Meet the faces behind ICCA's famous First Time Attendee programme! ICCA places huge importance on giving First Time Attendees (FTAs) at the ICCA Congress a very warm welcome. Each year, just before the ICCA Congress begins, new attendees are invited to join a specialised session that aims to prepare them for success. Jam-packed full of helpful advice that is delivered from member to member, the programme has been delivered to over 3,000 delegates since it initially began and is designed with care to help them network, do business, learn, and maximise the benefits of attending their first ICCA Congress.
At the centre of the entire programme are the people we couldn’t do it without: our mentors, an amazing group of ICCA members and #ICCAFriends who are Congress veterans and want to help support and steer our newbies as they join the ICCA Family.
ALUSHCA RITCHIE
Alushca has always had a passion for travel and tourism. Having been introduced to travel in her teenage years, the bug bit and she has since visited 44 countries. Although she comes from the Engineering sector, she found herself drawn to working for and with the Tourism sector. She found a way to use her passion towards this people driven career. She has always had a strong focus on volunteering and mentorship and has managed to merge these two in the tourism field.
Following two years on the Executive Board of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA), Alushca was voted in as President. She is currently serving her 5th year as WFTGA President, and with 15 years’ experience in Tourism, Alushca brings her experience and passion as both Tourist Guide and that of the Association Industry to the WFTGA.
Her experience in Tourism includes working for several associations, serving on the Board as Director for Cape Town Tourism (Destination marketing company) for six years, Vice Chairperson of Women in Tourism, Past President of SKAL International Winelands, and has worked for the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA). She is currently a founding Board Member of International Cultural and Creative Industries (ICCIRA).
Her passion for the Food and Wine industry led her into Tourist Guiding and is an active qualified Gastronomy Tourist Guide in Cape Town, South Africa. She has completed several courses and studies in Wine Tourism, Tourism and Business Management, Association Management, and is a registered Assessor, Moderator and Facilitator. She continues to volunteer her time to Associations, NPOs, SMMEs and has a strong focus on mentorship for Women in tourism and Tourist Guides.
Thank you to Alushca, for being an FTA mentor! Are you interested in helping our First Time Attendees to settle in? Please email Ksenija.p@iccaworld.org to find out how you can become a mentor.
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