The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Conference continues to attract respected academics and tourism industry experts who are shaping the future of tourism across Africa. Among the speakers joining the conference programme is Athi Ndita, a lecturer and PhD candidate at Nelson Mandela University in the Tourism Department at the South Campus.
Mr Ndita is an emerging tourism scholar whose work focuses on several innovative and growing segments within the global tourism industry. His research interests include Avitourism (bird tourism), Business Leisure travel (Bleisure), community-based tourism development, and travel practice.
Avitourism, which focuses on travel experiences centred around birdwatching and wildlife observation, has become a rapidly expanding niche within eco-tourism. Africa’s rich biodiversity and birdlife make it one of the most attractive destinations globally for avitourism enthusiasts. Mr Ndita’s research explores how this niche tourism sector can contribute to sustainable tourism development and conservation while supporting local economies.
Another area of his research is Bleisure travel, a growing global trend where business travellers extend work trips to include leisure activities. This trend is becoming increasingly important for tourism destinations seeking to maximise the economic impact of corporate travel.
In addition, Mr Ndita’s work on community-based tourism development highlights the importance of involving local communities in tourism planning and ensuring that tourism benefits are shared at grassroots level. His research aims to strengthen tourism models that empower communities while preserving cultural and environmental heritage.
At the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Conference, Mr Ndita is expected to share insights on how these emerging tourism trends can be integrated into Africa’s coastal tourism strategies. His academic perspective will contribute to broader discussions on innovation, sustainability and inclusive tourism growth.
The conference will bring together tourism leaders, policymakers, researchers, investors and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities within Africa’s coastal and marine tourism sectors, helping unlock the potential of the continent’s vast coastline while promoting sustainable development.
With the participation of academics like Athi Ndita, the conference continues to build a strong knowledge-sharing platform aimed at shaping the future of tourism across Africa’s coastal regions.
To register to attend the event visit https://marinetourism.co.za
