About us

Who We Are

The Africa Tourism Research Network (ATRN) is a continental non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening the tourism, travel and hospitality sectors through research, capacity-building, and policy advocacy.

Founded to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, ATRN serves as a collaborative platform for governments, academia, private sector stakeholders, developments partners and civil society organizations working towards meaningful tourism in Africa.

Our Vision

"To be the leading voice for a sustainable, inclusive and innovative travel, tourism and hospitality industry that empowers communities, protects heritage and drives equitable development in Africa."

Core Goal Statement

"The goal of ATRN is to generate knowledge, influence policy, and foster innovation in travel, tourism and hospitality, ensuring that the sector contributes to sustainable development, cultural preservation, inclusive economic growth and community empowerment."

Our Core Values (S.I.I.C.E)

• Sustainability: Promoting practices that safeguard Africa’s people, culture and environment.
• Inclusivity: Ensuring all voices, especially youth, aged, physically challenged and local communities, are represented.
• Innovation: Driving new approaches to tourism research and development.
• Collaboration: Building strong partnerships across borders and sectors.
• Excellence: Upholding rigor, credibility and quality in research and advocacy.

What We Do

ATRN works at the intersection of research, policy, and practice to shape Africa’s tourism agenda.

1. Research & Knowledge Hub

• Publish cutting-edge research, policy briefs, and reports on tourism trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Provide data-driven insights for governments, private sector leaders, and development partners.
• Advocate for enabling policies that promote sustainable and responsible travel and tourism.

2. Policy & Advocacy

• Act as a Pan-African voice in tourism policy development.
• Engage in dialogues with policymakers, regional bodies, and international organizations.
• Advocate for tourism models that are ethical, inclusive, and future-focused.
• Provide policy recommendations to governments, regional blocs (e.g., AU, ECOWAS), and international organisations.

3. Training & Capacity Building

• Equip youth, entrepreneurs, and professionals with practical skills in tourism and hospitality.
• Deliver specialized training programs in areas such as sustainable tourism, digital innovation, and community-based tourism.

4. Networking & Collaboration

• Create platforms for exchange among tourism stakeholders.
• Foster cross-country learning, research collaborations, and regional partnerships.

5. Community Engagement, Inclusivity & Youth Empowerment

• Promote youth-led initiatives in food tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage.
• Strengthen local participation in shaping Africa’s tourism stories.
• Promote inclusive tourism that considers marginalised groups (youth, women, persons with disabilities).

6. Investment & Innovation Promotion

• Support innovation in tourism products (farm-to-table, wellness tourism, heritage routes).
• Facilitate partnerships between investors, SMEs, and local communities.
• Showcase Africa (or region of focus) as a competitive global tourism hub.

7. Accountability & Monitoring

• Track implementation of tourism-related policies and commitments.
• Act as a watchdog ensuring transparency and fairness in the sector.
• Highlight issues like over-tourism, exploitation or cultural appropriation.

8. Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

• Promote eco-tourism, cultural preservation, and community-based tourism.
• Champion policies and practices that reduce environmental impact (e.g., green hotels, carbon offsetting).
• Encourage ethical labour practices in tourism, hospitality and travel.

Programs & Initiatives

• Sustainable Tourism Africa Initiative – advancing climate-conscious and eco-friendly practices.
• African Food & Culinary Tourism Project – linking gastronomy, heritage, and livelihoods.
• Youth in Tourism Innovation Hub – nurturing the next generation of tourism leaders.
• Tourism Policy Dialogues – roundtables, conferences, and forums connecting decision-makers.
• Tourism Data Observatory (TDO) – a regional data platform for real-time tourism insights.

Who Are Our Members/Partners

1. Individual Membership: Open to anyone who shares the organization's mission and values.
2. Organizational Membership: For other organizations, businesses or institutions that want to support the ATRN's work and benefit from its activities.
3. Student Membership: Designed for students and trainees to engage young people in the organisation's work.
4. Professional Membership: For professionals in a specific field or industry, offering networking opportunities, training and access to resources.
5. Community Membership: For community groups, local organisations, or grassroots movements, focusing on community development and empowerment.
6. Corporate Membership: For businesses that want to support the ATRN's mission and benefit from its work, often with opportunities for sponsorship and partnership.
7. Honorary Membership: Bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the organisation or its cause.
8. Associate Membership: For individuals or organizations that want to support the ATRN's work but may not be fully engaged or committed