Bangkok--Sep 22--eTurboNews
Angola's Prime Minister H.E. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos and the First Lady to Open Historic First Ever Africa Travel Association Event Held In Angola: The Ninth International Cultural and Ecotourism Symposium Luanda, Angola, Oct. 30 - Nov. 4, 2005
Travelpress.biz- : The Republic of Angola has accorded the Africa Travel Association's 9th Cultural & Ecotourism Symposium the status of a State Event. To be held in Luanda, the capital, from October 30 to November 4, this important occasion marks the first time a travel/tourism industry event of international significance has been held in Angola. Angola's Prime Minister H.E. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos and the First Lady, H.E. Ana Paula dos Santos will open proceedings at the Palace of Congress. Headquarters hotel will be Le Presidente Meridien, a 4-star property overlooking Luanda Bay.
The joint announcement was made by Africa Travel Association Executive Director Mira Berman and Hon. Eduardo S. Chingunji , MP, Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Republic of Angola, who is in New York City this week to attend a reception in his honor by ATA headquarters in conjunction with ATA's New York Chapter (NYATA). H.E. Chingunji said, "This landmark decision is indicative of the nation's recognition of the key role that tourism will play in the economy of this rapidly emerging country, which is one of the continent's richest in terms of resources."
The symposium program, which starts with a 'welcoming' speech by Prime Minister H.E. Fernando Jose de Franca Dias, will include daily seminars and workshops on topics that are vital to Africa and the world's travel and tourism industry. Attractions include a series of gala luncheons and evening banquets, enhanced by cultural presentations and entertainment. Also on the agenda are greetings by the United States Ambassador and the Governor of Luanda.
Host Country Tour
The Angola Tourism Ministry's Conference Planning Committee has arranged an outstanding 'Host Country Program,' which includes a half day sightseeing excursion in Luanda and area, visiting such popular sites as the Slavery Museum Craft Market, Moon Viewpoint at the National Park of Quissama, plus attendance at the Craft, Cultural and Tourism Fair. Later there will be an overnight stay and full day excursion, hosted by ENDIAMA, the National Diamond Industry of Angola, in Lunda Sul, Saurimo, with a visit to Catoca.
Special Air Rates
The ATA Symposium registration package includes 5 nights hotel accommodation, with breakfast, at Le Presidente Meridien, Hotel Alvalade and Hotel Tropico. Special symposium air rates have been arranged with
SNBrussels Airlines, SAA- South African Airlines and TAP Air Portugal.
About Angola
Angola, a member of SADC, Southern Africa Development Community, has a population of over 12 million and is bordered by Namibia, Zambia and Congo, with the Atlantic Ocean on the west. Angolans speak a combination of Portuguese and Bantu languages, French and English, and their currency is Kwanza (Kzr). The country's main exports are petroleum products, diamonds, minerals, coffee, fish, timber, cotton, sisal and other agricultural products. It was from here on the Congo river, that Sir Henry Morton Stanley, an American journalist, began his historic trip into the heart of Africa in search of the famous Dr. David Livingstone.
Being a resource rich country, Angola's natural bounty makes it one of Africa's wealthiest nations, with oil fueling the economy and diamonds adding the glitter. Second largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, Angola is pumping close to a million barrels a day from its vast offshore oil fields, accounting for over 40 percent of Angola's GDP and almost 90 percent of government revenues. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in local shopping along with local currency.
Angola's climate varies depending on the altitude, the warmest months being September and October, while the coolest are July and August. Coastal mountains, level to a vast plateau, which makes up most of the country. The northern plateau is thickly vegetated while to the south the country becomes increasingly arid. Lightweight casual wear may be worn year round.
About Luanda
Luanda, the capital of Angola, was founded in 1575 by the Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novai and retains its heritage as a Portuguese colonial city. There are several buildings of historical significance and churches that date back to the 1600s. Luanda is divided into two parts, the '"baxia'" or old part and the '"cidade alta'" or new part. The main visitor attractions are the Fortress, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the Museum of Slavery along the coast from Luanda. Kissama National Park, 70 km south of Luanda is home to a great variety of wildlife. The broad Atlantic Coast of Angola offers superb beaches. As an example, the city of Luanda is built around a bay, with popular public beaches just five minutes from the city center. Traditional Angolan cuisine has a strong Portuguese influence. Local arts and crafts can be purchased in many marketplaces in Angola. Items made from ebony, rosewood, straw, malachite, bronze and pottery are all available. Other popular items to purchase are wooden masks and traditional instruments such as marimbas, kissanges, xingufos, ankle rattles and drums.
After many years of civil war, reconstruction of this beautiful country is an immediate priority. With the long range benefits derived from hosting an organization such as the Africa Travel Association, the country is well on its way.
About ATA
The Africa Travel Association (ATA) is an international, nonprofit, nonpolitical,travel industry association established in 1975 to promote tourism to the continent of Africa. Its membership includes African Government Tourism Ministries and Boards, international airlines, hoteliers, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agents, tourism educators, media and public relations/marketing firms. ATA is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA); World Tourism Organization (WTO); and an industry partner in the "Green Globe" program. The Association publishes Africa Travel Magazine and operates a 2,400 page web site that has become a leader in searches for Africa- related topics.
For ATA membership and registration contact ATA headquarters In New York E-mail: africatravelasso@aolcom , Telephone 212 447 1926, fax 212 725 8253, Web site: http://www.africa-ata.org/angola.htm
Editorial Contact:
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