African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA)

The African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) is the first membership-driven association on the continent, governed by a board of industry professionals. The association offers the only educational opportunities for visitor attractions professionals in Africa.

AAVEA began as an annual two-day conference for the attractions industry, launched in 2014, focusing on education, training, benchmarking and networking. In 2018 it had grown to officially become an association.

AAVEA represents the interests of visitor attractions and experiences throughout Africa. The association raises awareness of the contribution of African attraction to the wider tourism industry and hosts events and online sessions to provide education and engagement with industry peers and networking opportunities.

Now with more than 50 members, including attractions, visitor experience professionals, tourism industry stakeholders, and suppliers, the association's efforts are focused on:

• Data Gathering and Benchmarking
• Advocacy
• Training and Education
• Community
• Hosting the Annual AAVEA Conference

In a first for both South Africa and the continent, AAVEA has conducted a benchmark survey of attractions in South Africa. The survey results were researched and analysed in the second quarter of 2021 by AAVEA Executive Director Sabine Lehmann and compiled using data collected for 2019 and 2020. You can download the report here.