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Harriet James @harriet86jim

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Africa Chapter has announced the election of Jacinta Nzioka as Deputy Chairperson for a two-year term.

She is currently the National Coordinator, Kenya National Convention Bureau.

The ICCA encompasses all major stakeholders in the world of association meetings.

“I am excited to take up the position of ICCA Africa Chapter deputy chairperson and the opportunity to make an effective contribution to strengthening Kenya’s and Africa’s position in the international association meetings arena,” Nzioka said.

The appointment comes at a time when the global business events and meetings industry is reeling from the disruptive effects of the pandemic.

According to statistics, potentially Sh643 billion worth of international association meetings have been cancelled between March and September 2020.

This impact too affected the Kenyan Meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE) tourist arrival, which had been growing steady over the past few years. 

 Under Nzioka’s leadership, the bureau is keen to work with hotels, tourism stakeholders and government entities to increase number of visitors into the country, with a keen eye on conference tourism. 

“Destinations in Africa have an opportunity to build a united public and private sector stakeholder and supplier community that aligns and speaks with a united voice to tackle current challenges.

The ICCA Africa Chapter offers the platform to realise shared goals and develops rebound strategies once the crisis is over,”  Nzioka said.