The VA TourismPodcast: Recent Episodes
Kojo Bentum-Williams
The VA Tourism Podcast is a dedicated platform for discussing happenings in the travel and tourism sector. It is hosted by Kojo Bentum-Williams, the Managing Editor and Publisher of Africa's Leading Travel Media VoyagesAfriq Travel Media
Ahead of this year's Africa Showcase Australasia, Margi Jansma, Managing Director of Luxury Travel Marketing, a partner of the event, says Africa's growing appeal among Australasian travellers makes this year's showcase especially important. She notes that the event provides a valuable platform for African suppliers, destination marketing organisations (DMOs), and tourism stakeholders to engage with the market, better understand evolving traveller preferences, and tailor their destination offerings accordingly.
Margi Jansma, Managing Director of Luxury Travel Marketing is no stranger to the travel industry, and her vast experience spans over the past 30 years which includes tenures with South African Airways, Swiss, & Western Airlines now Delta.
Margi’s 15 years prior to founding the company, were spent gaining a thorough knowledge of the hospitality industry, heading up International Sales & Marketing for Southern Sun Hotels & Resorts and following her move to Australia, Group Director of Sales & Marketing for the exclusive brand, Karma Resorts, where she was responsible for the opening of the world renowned Karma Kandara property.
Travel is her passion, and she fully understands the needs of premium customers, and the product and sales training required to achieve results in the current operating environment. She is renowned for her ability to build and maintain long term strategic relationships in the industry. Margi holds an International Marketing Management degree and maintains incredibly strong relationships with the key operators, and upmarket retail travel trade in Australia and New Zealand.
From the bustling corridors of corporate boardrooms to the tranquil luxury of Mbano Manor Hotel, Dr. Mati Martha Nyazema’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and an enduring connection to tourism. In this episode, the renowned Zimbabwean hospitality executive and entrepreneur reflects on a career that has spanned journalism, destination marketing, aviation, international hotel management, and ultimately the creation of one of Victoria Falls’ most celebrated boutique luxury properties. Affectionately known in the industry as “Doc Mati,” Dr. Nyazema shares the deeply personal story behind the founding of Mbano Manor Hotel, tracing her lifelong bond with Victoria Falls back to childhood visits that quietly planted the seeds for a remarkable tourism success story decades later.
Ahead of the Africa Showcase Nordics roadshow taking place from 21–23 April in Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, I spoke with industry experts Gerald Amoudruz, CEO of World of Destinations, and Gustav Hanson, Sales Director at World of Destinations and Founder of Allternativa. They share insights on the growing appeal of Africa in the Nordic market and explain why this showcase is a rare and valuable opportunity to drive travel demand to the continent.
On this episode, we engage in a focused conversation with Anne Kaoma of the Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS) as preparations gather momentum for the fourth Travel, Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit scheduled for 14–16 April in Lusaka.In this dialogue, Kaoma reflects on the tangible outcomes from previous editions of the summit, including the integration of travel and tourism into Zambia’s national school curriculum, a move that is already shaping a structured pipeline for future industry professionals.
In today’s episode recorded as a wrap up of Africa’s MICE performance in 2025 with insights from a familiar voice on the podcast, Glenton de Kock. He unpacks a year he describes as “not only successful, but extremely busy,” highlighting South Africa’s hosting of the G20 alongside a packed calendar of trade exhibitions and association meetings. Together, these milestones made 2025 a standout year for the region’s business events sector.
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Chicalu Zebulon, CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board, as he reflects on what he calls a strong second half for Namibia’s tourism sector. He walks us through the major drivers behind this momentum—from improved airlift into the country, to growing public–private partnerships, and increased visibility in both key and emerging source markets, all of which are already creating real value for industry partners. Chicalu also shares the core priorities shaping their five-year strategy, including deeper engagement with stakeholders, stronger data and statistics, boosting global visibility, capacity building, and a commitment to inclusive tourism.
In today’s episode, the CEO of the Botswana Tourism Organization, Keitumetse Setlang, offers insight into the country’s updated tourism regulations designed to meet the evolving needs of the sector. She highlights Botswana’s renewed tourism appeal and delves into the nation’s MICE strategy, which she describes as a key driver in advancing the tourism industry. Botswana is also preparing to host the continent’s leading aviation event, AviaDev, from 10–12 June 2026.
Today’s conversation was recorded on-site at the 2025 General Assembly of Airlinepros International in Cape Town, South Africa. I’m joined by the CEO of the Zambia Tourism Agency, Matongo Matamwandi, who shares why aviation and tourism are natural partners—and how platforms like this one are essential for strengthening public–private collaboration to deliver exceptional travel experiences and build a thriving ecosystem.
He also offers a refreshingly unconventional perspective on sustainability and provides an in-depth reflection on Zambia’s tourism performance over the past year.
In today’s episode recorded at last week’s IBTM World, the flagship global meetings and events showcase in Barcelona, newly appointed CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Juliana Kagwa says the stars are finally aligning for Uganda’s tourism industry – and she is determined to ride the momentum with a reinvigorated strategy, bold targets and a fresh spirit of public–private partnership.
In this conversation, I sit with Eva Mwangi, the dynamic Head of Sales and Marketing at Tribe Collection, one of Kenya’s most respected home-grown hospitality groups.Eva offers a thoughtful look into Tribe’s evolution as a leading boutique brand, its commitment to art, community engagement, and cultural immersion, as well as its strategic vision for the growing West African travel market.Join me as i explore how Tribe Collection is redefining urban hospitality in Nairobi and setting new benchmarks for authentic guest experiences across Kenya’s most vibrant destinations.
Eva Mwangi is the driving force behind the Sales and Marketing efforts for Tribe Hotels Group. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she began her career in the UK at just 22 years old. Eva has excelled in various roles, including receptionist, reservations, and meetings and events management. However, her most significant contributions have come through her extensive work in sales and marketing with renowned brands like Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and IHG's head office in Denham, UK.
Her unwavering dedication to creating unique guest experiences has been pivotal in shaping the hotels' offerings and enhancing customer satisfaction. Eva's innovative strategies and deep understanding of market trends have not only driven revenue growth but also established Tribe Hotels as a leader in the industry. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire her team to deliver exceptional service and memorable stays for every guest.
In this episode, we explore the dynamics of the North American market as a key source region for African tourism—and what destination managers need to understand to engage it effectively. My guests, Jane Behrend and David DiGregorio, partners at Rethink Travel Marketing and North American facilitators for the Africa Showcase platform, break down current trends shaping traveler behavior in this influential market. They share why North America holds compelling, potential for African destinations, while also highlighting how platforms like Africa Showcase create valuable opportunities for improved marketing, distribution, and visitor facilitation.
In this episode, recorded at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, I chat with Amanda Bernstein, Seychelles’ new Minister for Tourism and Culture—who stepped onto the global stage barely a week after taking office. She talks about her excitement, her vision for Seychelles’ tourism, and the key role culture and sustainability will play in her plans.
In this dialogue, Minister Bernstein discusses the government’s renewed focus on cultural authenticity, women’s leadership, and youth empowerment within the sector, while outlining her commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and long-term resilience.
In this episode, recorded on August 24 during VoyagesAfriq’s coverage of the Seychelles Nature Trail, Mr. Paul Lebon, Director General for Destination Planning and Development at Tourism Seychelles, shares in-depth insights on Lospitalite Sesel. He discusses how the initiative has revitalized service excellence across the tourism sector and the importance of preparing the destination to deliver the warm hospitality the islands are renowned for. Mr. Lebon explains that the program aims to strengthen Seychelles’ tourism competitiveness and further position the islands as a leading travel destination.
In this episode, we examine the real impact of the Essence of Africa trade show, its evolution, significance, and what it means for the continent’s tourism future. Joining me on site is Amanda Margison, one of the founders of Essence of Africa, as we reflect on this year’s edition in Malindi, Kenya.From local community engagement to the show’s bold vision of rotating across Africa, this conversation offers an honest look at how Essence of Africa is reshaping the B2B landscape and redefining how the world connects with African destinations.
