Virginia Messina

Virginia Messina is CEO of the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®), leading one of the travel industry’s most influential associations focused on Africa. She champions tourism as a driver of economic growth, business confidence, and sustainable development across the continent. Previously, Virginia held senior leadership roles at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), working with governments and industry leaders on sustainability, resilience, crisis recovery, and tourism policy. At ATTA®, she focuses on strengthening buyer-supplier connections, fostering partnerships, and promoting Africa’s diverse tourism offering globally. Virginia is also a respected speaker on sustainability, global travel trends, and tourism’s future in emerging markets.