APTA Global Forum 2024

The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA) is excited to be hosting its Global Forum in Orange County California from 19-22 September. After a successful Global Forum in Cape Town in 2023, APTA returns to the USA in 2024 and will be a great opportunity for travel advisors from North America to meet and network with a delegation of hoteliers, safari operators, destination management companies and tourism organizations from throughout the African continent. Whether you are an African specialist, a travel advisor that is interested in learning about selling Africa or a tourism partner, the APTA Global Forum will be an excellent chance to get information on the latest trends, destinations, and products to further develop your business and tourism to Africa.

Our host city for the 2024 APTA Global Forum is Costa Mesa, in California's beautiful Orange County. This vibrant city is an excellent choice to promote tourism to Africa, reflecting the continent's cultural richness through its own "City of the Arts" identity. Costa Mesa boasts a sophisticated infrastructure ideal for conference activities, complemented by fine dining, premier shopping, and entertainment options that enhance networking and leisure opportunities. Its proximity to major transportation hubs like John Wayne and LAX airports ensures convenient access for international delegates.

Thursday, September 19, 2024:

• Delegate arrivals
• Welcome Cocktail Party

Friday, September 20, 2024:

• APTA Global Forum Educational Sessions (morning)
• Lunch
• APTA CONNECT B2B Meetings (afternoon)
• Evening Event

Saturday, September 21 2024:

• APTA CONNECT B2B Meetings (morning)
• Lunch
• APTA Global Forum Educational Sessions (afternoon)
• Closing Dinner & Sunset Cruise

Sunday, September 22, 2024:

• Delegate departure

John Wayne Airport is the closest and most convenient option for domestic travelers coming to Costa Mesa. It is located just about 5 miles from the Westin South Coast Plaza. The drive from the airport to the hotel typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This airport serves many major cities across the United States, so attendees can easily find direct or connecting flights.

For those coming from international destinations, Los Angeles International Airport is the primary gateway. LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers a wide range of international flights. It is located approximately 40 miles northwest of the Westin South Coast Plaza. The drive time can vary significantly based on the time of day and traffic conditions; it typically ranges from 45 minutes to over an hour. Attendees can rent a car, use a taxi, or opt for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

The APTA Global Forum will be hosted at the lovely Westin South Coast Plaza in beautiful Costa Mesa, CA - the heart of Orange County. After registering for the Global Forum, please use the following link to confirm hotel accommodations at Westin South Coast Plaza at a discounted rate of US$189.

https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1713294962021&key=GRP

Early Registration before June 15, 2024

• APTA Individual Members (Buyers): $250
• APTA Corporate Members (Suppliers): $750 (includes APTA Connect B2B Session Table)
• Non-APTA Members (Buyers): $300 (includes one-year APTA individual membership)

Late Registration June16 – Aug 15, 2024

• APTA Individual Members (Buyers): $350
• APTA Corporate Members (Suppliers): $850 (includes APTA Connect B2B Session Table)
• Non-APTA Members (Buyers): $400 (includes one-year APTA individual membership)

Registration will close on August 15, 2024

Registration Includes:

• 2 days of educational sessions with networking and dynamic speakers from key tourism industry stakeholders and B2B meetings
• Two (2) Lunches
• Welcome Reception
• Two (2) Dinners Including a Closing Dinner Cruise
• Transportation to Closing Dinner Cruise

Back by popular demand, APTA CONNECT brings together APTA Global Forum delegates in a round-robin series of one-on-one networking meetings. Over the course of two, half day sessions, APTA Individual Members (buyers) will meet with APTA Corporate Members (suppliers) in a timed speed-networking style session designed to maximize networking and knowledge transfer.

All APTA Global Forum Delegates will join us the final evening aboard the Newport Legacy for "Sundowners by Sea" sailing across Newport Bay and the fabulous Newport Beach coastline. This will be an evening to remember as APTA comes together to celebrate the end of the 2024 Forum and welcome what's in store for 2025.

Please note no refunds will be issued after August 1st. Refunds prior to 1 August are at the discretion of the APTA Executive Board.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, United States