In this conversation, we delve into one of Africa’s most promising travel corridors, the growing connection between Latin America and Africa. Joining me is Andrea Landaeta from Sariri Terra, a leading voice in Latin American tourism. Together, we explore evolving travel trends, shifting demographics, and the critical role of air connectivity in deepening ties between the two regions.
Today’s episode features an in-depth conversation with Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department and a familiar voice on the VA Tourism Podcast.Since our last update in May—following the historic hosting of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup—the Seychelles has seen a notable rise in events, a move aligned with the destination’s growth ambitions.In this episode, Sherin shares key insights into the latest developments in product offerings, new experiences for travelers, air connectivity, and the recently launched cruise tourism report. She also introduces us to Seychelles Secrets, a national grading program designed to expand authentic Creole hospitality options for visitors.
In today’s episode hosted by Guest Presenter Laura Penaloza, guest, Kezy Mukiri, the founder of Zuri Events and the lead of the Africa MICE Summit talks to us about this year’s edition scheduled for September 9th through the 11th
of 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. In our conversation, Kezy shares how the MICE industry is driving trade, investment, and stronger connections across Africa while unlocking enormous growth potential. We touch on how the industry is expanding not only across sectors but across the continent, as new countries work to position themselves as emerging MICE destinations.
Thisyear’s edition of the summit will also have a new focus on empowering young professionals through the Future Leaders Forum. We hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening!
KEZY MUKIRI is an advocate of the high court of Kenya, a MICE consultant, prolific conference organizer, dynamic entrepreneur and an enthusiast of intra-Africa trade.
She is the CEO and founder of ZURI EVENTS, a professional conference management & consulting firm based in Nairobi, Kenya, with close to two decades of experience in managing international conferences, business meetings, trade expos and trade missions.
Through the Africa MICE Summit which launched in 2018, she has been a champion for MICE development in the region as well as a key voice for innovation and sustainable event management practices in Africa.
She has managed conferences across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zanzibar, Sri Lanka, and Djibouti. Her key clients are spread across Kenya, US, UK, Netherlands, Thailand, Japan, UK, Germany, Spain, Israel, South Africa, Bangladesh etc.
Her company has been recognized as the leading sustainable event management firm in East Africa by several awards including the MEA Excellence Awards and the UK Hospitality Awards. Zuri Events has also been recognised as the best MICE Organiser in Kenya by the World MICE Awards for the last 5 consecutive years.
Kezy has been recognized with the Woman of Excellence Award by the Women Economic Forum, (2018) and the Collaborator of the Year Award by Women in MICE Africa, (2021).
In today’s episode, we sit down for an exclusive conversation with Miller Matola, CEO of Millvest Advisory — the organization behind the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA).Now in its third year, TIFA continues to build momentum, and this year’s event in Richards Bay, South Africa, reaffirmed its mission: driving tourism investment into Africa’s secondary cities.In our conversation, Miller shares why TIFA is more than just a conference — calling it “a global platform for local action” — designed to spotlight development opportunities in often-overlooked secondary and tertiary regions across the continent.
As South Africa prepares to host the historic G20 Meetings this year, we speak with Tshifiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, about the significance of this event for the country’s tourism private sector, the SADC region, and the continent as a whole. In this conversation, Tshifiwa shares his perspective on the Impending rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system aimed at streamlining visa processes, as well as the upcoming Tourism Leadership Conference and initiatives the Council is implementing to support MSMEs in the sector.
In today’s conversation, we take a deep dive into creative rights governance across the African continent. Our guest, Maureen Fondo, Head of copyright and related rights at the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), highlights how the surge in creative output—especially among young people—has underscored the urgent need for formal systems to recognize, protect, and help monetize their work.
She has over 16 years of professional experience in legal and copyright matters. Having contributed to the adoption of the Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, the ARIPO Model Law on Copyrightand Related Rights and policy documents at ARIPO that were adopted by the Member States and various copyright publications.
Ms. Fondo is a DPhil candidate in Intellectual Property at Africa University, Zimbabwe, and a lecturer for the Master’s program in Intellectual Property at Africa University. Ms. Fondo is a holder of a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property (MIP) from Africa University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law School of Tanzania, an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and Courts Subordinate thereto, and a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from Tumaini University, Tanzania (now known as Iringa University).
She previously served as a Senior Legal Officer, heading the Legal Service Unit at the Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA), where she handled copyright cases, presided over dispute resolutions and negotiations among parties, drafted contracts, oversaw licensing of copyright and related rights to users, and raised awareness about copyright and related rights.
Ms. Fondo volunteered as a Legal Officer at the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) Arusha Legal Aid Clinic. She worked as a part-time lecturer in Business Law at the Institute of Accountancy in Arusha, Tanzania. She is an artist and composer with at least thirteen titles, the author of a movie script titled “Dream is Alive – Ndoto Hai” and a children’s story script titled “Creativity Lives”. Ms. Fondo has received leadership accolades.
In this episode, we explore the Australasian market as an emerging strong key Source market for African destinations. A market Expert and Co-Director of Luxury Travel Marketing Lauren McAlpine beliefs the Africa showcase platform is opening new frontiers for African destination management companies (DMCs) as the continent expands its tourism footprint into Australasia. She takes a deep dive into this high value market.
Luxury Travel Marketing (LTM) is a boutique representation agency based in Australia, specialising in sales and marketing for luxury and experiential travel brands across Africa as well as the rest of the world. With a long-standing commitment to promoting Africa's most inspiring travel experiences—from high-end safari operators, luxury trains and remote lodges to conservation-led tourism initiatives—LTM connects African suppliers with the Australian and New Zealand trade. As long-time facilitators of Africa Showcase in Australia, LTM plays a key role in driving awareness, education, and fostering meaningful trade engagement across the region’s dynamic travel sector.
In today’s episode, we sit down with Frank Murangwa, Regional Director for the Africa Chapter at International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)as he reflects on his leadership journey since taking the helm a year ago. He shares insights into the continent’s growing membership, the rollout of educational initiatives aimed at strengthening member capacity, and takes a deep dive into the latest ICCA Country and City Rankings—highlighting how Africa performed on the global stage.
In this episode, we're diving into the very first Seychelles Challenge, happening from July 20th to 27th, 2025. Event lead, Hylton Hale gives us the inside scoop on this exciting 7-day adventure — a 6-night active holiday filled with daily sailing challenges around the stunning Seychelles Islands. Whether you're bringing your own boat or chartering through Sunsail or The Moorings, it is set to be an unforgettable experience on the torquise waters.
On today’s episode, we journey to the Indian Ocean archipelago of Seychelles: not for the beaches this time, but for the stories that lie beyond them.The Seychelles Heritage Awards have returned with a renewed purpose: to recognise the quiet custodians of Creole culture: the storytellers, musicians, farmers, and knowledge-keepers who’ve dedicated decades to preserving the island's soul.In this episode, you’ll hear from two remarkable cultural champions: Camille Azemia, a traditional music icon whose passion spans generations, and Jenita Laporte, a fierce advocate for Creole heritage who says she’s “retired, but not tired.”We’ll also speak with the Executive Director of the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council, Benjamine Rose who shares the vision behind the awards and the deep community roots they celebrate.These are not just honours; they are acts of cultural survival.
In this episode, we’re joined by Mrs. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism in Seychelles, as she shares insights on the country’s historic hosting of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025. She discusses how this landmark event is poised to boost the island’s ambitions in the MICE sector and support the development of a policy framework positioning Seychelles as a premier destination for major international events. Mrs. Francis also delves into the current state of tourism, efforts in product diversification, and the unique charm of Seychelles that goes far beyond its iconic beaches.
