Amaryllis Hospitality Group general manager Ramy Waheed has been appointed chief executive officer of the executive cabinet of the African Tourism Board (ATB).
The appointment follows an extraordinary strategic session which ratified structural reforms and the appointment of governance, diplomacy and compliant specialists to its new ATB.
According to communication from the ATB, the structural overhaul marks a deliberate transition towards a centralised, diplomatically-empowered operation designed to navigate the complexities of intra-African transit crossborder economic integration.
ATB executive chairperson Cuthbert Ncube is quoted in the communication as having said the development will intensify global competition for hospitality capital under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
“The ATB is entering an uncompromised era of strategic expansion, operational strengthening and continental influence. The appointments reflect our commitment to positioning visionary leaders of impeccable expertise in the forefront of African tourism,” said Ncube.
On his part, Waheed said the appointment not only represents a personal milestone in his professional journey, but also a great opportunity to contribute towards the growth of tourism across the continent.
He said: “I believe I have been chosen for this role based on my experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, my commitment to promoting African tourism and my passion for creating strong partnerships that can position Africa as one of the world’s leading travel destinations.”
Waheed said he will use his role to further promote Malawi’s tourism sector as it is one of Africa’s hidden gems blessed with stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, rich culture, wildlife and beauty of Lake Malawi.
“I will be advocating for Malawi as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ by creating stronger international exposure, attracting tourism investment, supporting destination marketing initiatives and building partnerships that can increase tourist arrivals and economic opportunities for the country,” he said.
Waheed will serve in the executive cabinet alongside chief operations officer Nancy Abdelhadi, director of legal affairs, governance and compliance Mduduzi Tshabangu and board secretary Linda Fernando.
