Two months ago, the African Tourism Board Marketing in Dallas, Texas, announced that national and regional tourism boards and their stakeholders across Africa were invited to join the ATB USA initiative and jointly increase their footprint to attract American travelers to their destinations and businesses.
Depending on resources, ATB USA’s current focus is on reaching out to secondary markets in US regions often overlooked, such as Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, and Chicago. ATB USA plans to include opportunities for niche markets such as Ageless Travelers (60,+) filmmakers, MICE, and investment companies to look at Africa.
Thanks to increased direct and indirect air links, Africa is now easy to reach for most American travelers.
The African Tourism Board Marketing Corporation is independent of the Eswatini-based African Tourism Board and is not involved in political issues.
Today, African Tourism Board Marketing founder Juergen Steinmetz is excited to welcome Mr. Francis Gichabe, the Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Board of directors, to the team as the new VP for Africa. Mr. Gichabe has accepted the role of Vice President of the African Tourism Board Marketing Corporation.
Steinmetz said,” Francis’s joining us will jumpstart our plan to become the number one tourism board representation in the United States within the next 12 months. We have one common goal: to increase tourism exports for our members across the African continent.
Beyond the Plains African Safaris, also based in Kenya, was one of the first private stakeholders to join this initiative, along with West Africa-based Africa For Tourism, Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. Uganda Tourism Board was the first national tourism board to support this initiative.
The new VP Africa, Mr. Gichabe, said:
I am truly honored to accept the role of Vice President of the African Tourism Board. This is more than a title—it is a responsibility, a commitment, and a call to action.
Tourism is the heartbeat of global connection, a bridge that unites people, cultures, and economies. Today, as I accept this position, I do so with an unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. Together, we will reimagine travel, celebrate diversity, and create pathways that uplift economies while preserving the authenticity of cultures worldwide.
I look forward to working with each of you as we chart a future that is vibrant, resilient, and full of opportunity. We are standing at the threshold of a new era—one that calls for fresh energy, bold ideas, and a renewed vision for global tourism. I bring with me a passion for transforming possibilities into realities, championing destinations and communities, and ensuring that tourism remains a dynamic driver of prosperity for all.
Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working alongside all of you to make a lasting impact!
Uganda Tourism was the first destination to say yes.