ATTA® Appoints Virginia Messina As Group CEO To Strengthen Global Voice For African Tourism
The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) today announces the appointment of Virginia Messina as Group Chief Executive Officer, marking an important step in the organisation’s evolution and global influence.
Virginia joins ATTA following a distinguished career at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), where she most recently served as Executive Vice President and previously as Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Communications. In those roles she represented the global travel and tourism private sector at the highest levels of government and international institutions, helping shape policy dialogue on tourism, sustainability, economic development and global mobility.
Earlier in her career, Virginia also held senior positions within the Ministry of Tourism of Mexico, where she worked closely with governments and industry leaders to consolidate Mexico as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
Her appointment comes at a time when African tourism is experiencing renewed global interest and opportunity.
James Haigh, Chair of ATTA said: "Virginia’s appointment is a deliberate strategic move to complement and strengthen the existing management team as the organisation positions itself for its next phase of growth. As African tourism enters a period of renewed global interest and opportunity, her international experience, policy expertise and extensive global network add a critical dimension to the team’s capabilities. This balance of skills will not only enhance strategic decision-making, but also ensure the association is wonderfully placed to elevate its influence, firmly establishing ATTA as the authentic voice of African hospitality while representing the industry at the highest levels."
Speaking about the appointment, Virginia Messina said: “I am thrilled to be joining ATTA as Group CEO at such a dynamic time for African tourism. Travel & Tourism contributes more than $220 billion to the African economies and is on track to exceed 10% of the continent’s GDP by 2030. Africa is brimming with untold stories, powered by a young population and some of the fastest growing destinations which brings immense opportunity for the sector. .
"I look forward to working with the Board, the leadership team and the ATTA members and community to unlock this potential and ensure the voice of Africa is a leading force in shaping the future of global travel.”
ATTA has long been recognised as the leading trade association promoting tourism to Africa, bringing together tour operators, accommodation providers, destinations, media and global travel buyers through its influential events and member network.
Kgomotso Ramothea, CEO of ATTA, welcomed the appointment:
“Virginia’s appointment as Group CEO comes at a pivotal moment for ATTA®️ as we look to take the organisation to even greater heights. We have ambitious plans, and her experience, leadership, and global connections will help strengthen ATTA®️’s position as the authoritative voice of African tourism. I look forward to working closely with Virginia to drive growth, collaboration, and lasting value for our members across the ATTA®️ community.”
Chris Mears, CEO of ATTA Group Events, added:
“Virginia brings an impressive depth of global tourism experience and an exceptional international network, and I’m delighted to be able to welcome her into the ATTA family. Her perspective and relationships will be invaluable as we continue strengthening ATTA’s position as a leading tourism trade Association connecting the global travel trade with Africa’s tourism community. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to grow ATTA Group Events and expand the opportunities we create for our members and partners.”
Virginia will work closely with ATTA’s leadership team and Board to expand the association’s international engagement, strengthen its policy and advocacy role, and continue building on the success of its industry-leading events and initiatives.
For ATTA members, the appointment signals a clear commitment to ensuring the association remains a powerful voice for African tourism globally while continuing to deliver the partnerships, connections and opportunities that support the growth of its members.
