The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa began in the United State in 1980 and was formed in Los Angeles as a non-political, educational, organization whose primary focus is promoting tourism to the full continent of Africa to the travel industry as well as the public without political prejudices. At that time, the continent was not very well known and most American travel agents did not understand all Africa had to offer. With the support of leading US travel professionals the organization was set up and has grown over the years to include all the leading tourism companies involved in travel to Africa.
The first project was creating an informative Africa Educational Manual that explained each country and how to sell these areas to the general public. Monthly meetings were set-up and the travel industry participated with enthusiasm.
The interest generated the need to form other chapters. The second was the Orange County Chapter followed by the San Diego Chapter. Not long after there were chapters in Denver, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, and Dallas. The enthusiasm amongst travel professionals has not ceased and in the new millennium APTA has continued to grow with chapters in Florida, New York, Atlanta, and Arizona. The newest chapter is Sacramento Valley, California.
Growing in scope, APTA Chapters have become increasingly involved in local and global African projects that include contributions and support of orphanages, schools, anti-poaching operations and community development projects. These activities increase the partnership with the African continent and islands.