadership by appointing two highly respected industry veterans to key roles. With Kgomotso Ramothea stepping in as the association’s first African female CEO and James Haigh taking on the role of Chair from October 2024, the appointments mark a significant chapter in ATTA’s ongoing mission to lead and strengthen tourism growth across the African continent.

Kgomotso, with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her new role. She previously served as the Acting Hub Head for South African Tourism in the United Kingdom, where she managed marketing strategies across the UK and Ireland. Her appointment is widely seen as a move to solidify ATTA’s position as Africa’s largest tourism network, while also promoting inclusivity and reinforcing the importance of African leadership in the global tourism space.

In her first statement as CEO, Kgomotso expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization and outlined her vision for the future:

“I am honoured to take on this pivotal role at ATTA and committed to driving inclusive growth in tourism to Africa. The team will be focused on reinforcing the existing trust the organisation enjoys amongst stakeholders and ensuring ATTA remains relevant and indispensable to members’ businesses, through events and other tangible benefits.”

Kgomotso is set to lead ATTA’s initiatives from the organization’s new office, collaborating closely with Chris Mears, who serves as CEO of ATTA Events. Together, they will work to enhance the impact of ATTA’s efforts, providing members with resources, networking opportunities, and strategic direction through the organization’s well-established events portfolio.

A New Chapter of Leadership: James Haigh Takes the Helm as ATTA’s New Chair

James Haigh will take over the role of Chair of ATTA from outgoing Chair Nick Aslin in October 2024. With over 25 years of experience working across several African countries—including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa—James is no stranger to the complexities and opportunities within Africa’s tourism landscape. His extensive background in the tourism industry, which includes consultancy work in Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe, makes him well-suited to guide ATTA’s strategic vision and support Kgomotso in driving the organization forward.

James’ in-depth knowledge of African tourism dynamics, combined with his leadership experience, positions him to build on ATTA’s already strong foundation and drive future growth. His appointment comes at a time when the organization is poised to expand its reach, offering more benefits to its members and promoting sustainable tourism across the continent.

James acknowledged the significant role he will play in shaping the future of ATTA, stating that his focus will be on fostering growth and enhancing the association’s visibility as the leading authority on African tourism:

“I am excited to step into this new role and look forward to working alongside Kgomotso and the talented team at ATTA. My goal is to continue building on the excellent work that has already been done and to explore new opportunities for growth and development in Africa’s tourism industry.”

Strengthening ATTA’s Role as the Voice of African Tourism

The appointments of Kgomotso and James are being seen as a strategic move to enhance ATTA’s role as the leading authority and trusted voice of tourism in Africa. Nigel Vere Nicoll, the President and Group Managing Director of ATTA, expressed confidence in the new leadership team, noting that their combined experience will directly benefit ATTA’s members and contribute to the growth of tourism across Africa.

Nigel commented:

“We are pleased to have both Kgomotso and James leading the direction of ATTA, and we know that their extensive experience across Africa’s travel and tourism industry will directly benefit members. This is a crucial time for the tourism sector, and having such strong leadership in place will ensure ATTA’s continued success and relevance.”

With their leadership, Kgomotso and James are expected to steer ATTA through a new phase of growth, focusing on key initiatives that drive tourism to Africa, promote sustainable travel, and enhance collaboration between industry stakeholders. Their appointments come at a time when the African tourism industry is emerging from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is a renewed sense of optimism for the future of travel across the continent.

Future Outlook: Inclusive Growth and New Opportunities

Kgomotso’s leadership at ATTA represents a new era, not only for the organization but also for African tourism as a whole. Her appointment as the first African female CEO signals a commitment to inclusive growth in the sector, a key priority as African tourism continues to expand on the global stage. Her experience in UK and Irish markets, combined with her deep understanding of African tourism, will allow ATTA to strengthen ties with international partners and drive more travel to Africa.

As ATTA continues to support its members through events, networking opportunities, and strategic partnerships, the appointments of Kgomotso and James signal a future filled with new opportunities and enhanced collaboration. The African tourism industry stands to benefit from their leadership as they guide the organization toward new heights and continue to promote Africa as a premier travel destination.

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