In this episode, recorded on April 4th in the stunning Seychelles, I sit down with Stéphane Duchenne, General Manager of Constance Ephelia Resort, and Markus Ultsch-Unrath, the resort’s Sustainability, Health, and Safety Manager. In this chat, we explore their recent milestone achievement — becoming the first recipient of the Platinum Award at the Sustainable Seychelles Recognition & Certification Ceremony. Our wide-ranging conversation reveals how sustainability at Constance Ephelia goes far beyond carbon offsets and recycling bins. As Stéphane eloquently puts it, it’s a philosophy rooted in the land, sung by the local community, and seen in the eyes of children playing among the mangroves. as Markus says: “We’re not just here to protect nature — we’re here to pass it on.”
In today’s conversation, Mahi Tadesse, founder and CEO of HallPax, offers an in-depth look at Africa’s MICE sector. She discusses the vast opportunities the continent's business events sector presents for destinations and introduces the HallPax marketplace. According to Mahi, this new platform will help MICE stakeholders organize events seamlessly while providing vendors with opportunities to maximize their expertise
In this episode, we unpack the opportunities that new and emerging markets such as the Central Eastern European Market offers African destinations. In this exclusive conversation recorded on the final day at the Africa showcase CEE roadshow in Warsaw, Poland Louise Leach, Sales Manager, Portfolio: Responsible for developing new source market at Gondwana Collection is very optimistic of growing the numbers from the CEE to fill out the group’s low season moment. She maintained Namibia offers exciting and unique products beyond the safaris.
In today’s episode, recorded at the iconic Windhoek City Museum on Friday, March 21st, 2025, the VA Tourism Podcast sat down for an exclusive conversation with Sebulon Chicalu, the newly appointed CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board. Just hours after the historic inauguration of Namibia’s first female president, Chicalu shared his thoughts on the exciting new chapter for the country, highlighting the boost to the destination's brand equity and the momentum it will bring to the board’s renewed focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). In this chat, he outlined his vision for the organization, emphasizing the importance of consolidating core source markets, diversifying products, promoting domestic tourism, and ensuring high-quality standards, among other strategic priorities.
A seasoned business strategist with extensive expertise in the travel and tourism sector, Mr Chicalu brings a wealth of experience in tourism product innovation and development. He is also a GALLUP-certified Strengths and Talent Development Coach, a mentor and an expert in employee engagement. His dynamic skill set spans roles as a moderator, negotiator, coordinator and public speaker.
Before joining NTB, Mr Chicalu served as the Director of Tourism and Gaming at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in developing and launching various hospitality and tourism services, spearheading major business events, and providing strategic leadership in executive management and board-level roles within the tourism and hospitality industries.
Academically, he holds a Master of Business Administration (MsM), a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, and a Diploma in Marketing Management. Additionally, he is certified in Corporate Governance and as a GALLUP Clifton-Strengths Coach.
In this conversation recorded in Warsaw, Poland on the margins of the Africa Showcase CEE Event, the VA Tourism Podcast caught up with the Commercial Director of Takims Holidays, Abbas Takim. Abbas shared his immense inisghts into the CEE market where he has been operating for over a decade and encouraged African destinations to explore the opportunities in this emerging source market for the region. He delves deep into the operations of his Family run business and it's landmark 75th anniversary this year
In today’s episode, the CEO of the Zambia Tourism Agency, Matongo Matamwandi speaks extensivley on the growth trajectory of the tourism sector in Zambia. Speaking to me exclusivley at this year’s ITB Berlin, Matongo described Zambia’s participation as a resounding success and highlighted the country’s tourism offerings to the German and wider European market. The ZTA boss also talks about the upcoming Zambia Travel Expo, UN Tourism CAF-CAM Summit, it's sustainability push and more.
In this episode I speak with Agnieszka Lewandowska, Director of Tour de Family, a leading Polish outbound company specializing in African travel. Discussing the dynamics of the Polish and Central European tourism market at the recently concluded Africa Showcase CEE Roadshow, Agnieszka highlights the growing interest in Africa as a travel destination, particularly in Namibia and South Africa, alongside established interest in Kenya and Tanzania. She advises African destinations to focus on educating the Polish market to further tap into this potential.
In today’s episode, we discuss this year’s Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit, set to take place from April 7-9, 2025, in Lusaka, Zambia. My guest, Mrs. Anne Kaoma-Sibanda, Executive Director of the Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies, reflects on the successes of last year’s summit and highlights the new features of this year’s event. Anne is confident that the summit will address skills gaps and foster stronger collaboration within the industry.
In today’s episode recorded in Warsaw, Poland, the Regional Marketing Manager of Durban Tourism Musa Ndabeni discusses the city of Durban’s tourism plans to tap into the central European market. She is impressed with the incredible interest shown in the destination during the week’s interaction with the travel trade during the Africa showcase CEE roadshow in Prague, Bucharest and Warsaw.
Musa is a Travel and Marketing specialist with vast experience in Corporate New Business & Brand Development, she has worked for multiple Giant Brands including HRG Rennies, Tourvest Group and TWF currently exploring Digital Marketing opportunities for Destination Promotion opportunities.
In today’s conversation Kenneth Kapitako, CEO of Sandwich Dune Tours and an experienced tourism entrepreneur, explores the shifting dynamics of Namibia’s tourism sector. As a prominent industry leader, he shares insights on market trends, challenges, and the strategies driving the sector’s resilience and growth in 2024.
In this episode, Sam Munda, Managing Director for Kenya and VP of Africa at Travisory, delves into the evolving landscape of Africa's border security and digital travel solutions. With over 30 years of experience in aviation ICT and transport security, Sam shares insights on seamless border management, visa accessibility, and the future of hassle-free travel across the continent.
Sam Munda joined Travizory in 2020 and is the Managing Director for the Kenya Office. He leads the company’s commercial strategy across Africa, supporting governments in digitizing borders to enhance security, efficiency, and traveler experience. His work also enables real-time data access for better decision-making.
With over 30 years of experience in ICT, aviation, and transport security, Sam has held leadership roles in Africa with a major global aviation ICT provider.
He is an Electronics Engineer, having graduated from ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) in Toulouse, France, and holds an MBA from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
In this episode, recorded in Madrid on February 03, 2025 during the Africa Showcase Southern Europe event, On Show Solutions founders Jacqui Reynolds and Amanda Margison reflect on nearly two decades of shaping a marketplace for Africa’s tourism sector. They share their journey of promoting African tourism products across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and within Africa itself, using dynamic roadshows and strategic marketing networks to make a lasting impact
In this episode, the first for the year, we discuss Africa’s potential as a sought after luxury travel destination. My guest Penny Fraser, Sales, Sponsorship & Partnerships Director for RX Africa dives into the luxury space and also gives a sneak peek of this year’s ILTM Africa slated for 7-9 April 2025
Penny is an experienced Luxury travel personality – from her days as part of the launch team of Cape Grace Hotel voted by Conde Nast Traveller as the best Hotel in the World during her time there, she has also spent time at WESGRO and running her own Hospitality Consulting business for many years and now Sales, Sponsorship & Partnerships Director for RX Africa. Penny also overseas the Sustainability Portfolio for RX Africa.
In today’s episode, the Vice President at ICF Foundation Coura Badiane explores the transformative power of coaching in tourism, showing how it fosters social impact, drives growth, and empowers individuals and organizations.
In today’s conversation recorded on the margins of the 63rd ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, I sat down with Kathleen Lihanda, Director for Social Impact at the International Coaching Federation (ICF) to unpack how their partnership with ICCA is empowering leaders through coaching and driving impactful change in the tourism and Business Events Sectors.
Today’s episode recorded at Abu Dhabi on 24th October on the final day of the 63rd International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) delves deep into African participation at this year’s event. The conversation starts with an overview of the congress and how Africa can grow its share of the Association's business with the Regional Director of Africa at ICCA Frank Murangwa. Glenton de Kock, CEO of (SAACI), reflected on the Congress’s content and the need for a louder African voice while CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau Janet Karemera and SRC Agency Lead Doris Parsons stressed the importance of visibility, collaboration, and investment in positioning Africa as a competitive force in the global market.
In this conversation, Senthil Gopinath, the CEO of ICCA shares his reflections on the success of the incredible 63rd ICCA Congress, the innovative new model introduced, and the vital role of global leadership in shaping the future of the industry.
