Kgomotso Ramothea has taken charge as the Chief Executive Officer of  the African Travel and Tourism Association, the largest pan-African non-governmental organisation in the travel and tourism sector.

According to a press statement by ATTA, Ramothea thus becomes the first African woman to head the organisation. Ramothea takes the reins with a vision to further expand the continent’s largest tourism network, it says.

Ramothea brings over 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications across various industries. Her most recent experience was working as Acting Hub Head for South African Tourism in the United Kingdom where she directed the tourism board’s UK and Irish marketing strategy.

“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 focussed on reinforcing the existing trust the organisation enjoys amongst stakeholders and ensure ATTA remains relevant and indispensable to member’s; businesses, through events and other tangible benefits,” says Ramothea.

James Haigh takes over as ATTA’s new Chair from October 2024

Ramothea will working alongside Chris Mears, who is the CEO of ATTA Events. Alongside Ramothea, James Haigh takes over as ATTA’s new Chair from October 2024, taking over from outgoing Chair Nick Aslin. Haigh has extensive tourism experience built from 25 years of working across several African countries including, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, as well as consultancy work in Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Nigel Vere Nicoll

The dual appointment of Ramothea and Haigh complements ATTA’s senior and executive leadership and strengthens the organisation’s role as the leading authority and trusted voice of African tourism, says Nigel Vere Nicoll, president and group managing director.

“We are pleased to have both leading the direction of ATTA and we know that their extensive experience across Africa’s travel and tourism industry will directly benefit members,” says Vere Nicoll.