Africa Tourism Partners appoints new East Africa Representative

Africa Tourism Partners (ATP) has broadened its reach in East Africa with the appointment of Claire Mugabi as the representative for that region.

Mugabi is the current CEO of AFRIREPS, based in Uganda, and has over 15 years of experience in the marketing and communications industry.

ATP CEO Kwakye Donkor expressed confidence in Mugabi’s ability to significantly contribute to ATP’s initiatives aimed at enhancing intra-Africa travel market access and tourism development across the continent and in key source markets within Africa.

“Given Claire's expertise and experience, we are certain she will add considerable value to our efforts in East Africa as well as throughout the continent and beyond. Her contributions will enhance all areas of our work, including tourism strategy formulation and implementation, destination marketing and brand management, MICE strategy and project management, investment promotion and facilitation, as well as executive coaching and capacity building.”

Mugabi pledged her commitment to transform the region through impactful initiatives. “I am excited to join ATP as the representative and focal person for East Africa. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to contribute to ATP’s mission of redefining African tourism. I look forward to collaborating with the team to implement strategies that elevate Africa’s global tourism profile, foster sustainable growth, and ensure environmental stewardship across the region. Together, we will drive impactful initiatives that enhance Africa’s position as a premier tourism destination.”

New key appointments at Johannesburg Tourism Company

Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) has appointed Zuqhame Matutu as the new Manager: Tourism Integration within the Tourism Strategic Services Department.

Matutu has over 16 years of experience in tourism management and development and has been an integral part of JTC since 2017, previously serving as a delegated Coordinator for Tourism Development. During this time, he coordinated key tourism initiatives such as the establishment of the Tourism Sub-Committee under the Joburg Business Forum, supported the development of strategic partnerships, while playing a critical role in enhancing tourism products across the city.

In his new role, Matutu will focus on driving the integration of tourism activities to strengthen Johannesburg's positioning as a premier destination. His responsibilities include facilitating market access for tourism intermediaries such as tour operators, travel agents, tour guides, tourism associations, fostering stakeholder engagement and implementing tourism development projects that align with the destination’s broader economic goals.

“We are thrilled to have Zuqhame step into this important role,” said Thandubuhle Mgudlwa, JTC CEO.
“His deep understanding of tourism integration, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning will be invaluable in helping Johannesburg achieve its tourism objectives.”

Nondumiso Mulaudzi steps in as the JTC’s new Business Tourism Manager for MICE. With over a decade of expertise in business operations, Mulaudzi is expected to play a pivotal role in positioning Johannesburg as a premier destination for business tourism.

Mulaudzi holds an MBA from Regent Business School, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Regenesys Business School and a National Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management from Tshwane University of Technology.

With her experience in establishing a travel management office, her extensive background in rate negotiations with travel service providers to drive cost savings, documenting operating procedures and workflow processes will add value to the Convention Bureau at JTC.  Her experience in budgeting, forecasting and project management equips her with the tools to drive efficiency and growth within the MICE sector. Her previous role at the Industrial Development Corporation honed her skills in managing fund portfolios, ensuring compliance and supporting strategic initiatives — all of which align with the key objectives of her new position at JTC.

In her capacity as Business Tourism Manager: MICE, Mulaudzi is responsible for fostering strong partnerships across the tourism industry, enhancing Johannesburg’s competitiveness in the business events space, ensuring the city remains a top destination for international conferences and exhibitions.

"We are thrilled to welcome Nondumiso to the team,” said Mgudlwa. “Her experience and leadership will be instrumental in further elevating Johannesburg’s status as a global hub for business tourism.”