Senthil Gopinath is the Chief Executive Officer of International Congress and Convention Association ICCA. He has over two decades of experience and expertise in the meetings, association, and leisure industries. He has held a wide spectrum of positions in the meetings industry. Such as the CEO of the Convention Bureau of Sri Lanka, the Vice President of Kuoni. He moved to Dubai in 2006 and has been working for Congress Solutions International, the Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) arm of Emirates Group, eventually holding responsibility for wide-ranging business development, sales, and operations functions for some of the largest international meetings held in the UAE, including World Diabetes Congress, UITP, and World Economic Forum.
He has been involved in winning many Congress bids for Dubai, UAE, and the Region. Academically he holds a European Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration. Currently reading for PhD.
Senthil has been working with the global association fraternity for more than a decade and has in-depth knowledge of global association segment development. A passionate strategist. Being creative and adaptable to the constantly changing environment are his key strengths. Always aims at professionalism and focuses on achieving the organizational objectives and financial goals.
ICCA -the International Congress and Convention Association- is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.
My conversation today, is with advisory board member Essence of Africa Leanne Heigh. Our chat today will explore the inspiration behind this exciting project, what sets it apart from other travel shows, and the key factors driving its success. Leanne shares her insights on the gaps in the market, the unique African business environment, and why quality meetings and global buyers are at the heart of Essence of Africa.
Profile
I arrived in Africa in February 1994 as a young backpacker, I stayed on as a Tour Leader and within a frighteningly short period was managing the largest overland truck company on the continent.
In November of 2013, my husband James and I were asked to become joint CEOs of Tourvests operations in East Africa, Tourvest had just bought out the minority shareholders.
It also coincided with the worst trading period in the history of East African tourism as the industry reeled from terror attacks and then ebola outbreaks.
Tourvest emerged stronger from these events and restructured. I remained as CEO for the Lemala and Adrift brands which have since evolved into a group of 10 properties operating in Tanzania and Uganda, and an exciting activity brand offering exhilarating adventures on the River Nile. We are all incredibly proud of the team members that make up the #spiritoflemala and the positive impact that our tourism work has on our staff, their families and the communities from which they are drawn.
Lemala is a happy place and I am proud to play my part in its work.
In today’s episode my guest Clive Chinwada, President of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe discusses the exciting growth of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, with a spotlight on key destinations like Victoria Falls and how the country is evolving its offerings to appeal to a wider range of travelers.
In today’s episode Sandra Carvão, Director of Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at UN Tourism takes a deep dive into the recent grant program announced by UN Tourism and TUI Foundation focused on rural development and tourism. Sandra tells me the grants aim to connect artisans with the tourism value chain, giving them the resources and guidance needed to grow their crafts and impact local economies. The pilot countries are Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tunisia, and Zambia
In today’s episode, we explore the impact of Fairtrade Africa in shaping sustainable trade across the continent. My Guest is Paul Colditz, the commercial director at Fairtrade International. From uplifting small-scale farmers to driving ethical business practices, this conversation delves into how Fairtrade ensures fair prices, environmental responsibility, and community development.
My conversation today looks at the expectations of Africa’s tourism industry players ahead of the maiden Essence of Africa travel show scheduled for 2-4 December 2024 in Nairobi,Kenya. In this chat, Rosemary Muthoni Director of sales at Sopa lodges tells me the track record of Onshow Solutions and ATTA, organisers of the show makes her confident of meeting the right buyers from the key source markets.
Rosemary Muthoni brings vast experience and expertise to the Sopa Lodges team, having worked with renowned hotel brands in Kenya and across the East African hospitality industry. As the Director of Sales, Rosemary leverages her extensive knowledge to drive business growth and build strong trade partner relations.
Her leadership skills and innovative approach ensure that the Sales team delivers efficient and personalized services, while contributing to the company's growth. Rosemary’s passion for hospitality and her commitment to excellence align perfectly with the Core Values of Sopa Lodges, ensuring that guests continue to enjoy unforgettable experiences at all Sopa properties.
A visionary leader, Rosemary holds a degree/master’s in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, and Business Administration from KCA University and the Kenya Institute of Management, respectively. She also holds a qualification in Strategic Management from the European Business University of Luxembourg and remains continuously committed to staying ahead of industry trends and innovations. Her expertise in the hospitality industry makes her a vital part of the Sopa Lodges' leadership team.
In today’s episode, the owner of SA based White Shark Projects 'Jessica Smit' shares her expectation of the maiden Essence of Africa Travel show scheduled to take place from 2-4 December in Nairobi, Kenya.
The owner of White Shark Projects 'Jessica Smit' is a conservationist focusing on the behaviour and welfare of the marine life that we have the pleasure of working with daily. In her own words ''To have the ability to observe our wild marine life free swimming in their natural environment is an honour that we shall never exploit, or harm only observe with respect and admiration''.
White Shark Projects is a renowned global research organisation founded in 1989. It is dedicated to the conservation of South Africa’s shark species and our oceans. Shark cage diving and viewing not only provides a unique opportunity to witness the wonder of our beautiful sharks in a safe and professional environment, but also serves as a conservation education platform to help protect these vulnerable animals. Through our shark cage diving excursions, volunteer programme and vital community outreach projects, we aim to give people the knowledge to help conserve sharks and the environment to create a more sustainable future.
Today’s episode takes a deep dive into the Associations' Business as part of the MICE ecosystem. My guest, Jeffers Miruka the Founding President of the African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE)highlights the crucial role of the Association sub-sector in the development of MICE in Africa. Jeffers says associations provide significant value to members including skills enhancements and networking opportunities among others. He rounds up the chat on the upcoming 2024 Africa Associations Summit to be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 29th – 30th October.
Mr. Jeffers Miruka is the founding president of the African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE). He is also the Managing Director of the African Associations Management Company (AFAMCO) and the Secretary General of the Association for Kenya Business Events (AKBE). With a career dedicated to advancing Association Management as a profession in Africa, Jeffers is a respected global leader and mentor in the field.
My conversation today is with the CEO of Dana Tours Natalie Tenzer-Silva . Dana Tours, Mozambique’s leading Inbound operator has in the last 25 years + worked tirelessly to make the destination a must-visit place in Africa in spite of the challenges. In this Chat, Natalie takes me through her journey and why she believes the time has come for Mozambique to make MICE a major part of its tourism development.
Natalie Tenzer-Silva was born in South Africa and moved to Mozambique in the early 90s where she learned Portuguese. Natalie has worked in the tourism industry since 1994 first managing a large travel agency and then becoming Mozambique’s largest inbound tour operator. Her language skills and capacity as a team leader have earned her respect both within Dana Tours, the Mozambican business community and the Government having been a member of the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee. She spends her spare time with her husband and two boys.
In this conversation, the CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa explains in detail the landmark ruling of SA’s Competition Commission on the Removal of price parity clauses between online travel agent (OTA) Booking.com and contracted accommodation providers in South Africa and what it means for the industry especially for Tourism SMEs.
In this episode, the Acting CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board Charmaine Mathues reflects on the Board’s successful ‘’Reason to Visit Namibia’’ Roadshow in Botswana. Charmaine believes the partnerships formed and the B2B engagements with the trade, coupled with the announcement by Air Botswana to launch direct flights between the two cities will further boost trade and tourism into Namibia and the sub-region.
Today’s episode discusses Mozambique’s potential as a growing MICE Destination. The General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Maputo Rob Van der Velden weighs in on the country’s Meetings space and why he thinks a lot needs to be done to address the challenges to unlock its full potential. Rob gives his impressions on FIKANI, Air connectivity and the diversification of its offering.
In today’s episode recorded on the sidelines of FIKANI Tourism Fair in Mozambique, the newly appointed Director for Africa of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Frank Murangwa outlines his vision for Africa and discusses the continent’s readiness to make MICE and Business events sectors key economic drivers.
