As the Chairperson of the African Tourism Board (ATB), Ncube says that his role is merely to act as a connector between the diverse member states of the continent. Their role is to figure out how the different cultures complement one another to contribute and share what they have.
In Ncube’s words, the African Tourism Board (ATB) is a voice for unifying the opportunities Africa has in terms of investments and tourist attractions. He realises the need for Africa to reclaim its title as the ‘Jewel of the World’. There was a need to break the conditioned shackles that separated the different member states to unite as a continent.
Cuthbert Ncube says, “Africa is the place to be in diversity and culture! It is a dynamic continent that needs to be reanalysed and be appreciated for playing a pivotal role within the global community.”
The African Tourism Board is a manifestation of a dream that the former UN World Tourism Organization (WTO) Secretary-General Dr Taleb Rifai had. Ncube believes that Dr Rifai is the backbone of the African Tourism Board. The actualisation of this dream was also possible thanks to the support of strategic partners and Ministers from the different member states. Ambassadors have been instrumental in realising this movement from the action at a grassroots level.
The African Tourism Board recently launched its Secretariat offices in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The Head Office was set up with the support of the Minister of Tourism, Eswatini, in line with his vision to bring Africa together to sell its tourism sector on a global level.
A Beacon of Hope- Ncube Says
If one were to leaf through the pages of history, Africa has been rather segmented for a while. However, the lockdowns changed something and brought the continent together. From there began the intention to look within Africa and promote domestic tourism. It pushed for a shift from a competitive to a collaborative spirit. Ncube believes that tourism is all about bringing people together and negating the inequalities that have existed for so long.
Ncube believes that Africa should be able to write its narrative and story. The world should listen to what Africans say about their own country.”We can only tell a good story if we join hands together,” Ncube says.”No continent can surpass what Africa has to offer today.”
The vision of the African Tourism Board as an organisation is to reshape, rebrand and remarket Africa as a destination for tourists.” Africa stands as a beacon of hope to the world, especially after the COVID pandemic. We say the doors are open, business is available” says Cuthbert Ncube.