The African Travel and Tourism Association revealed the appointment of Virginia Messina as Group Chief Executive Officer.
She joins ATTA following a long 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, 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.
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.”
“I am thrilled to be joining ATTA as Group CEO at such a dynamic time for African tourism. Africa has some of the fastest growing destinations which brings immense opportunity for the sector,’ Messina added.
She will work closely with ATTA’s leadership team and Board to expand the association’s international engagement and strengthen its policy and advocacy role.