My conversation today takes a look at Uganda’s tourism sector and how its soon to be launched 10-year Tourism development plan incorporates elements such as gastronomy tourism. In a chat with the CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board Lilly Ajarova at the recently held UN Tourism Forum for Gastronomy tourism in Zimbabwe, she mentioned how the conference was timely and the take outs with help them fine tune their gastronomy and agro tourism sectors.
On Today’s episode, the Director General of the Basque Culinary Centre Joxe Mari Aizega unpacks the potential and opportunities for gastronomy tourism in Africa. Speaking on his experience during the first UN Tourism maiden gastronomy forum held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Joxe Mari said he was excited by the genuine interests and commitments by African tourism to develop the sector and place African gastronomy on the world stage.
In today’s episode, the Minister of Tourism of the Democratic Republic of Congo Didier Musanga M’pambia opens up on his vision for the Central African nation. Amongst the list of innovations he wants to introduce is to initiate a Tourism city project, an aggressive domestic tourism campaign, and consolidate its rich relationship with UN Tourism to support capacity building and human resource development for its tourism sector.
On the sidelines of the just ended 1st UN Tourism Regional Forum for Gastronomy Tourism in Zimbabwe, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Tunis reflects on the outcomes of the 67 Commission for Africa Meeting in Zambia, 2nd Brand Africa conference and finally the role of the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee in ensuring gender parity in the tourism sector. Minister Nabeela also gave an update on Sierra Leone’s Tourism sector following the launch of its Masterplan
Ahead of the 2nd UN Tourism Conference on Brand Africa scheduled to be held from 22-24 July in Livingstone, Zambia, I caught up with the CEO of the Zambia Tourism Agency Matongo Matamwandi to give me a sneak peek of the gathering. He tells me the Tourism Board CEO’s Think Tank and the launch of the UN Tourism Doing Business Investing in Zambia Guidelines will be major highlights of the 2-day event.
In today’s episode, Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John reveals her plans to use the technology to transform the country’s tourism sector. Attending UN Tourism event for the first time in Barcelona, Spain she added that, her ministry is working closely with her counterpart at culture to leverage Nigeria's rich cultural heritage.
My conversation today is with Professor Bhaso Ndzendze an Associate Professor of international Relations at the University of Johannesburg, where he is also Vice-Dean of Internationalisation in the Faculty of Humanities. He discusses the Africa by Bus project which he says combines cultural immersion and academic engagements to enhance the learning skills of students.
My conversation is with Temwa Kanjadza, Head of Sales Marketing and Distribution at Malawi’s Sunbird Tourism PLC. Temwa gives an overview of the hotel group’s incredible role in Malawi’s tourism sector and reveals the hotel’s latest announcement, the construction of its state-of-the-art convention centre and its MICE focus for the domestic and regional markets.
In our special coverage of Destination Malawi, I spoke with the General Manager of Sigelege Resorts, Farai Marara. Farai discusses the hospitality sector in Malawi and reveals the vision of the hotel group to further its footprint in Malawi.
An achievement oriented and transformational leader. Seasoned hotelier with remarkable attention to detail and excellent customer engagement skills. Passionate about innovation, sustainability, coaching and mentoring teams to optimal performance levels. With over 15 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Farai Marara has successfully overseen the operations of both city hotels and resorts in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi, consistently achieving remarkable growth, profitability, and guest satisfaction ratings.
Today’s episode was recorded at this year’s Malawi International Tourism Expo in Lilongwe. VoyagesAfriq’s content editor Samuel Obeng Appah sat down with Noma Moyo, a Sales executive at Pay Changu, a Malawian FinTech startup. She says the Company’s objective is to help fix the payment challenges in Malawi of which the tourism sector is heavily affected. She believes their payment gateway will enhance the services offered by the destination.
My conversation today is an exclusive chat with the CEO of Africa's Eden Tourism Association, Jillian Blackbeard. She tells me the main objective of Africa’s Eden is to drive travel and tourism that positively contribute to society and the local/regional economy. Africa’s Eden is a private sector-driven organisation representing Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, undertaking an ambitious destination marketing strategy and campaign at all levels of the tourism supply chain.
Jillian's passion lies in African tourism and Conservation, she has been leading the industry for over 10 years specifically in marketing, first for a Southern African hotel and resort chain, followed by 5 years as director for marketing and product development at Botswana Tourism Organisation, followed by Director for Africa for The World Travel and Tourism Association. She is now the CEO of Africa's Eden Tourism Association, the first purely private sector driven organisation representing Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, undertaking an ambitious destination marketing strategy and campaign at all levels of the tourism supply chain. Jillian's passions extend to conversation, managing the Tlhokomela Endangered Wildlife Trust for 5 years and continues to support projects that link tourism with conservation. Over the past years, she has spoken at international conferences and events on the importance of intra-African travel and opportunities and challenges for the sector across the African continent.
In today’s episode, the Acting CEO of Botswana Tourism Organization Keitumetse Setlang at the recent WTM Africa show in Cape Town revealed the ambitious Strategy for Diversification and Growth for the Southern African Nation. She also gave an update on the country’s MICE Strategy which she describes as cardinal to their tourism drive
Today’s conversation is an exclusive chat with the newly appointed Executive Director of Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS)Mrs. Anne Kaoma-Sibanda. On the sidelines of the just-ended 2nd Travel, Hospitality, and Tourism Education Summit held in Lusaka, Anne tells me ZITHS is committed to using initiatives such as the summit to help address the gaps in the human resource base of the tourism sector. Anne outlines her vision for the country’s leading hospitality institution and how partnerships will help ZITHS adapt to the fast-changing needs of the sector.
Mrs. Anne Kaoma-Sibanda brings a wealth of experience in the field of tourism and hospitality. Her background in human capital development coupled with a strong leadership acumen, aligns perfectly with the current strategic vision of reclaiming ZITHS’ rightful position as an educator of choice in the region and beyond.
Mrs. Anne Kaoma-Sibanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Psychology and a Master of Business Administration. As Executive Director, Mrs. Kaoma-Sibanda plays a pivotal role in steering ZITHS toward new heights of hospitality education in Zambia through strategic vision coupled with the commitment to fostering growth and educational innovation to contribute significantly to the success of the institute and the hospitality industry at large.
In today’s episode, the founder of Essence of Africa Amanda Margison unpacks the reasons behind the launch of the continent’s latest travel show. Taking place from 2-4 October 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, The Essence of Africa show a collaborative work between Onshow Solutions and ATTA is a private sector-led initiative focused on expanding the potential of tourism across Africa by bringing together the right global buyers and committed local sellers.
The recently held 2024 ITB Berlin saw Africa turn up in style showcasing a diverse and wide range of offerings for the continent’s key source market at the marquee travel show. On today’s podcast recorded on the final day of the show, I spoke to the Director General of Destination Marketing at Tourism Seychelles Bernadette Willemin on her impressions of the show. Sales & Marketing Manager of Malawi’s Blue Zebra Lodge, Jen Dunlop-Jones expressed excitement following an overwhelming show of interest in their products and La Reunion’s Jerome Manicom who was happy to use ITB to announce his maiden B2B event.
Natalia Rosa, a Project Lead at SADC Tourism Business Council Tourism Alliance concludes this conversation by sharing insights into the alliance’s significant strides and ambitious initiatives.
Today’s episode recorded on the margins of ITB Berlin 2024 unpacks Safari 2 GO, a revolutionary approach to planning a trip to Namibia. The platform, part of the Gondwana Group is a comprehensive online travel gateway. The Group CEO of Gondwana Gys Joubert says their newest product was inspired by the demand from smaller players and stand-alone adventurers to discover the land of the Brave.
Ahead of this year’s Kriol International Jazz Festival to be held in Praia, Cabo Verde from 4-6 April, I had an exclusive chat with the lead organizer of the event Djo da Silva. He tells me this year’s event will celebrate the fusion of kriol culture and music in style with musicians and groups from all parts of the world.
My conversation today is with the General Manager of Air Botswana, Lulu Rasebotsa. She is optimistic the financial assistance given them by the Government of Botswana coupled with their plans to relaunch new routes with a new fleet will make the airline competitive and boost the country’s tourism drive.
