The beginning of the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa ... affectionately known as APTA, is for many like thestory of African elders, handed down from generation to generation. The story is said to have begun in 1980 during an ATA (African Travel Association) meeting in downtown Los Angeles. At the meeting, ATA announced its intention to exclude the Republic of South Africa from i
ts organization due to apartheid. Members were incensed and a walkout of the meeting occurred. This core group of travel professionals held the high ideal that in our industry the political aspect of a country should not be a factor to stop tourism. These same people and their followers became our founding members. They describe how the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) was formed in Los Angeles as a non-political, educational, organization whose focus is promoting tourism to the full continent of Africa without political prejudices. The Elders named the first chapter, Los Angeles, after the city where it was created. Monthly meetings were held and an informative Africa Educational Manual written. The Elders ideals were embraced and enthusiasm for the organization prompted the need for expansion. The Elders then created the Orange County Chapter followed by the San Diego Chapter. Not long after there were chapters in Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Seattle, and Dallas. The enthusiasm amongst travel professionals has not ceased and in the new millennium APTA has continued to grow with chapters in Miami, New York City, Boston and the newest chapters in Atlanta, Twin Cities, Houston and Arizona. Our newest chapter is Sacramento Valley, California. Since 1980 APTA has provided the travel community with exceptional bi-monthly educational programs, quarterly APTA News, annual Discover Africa trade shows, familiarization trips, all orchestrated in partnership with our African suppliers. At our forum in 2000 we embraced Africa as the Continent of Africa and its Islands. Growing in scope, APTA Chapters have become increasingly involved in local and global African projects that include contributions and support of goods, funds and services to orphanages, schools, anti-poaching operations and community development projects. These activities increase our partnership with the African continent and islands. As APTA thrives in the 21st Century, we continue to grow in many areas and are now recognized internationally as a respected and honorable association with a devotion to our Mission Statement and as an interactive resource for our colleagues and clients who share the feeling for Africa.
