Crisis Communications

Recognising that the safety and security of travellers remains our utmost priority, ATTA® supports its members and the industry in times of crisis. ATTA® maintains continuing dialogue with many tourism ministries, tourist authorities and associations across the African continent and plays a leading role in the event of accidents or emergencies.  Working with the tour operator, ground operators and product suppliers, ATTA® acts in a central role, and is open briefing members and media whilst accumulating and disseminating information to ensure the industry are reliably informed.

In Sep 2023, following the devastating earthquake in Morocco, ATTA® quickly responded and supported the industry from its presence close to the epicentre, in Marrakech.  ATTA® remained in the city for industry colleagues, for support and guidance, for the many industry colleagues who were set to arrive for a large tourism event.  ATTA® paid tribute to the role of the hospitality industry, expressed deep sympathy to those most deeply affected by the tragedy, whilst duly paid respect to the declaration of national mourning.  In the aftermath of the Earthquake in the following days and months, ATTA® were on hand to accurately report on the reopening of tourism sites including the Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, and the Saadian Tombs, plus the successful hosting of the 2023 World Bank Conference and IMF annual meeting.

Similar crisis support followed in October 2023 in the wake of the confirmed reports of the tragic deaths of two foreign tourists in the Queen Elizabeth Park, Uganda, where ATTA® were quick to offer support to the Uganda Tourism Board.  ATTA® confirmed changes in travel advisories from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (against all but essential travel to the Park) shared news from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and also engaged the private sector, with confirmation on the lodges and camps that remained open and in operation.