In today’s episode, the Acting CEO of Namibia Tourism Board Bonnie Mbidzo on the sidelines of last week’s ITB Berlin tells me, the travel trade has expressed their excitement about Namibia’s diversified tourism products. He opens up on his short to medium-term plans and finally looks forward to welcoming delegates for the AviaDev to the land of the brave.
Today’s conversation explores the enormous opportunities the Central Eastern European outbound market offers to African destinations. Managing Director of Travel Advance, Paddington Tucker currently at Onshow’s CEE roadshow in Budapest takes a deep dive into this growing market.
Paddington Tucker is the owner and founder of the Travel Advance Group, a destination marketing agency with reach across Central Eastern Europe and staff based in Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Romania. Since 2014 Travel Advance has consulted to numerous tourism boards looking to understand this dynamic region and grow tourism arrivals. Paddington started his career promoting African safari products across the world and since 2010 partnered with Onshow Solutions on the Africa Showcase project in German-speaking markets and CEE.
My Guest today is Safiyaa Akoojee, Founder and CEO of Fortunatus Advisory. Safiyya is a Dubai based South African Attorney & advisory professional, with more than thirteen years of law practice experience. In this conversation, she highlights the critical role of attorneys in the business of tourism and the right framework to attract the right investments to destinations. Safiyya will be speaking at the upcoming Tourism Investments Forum Africa scheduled for 10-12 April in Cape Town, South Africa.
Safiyya is a dynamic, performance-driven professional who has held leadership posts in multiple businesses and provides global expertise with legal insights to advise businesses and executives alike. Safiyya has an acute business acumen and foresight allowing her to advise her clients on the intricacies of cross border transactions and offshore establishment.
Having gained a significant amount of experience representing various businesses & industry sectors. Fortunatus Advisory has mandates representing clients in multiple diverse sectors of the economy including oil, gas & energy; travel, tourism & hospitality; food manufacturing; real estate & construction sectors. Representing high net worth clients through Africa & the Middle East, securing foreign direct investment, and advising on offshore strategy providing a complete suite of services, Safiyya is an astute legal & private advisor.
Safiyya previously had success in completing foreign direct investment transactions, and practicing in commercial and corporate law matters, both litigious and non-litigious. Having successfully advised and represented international trade, company formation specialty, and offshore company strategy. Safiyya worked as Director of Thomson Wilks Inc. in association with DWF for thirteen years as the sole international attorney, focused on Middle East strategy & legal consulting. She speaks regularly at conferences on international investments and the international legal environment & regulations supporting business opportunities, whilst overcoming cross-border and governmental challenges, in an ever-increasing multicultural society.
She has also served as President of the South African Business Council, Dubai U.A.E, and represented South Africa in procuring foreign direct investment.
Safiyya holds multiple degrees in Bachelor of Arts (Law, International Relations, English), the University of Witwatersrand; Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of South Africa; Post Graduate Certificate, Commercial & Corporate Law, University of London (awarded merit); Post Graduate Diploma, Banking & Finance Law, University of London (awarded merit); Masters of Law (LLM), Banking, Finance & Corporate Law, University of London
Ahead of the 2nd edition of the Tourism Investments Forum Africa (TIFA) to be held during World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town, South Africa from 10-12 April 2024, we caught up with the CEO of Millvest Investments, organisers of the event Miller Matola. He says this year’s edition will be riding on the successes that inaugural event chalked and the tourism industry is buoyed by the fact that the event is taking place at an important market place.
In today’s episode, a distinguished destination marketing expert and Founder & CEO of Globify Solutions, a full-service marketing agency Jacinta Nzioka has admonished African DMOs to outline targeted strategies in growing the interest of the continent in the US Outbound market. Jacinta believes Africa should look at niche products for the US market while enhancing its marketing and activations on the ground.
Jacinta previously spearheaded the Kenya Convention Bureau (KCB) as its founder CEO for four years since 2019, following over two decades at the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). During her tenure at KTB, she held key positions, including Acting CEO, and Director of Marketing for 9 years, overseeing global tourism marketing strategy and fostering sector revival for Kenya during crises.
Her trailblazing destination marketing journey in Kenya and globally included driving impactful initiatives in leading Kenya’s entry strategy into Africa, and Asia as well as growth into the East and Central European region. During her helm at KTB's Marketing function, the Board was recognized as Africa’s Best Tourism Board for 7 years consecutively. As a marketing technical expert, Jacinta worked jointly with East African partner states to develop a regional destination brand, oversaw the relaunch of the destination brand Magicalkenya, and developed a domestic tourism TembeaKenya brand campaign both of which remain Kenya’s destination brand locally and internationally.
During the recent Southern Europe tour of Africa showcase in Madrid Spain, the VA Tourism podcast caught up with three African travel & facility specialists who made the trip with the Onshow team. The Director of Marketing at Sopa Lodges, Rosemary Muthoni, Lindie Strauss of NaC Helicopters, and Lana Carls from Wesgro all expressed excitement and optimism about the potential of southern Europe as a market for Africa to consider.
My Guest today is Chris Anagnostellis, a seasoned African tour operator and CEO of African Anthology. Chris tells me they’ve seen an increasing demand from the Spanish market inspite of the unavailability of direct air access between Spain and South Africa. He says the Africa Showcase platform is a more focused market gateway which has been rewarding for him and his business.
My conversation today is with two Spanish outbound tour operators Eduardo Garcia del Alamo and Lucia Diaz Jimenez. At the recent Africa showcase Southern Europe roadshow in Madrid, Spain the duo unpacks the opportunities and challenges with the Spanish outbound market. They believe the growing awareness of Africa in Spain as an alternative destination should urge stakeholders to work together to eliminate barriers hindering its growth.
In the inaugural episode of the VA Tourism Podcast for 2024, the Lady In Red team from Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra explores the distinctive features that set their service apart from traditional concierge offerings. From delivering personalized guest experiences to going above and beyond, the Lady In Red epitomizes exceptional, memorable, and captivating service guaranteed to enchant guests. In a hearty conversation, guest host Samuel Obeng Appah engages, Surabhi Mahajan and Judith Ada Agbara on 14 years of Lady In Red. Additionally, the podcast highlights David Quartey, the first Gentleman In Red in West Africa.
Today’s episode is our Final podcast for the year 2023 and episode 215. This special state of tourism review will bring you a roundup of how tourism fared and our projections of the sector in 2024.We listened to your feedback and have introduced this new format which will be a regular feature once every month to help you and in particular the travel trade to be abreast with the changes in the industry expected to shape the sector going forward in 2024.
To help me run commentary on these issues are four distinguished media personalities versed in tourism and its related sectors. I have Lebawit Lily Girma an award-winning Ethiopian American travel journalist and founder ofTourismLens.com, a platform dedicated to equitable, sustainable tourism and she is currently a full-time travel reporter at Bloomberg News.
Naledi K. Khabo, CEO of African Tourism Association. She is a global strategy leader with 25+ years experience across Operations, Marketing and technology. Naledi currently serves as chief executive at the Africa Tourism Association (ATA), a global trade association promoting travel and tourism to Africa and strengthening intra-Africa partnerships.
Kingsley D. Uranta is the Assistant General Manager-Operations at Channels Television, Lagos, Nigeria with the sole responsibility of driving strategy/innovation, partnership, corporate communications, and training. He has a robust career in communication spanning over 20 years in a variety of functional and managerial roles.
EMELIKE OBINNA is an award-winning journalist with over 12 years of experience. He majors in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality, which he reports with passion. He heads the Travel and Tourism Desk of BusinessDay, the foremost financial Publication in Nigeria.
In today’s episode, the Manager of Enjoy, a restaurant and entertainment center in Grand Bay, Mauritius Estelle St Lambert urges the government of Mauritius to offer incentives, particularly in the creative arts sector to help develop budding talents and also create employment opportunities for the youth in the island. Estelle believes Mauritius has an enormous potential to become an entertainment haven.
