ATA Strengthens Ties with the Russian Travel Market 

ATA (the Africa Travel Association) has signed an agreement for joint promotion with ITE Group plc, which organises the Moscow International Travel & Tourism exhibition (MITT). ATA will be taking part in MITT, which will be held on 18-21 March 2009 in Moscow’s Expocentr.

In operation since 1975, ATA is the premier international travel industry trade association promoting travel, tourism and transport to the African continent. ATA members include ministries of tourism and culture, national tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, travel trade media, public relations firms, students, NGOs, individuals, and small-and medium-sized businesses.

Mr. Eddie Bergman, Executive Director of the Africa Travel Association, comments, “ATA is pleased to partner with MITT in this exciting journey to support the increased flow of travel between Russia and the African continent”.

Ms. Maria Badakh, Sales and Event Director for MITT is equally pleased to be working with ATA, “Recently, the number of Russian tourists visiting African destinations has been increasing steadily and, according to travel agencies, this is due to rising incomes and the lure of exotic wildlife experiences. Unfortunately only a few African countries are actively promoting their tourism attractions to the Russian market. However, our exhibitors tell us that Russian travellers are open to a wide variety of destinations and are now discovering more exotic holiday destinations further from their home country. I hope that, with the help of ATA, we will be able to attract more African destinations and tour operators to MITT”.