In today’s episode, founders of Route Wellness International (Private) Limited Dr. Udeni Arawgoda and Lisa Payet dive into the opportunity that the wellness and medical tourism sectors offer destinations. They discuss the growing medical tourism sector in Sri Lanka and how partnership with Africa can help develop the sector in the region.
In this episode, the General Manager of Veranda Grand Bay in Mauritius Giany Bundhooa discusses the return of business to pre-pandemic levels. He singles out training and capacity building as essential to building a robust hotel sub-sector in Mauritius.
Giany, a Mauritian with a Diploma in Hotel & Business Management from the Durban International Hotel School, boasts over 20 years of experience in Food & Beverage and Hotel Operations Management. Starting as a 'Sommelier' on prestigious 5* cruise ships like Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2, and Caronia from 2003 to 2006, he returned to Mauritius in September 2006 to serve as the 'Assistant Restaurant Manager' at Hilton Mauritius.
His journey continued with roles such as 'Restaurant & Bar Manager' at The Oberoi in May 2007 and 'Restaurant Manager' at Le Paradis Beachcomber in July 2009. In April 2010, Giany ventured to the Seychelles for the opening of Constance Ephelia Resort as the 'Assistant F&B Manager.' He then joined Amanyara, Aman Resort in Turks & Caicos in February 2012 in the capacity of 'Assistant F&B Manager.'
Returning to The Seychelles in April 2013, he took on the role of 'Assistant F&B Director at Constance Ephelia Resorts before being transferred to Constance Lemuria in Praslin in August 2015 as the 'F&B Director' until June 2019. Since July 2019, Giany has been back in Mauritius, serving as the 'Resident Manager' at Le Tamassa in Bel Ombre. In this position, he assists the General Manager in daily operations and spearheads innovative projects.
As of May 2023, Giany has taken on a new challenge, joining Rogers Hospitality as the Hotel Manager for the opening of Veranda Grand Baie.
In this episode, the Area General Manager of Hilton Hotels in Seychelles Andre Borg doubles down on the narrative of Seychelles being a destination beyond the amazing beaches. He is optimistic of a buoyant tourism sector for the upcoming year.
Today’s episode was recorded on site in the Seychelles Island. On the final day of the maiden Mega Fam Trip organised by Tourism Seychelles in the pristine Cap Lazare Nature Reserve, I caught up with the chairperson of the Seychelles Small Hotels and Establishments Association (SSHEA) , Peter Sinon. He tells me in this conversation that, it is about time their members and properties are mainstreamed as part of the offerings of the archipelago island.
In today’s episode, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of the Seychelles Sylvester Radegonde gives an update on the unfortunate explosion and flooding which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning.
My conversation today is with the co-owner of Onshow Solutions Jacqui Reynolds. Jacqui unpacks the learnings from her company’s flagship project “Africa Showcase “ and its impact on Africa as a destination. She discusses trends, airlift, and partnerships, as crucial elements for the development of the tourism sector in Africa
In today’s episode recorded at this year’s World Travel Market, London, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille talks recovery of SA’s tourism sector, women empowerment, SMME support, and airlift to South Africa and to the continent in general. She debunks the assertion that she is destroying the tourism industry and will crack the whip at corrupt officials undermining investigation processes at South African Tourism.
In today’s episode from the beautiful city of Samarkand, in Uzbekistan, I sat down with Anita Mendiratta on her new book titled ‘’The Call to Leadership: Unlocking the Leader Within in Times of Crisis’’. In a sneak peek of the book, the Special Advisor to UNWTO Secretary General said whether it’s a personal crisis or a pandemic we all need to know how to get through the hardest of times.
My conversation today is with the CEO of Botswana’s Fair Ground Holdings Ms Gorata Gabaraane. She unpacks the entity’s role in the development of Botswana’s MICE sector and reveals plans to upgrade its facilities to meet the needs of the industry.
Gorata Gabaraane is the Chief Executive Officer of Fairground Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a distinctive Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions venue in Botswana. Operating in a country listed amongst the top 5 to invest in (according to the 2021 RMB where to Invest in Africa research) - means her institutional service delivery is devoid of anything less than excellent. She has worked for listed Hospitality groups such as Cresta Hotels and Sheraton Hotels. She is known for consistently curating presidential customer experience for clients. Her distinct leadership is characterized as a strong strategic visionary with an innate ability to build and motivate high-performing teams.
A turnaround industry maverick, Gorata has played critical leadership roles orchestrating both strategy and organizational design within entrepreneurship development entities, state-owned entities mandated to drive foreign direct investment as well as country positioning for global competitive advantage. She has been a Board Member of the Botswana Meat Commission and Board Chairperson of Table Bay Cold Storage, based in Cape Town.
Gorata has three daughters and is intentional about contributing to the next generation of curious, innovative, and cutting-edge African pioneers. She coaches young leaders and entrepreneurs from across the country. As a devout life-long learner, she continues to read extensively and engage markets through diverse platforms on sustainable hospitality and innovative food security.
Gorata's educational arsenal includes completion of a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management with the University of Derby in the UK, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel Restaurant, and Institutional Management from Johnson & Wales University (Providence, Rhode Island) as well as a Diploma in Hotel Management from Les Roches in Switzerland.
In today’s episode, the Managing Director of Labadi Beach Hotel David Eduaful opens up on his nearly one year as the Hotel’s first Ghanaian MD. He reflects on the hotel’s performance in the market and projects a positive outlook into the last stretch of the year.
My conversation today is with the senior sales lead at City Lodge Hotel Maputo Airina Hama Thai. She gives an overview of Maputo’s capacity for MICE events and its readiness to match the growing business and leisure interests in the city. Airina says the Evisa roll out has made things easier not just for the traveller but has also lessened issues such as cancellations and no-shows at accommodation establishments.
In today’s episode, the CEO of Millvest Investments and one of the conveners of the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, Miller Matola previews this year’s event which is a few days away. He says the strategic partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement will be one of the highlights of this year’s ATLF.
Today’s episode is a continuation of our special coverage of Mozambique’s burgeoning tourism sector. My guest is Noor Momade, CEO of COTOUR and President of the Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators of Mozambique. In this conversation, Noor unpacks the recovery of the country’s tourism industry and the role his association is playing to improve the sector. He wants government to expedite action in liberalizing the air transport to improve domestic connectivity.
Ahead of the 6th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards slated for the 4-6 October in Gaborone, Botswana, I caught up with Dan Dsouza, a speaker and a global leader in corporate innovation, with expertise in fostering corporate venturing and start-up creation. He tells me he wants to see influential, and people in power who can influence and create places for safe practice to change the industry.
Today’s episode is a special issue of our coverage of Mozambique’s burgeoning tourism sector. My guest Lwana Lopes, the General Manager of Sentidos Beach Retreat one of the leading resorts in Mozambique, talks about the opportunities and challenges with tourism in the country. Lwana tells me they look at offering an experience and not just sleeping on a bed. She concludes with the hotel’s plans for the MICE and incentive market as it plans to roll out new product offerings.
In today’s episode, Mozambique’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Eldervina Materula takes a deep dive into the state of the country’s tourism sector following the ringing changes of its visa policy and the rollout of the evisa program. The country recently held the 11th National Cultural Festival and she believes Mozambique’s cultural heritage can propel its tourism renaissance.
My guest today is Mwanase Ahmed, the CEO & Co-owner of Distant Relatives Ecolodge and Backpackers, a unique eco-lodge in Kilifi, Kenya. The lodge has in the last ten years built a coalition of environmentally conscious travellers and made the local community the pillar of its project. Mwanase talks about her passion for the work and how destinations could tap into their model to develop robust and sustained domestic tourism.
Mwanase Ahmed, a global citizen with roots on Lamu Island, has journeyed through living in the United States, France, Central America, and Senegal before returning to her homeland of Kenya. As the visionary CEO and Co-owner of Distant Relatives Ecolodge and Backpackers, she combines her rich cultural experiences with a deep passion for sustainable tourism, integrating social and environmental responsibility. With a background in Sociology, International Studies & Political Economy, Mwanase brings a unique perspective to her leadership role, fostering a harmonious blend of ecological awareness, community empowerment, and unity, and enriching travel experiences through positive social & environmental activities.
My guest today is Margareth Gustavo, the Executive Director for Strategy and Branding at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. She delves into the key mandates of the Board and what it means to them to host the 2024 edition of the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum.
In today’s episode, the Principal Secretary at Tourism Seychelles Mrs Sherin Francis highlights the state of tourism in the archipelago island and singles out the diversification of the sector as an exciting addition to the tourism offering of the island.
My conversation today is on the incredible growth trajectory of the Radisson Hotel Group in Africa. The Group’s Vice President, Development for Africa and Turkey Ramsay Rankoussi discusses the operations in Africa and gives details on the newly announced 7 hotels in Africa during the AHIF conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
In today’s episode the new president and Chairperson of the African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) Mpume Mabuza outlines her priorities for the association.
As the current CEO of Downtown Music Hub (DTMH), the former Marketing Executive for uShaka Marine World and former Chairperson of the Durban Chamber Tourism Forum, Mabuza brings a wealth of experience and insights into the attractions industry to the AAVEA board. Her passion for social development, leadership and innovation are reflected in her tertiary qualifications which include a B Com, a post-graduate Diploma in Business Management and an MBA.
In today’s episode, the managing director of the Bench, Matthew Weihs unpacks the positive feedback received from customers and participants at this year’s Africa Hospitality Investments Forum held in Nairobi, Kenya. He said the feedback highlights the considerable efforts being made to foster long-term development and investment opportunities across Africa.
On the sideline of the inaugural Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) held in the Northern Cape of South Africa, I caught up with Toni Gumede from the office of the CEO at Brand SA. She underscored the power of collaboration and partnership in shaping the perception of Africa and believes platform such as TIFA is cardinal in the development of the tourism sector on the continent.
In today’s episode, the CEO of Millvest Advisory Miller Matola dives into the objectives of the maiden Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) scheduled to take place in Upington, Northern Cape of South Africa from 7-9 June 2023.
In today’s episode, the CEO of African Tourism Partners Kwakye Donkor and Namibia’s Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism Zebulun Chicalu give an overview of the opening day at the 5thAfrica Youth in Tourism Innovation summit in Swakopmund, Namibia.
My episode today is an exclusive chat with Zambia’s Minister of Tourism and Arts Rodney Sikumba. In our conversation during the recently held Inaugural Travel and Tourism Education Summit in Lusaka, the minister said Zambia is positioning itself in the region as a center of excellence in tourism education as well as incentivizing the private sector to create more jobs and wealth.
In today’s episode, the GIZ/C-NRM Head of Component Climate Resilience Lisa Blanken sheds light on the progress made in the implementation of the SADC Tourism Programme 2020-2030. At a breakfast meeting with stakeholders on the margins of this year’s Africa Travel Indaba, Lisa said her outfit has been supporting the regional body in putting the structures in place as well help build capacity for the team to meet the needs of the time.
My episode today is a tour of Radisson Blue Mosi OA Tunya Livingstone Resort, situated on the banks of one of Africa's longest rivers the Zambezi. The Hotel’s General Manager Shaun Wheeler touts the sustainability footprint of the hotel and believes the property will boost the tourism industry in Zambia.
In today’s episode, the President of SKAL Nairobi Liz Tapawa reveals programs instituted to grow the membership of SKAL International. Liz, who’s an active member of Women in Tourism Group in Kenya, is confident that the Association’s engagements with hospitality institutions to mentor young ladies will help scale up women empowerment With over 25 years of experience in hospitality business development, LizTapawa is the Director of sales and marketing at Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi airport. An active member of the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism and President Skal Kenya Nairobi 2023.
She is passionate about mentorship and is actively preparing the next generation of sales leaders in the hospitality industry. She currently has 10 mentees working in the hospitality industry 7 ladies and 3 gentlemen .2 of the ladies recently took up sales leadership positions with their current employers
In today’s episode, the CEO of Malawi’s Hospitality conglomerate Sunbird Tourism Samson Mwale opens up on the new chapter of the hotel Group and its commitments in the areas of women empowerment and clean energy.
Sunbird Hotels and Resorts is Malawi’s leading hotel chain with nine properties including four city hotels in all three regions of Malawi, four popular beach resorts along Lake Malawi and an iconic mountain resort, in the former capital city of Zomba
My conversation today is with the Sales & Marketing Manager of Blue Zebra Lodge, Jen Dunlop-Jones. Hosting international buyers and media at the boutique and unique island lodge as part of the post-Malawi International Tourism Expo activities, Jen outlines what makes the island a unique experience and its draw as a birding haven.
Blue Zebra Island Lodge is nestled on Nankoma Island, part of the Marelli Archipelago: an unspoiled paradise under the protection of Lake Malawi National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Today’s special episode was recorded from the capital city of Cabo Verde, Praia host of the Kriol Jazz Festival. Making a glorious return after a 3-year break, the artists were full of praise for the organizers and the municipality of Praia for the Morabeza hospitality accorded during the festival. Dr. Pratt, a Barcelona-based music group on this podcast expressed their adoration for the African vibes and look forward to collaboration with their African counterparts.
Performing for the first time at the Kriol jazz festival, Cabo Verdean songstress Lucibela was grateful for the opportunity offered to her to showcase her craft and hope to take it further in Africa. The Major of the municipality of Praia Francisco Carvalho is determined to consolidate the gains made with events such as the Kriol jazz festival and is committed to making tourism a priority sector for the capital.
In today’s episode, the Deputy CEO in charge of finance and administration at the Ghana Tourism Authority Ben Anane Nsiah on the sideline of this year’s ITB Berlin reveals that Ghana’s e-visa program will be rolled out at the end of the year while the Authority is also looking to consolidate its share of the market in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.
My conversation today is about how Africa can tap into the growing Halal tourism market. Fayrouz Holiday October a Halal Tourism expert dives deep into the $160 billion industry and how it is reshaping the sector globally.
Travel Designer, Tourist Guide and Owner of Halaal Hopper, Mrs Fayrouz Holliday-October took a leap of re evaluating her experience and position within the Tourism Industry in South Africa. With the 23 years experience in the local and international tourism sector and as a Muslim woman and a Muslim woman traveller she realised that there was a great need to cater to the needs Muslim Traveller with halaal offerings. From food, accommodation and Muslim Tourist attractions the passion grew to join the already main stream of other Muslim operators to give further quality service and options to the Muslim Traveller Fayrouz comes with, a wealth knowledge of the Middle East, being a Dubai Tourism Top Graduate from the Government of Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in 2001 No local formal qualification but still continue to study through the University of Life She is the Executive member of Women in Tourism Western Cape Interim Chairlady of Halaal Tourism Association of South Africa She runs community projects with other women focusing on entrepreneurship for kids Fayrouz is also a mentee of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway- making Table Mountain accessible for disadvantaged local communities My Mat Matters is a prayer mat project which was born in 2020, to alleviate unemployment of local community ladies since there was no longer tourist coming to South Africa during 2020 because of COVID19 and many other ongoing projects in up skilling, training and development of women and youth The list is quite long, but a cat out of the bag.. Fayrouz was the first girl to play cricket for Western Province in a boys team in 1979 and is also a cricket coach Other than that Fayrouz love people, places, spaces and food and believes not to do different things but to do it differently with collaboration and that whatever is meant for you will come your way. GOD WILLING (IN SHA ALLAH)
In today’s episode, the Acting President of Ethiopian Aviation University Mr. Kassie Yimam discusses the upgrade of the then-Ethiopian Aviation Academy into a University and what that means for the growth of the airline and the opportunities it offers the continent.
The Ethiopian Aviation University, the largest and most modern specialized institution in Africa, is recognized as a ICAO regional Training Center of Excellence. Kassie believes this new step will help develop highly skilled aviation professionals and leaders that meet the growing human resource needs of a competitive aviation industry.
In today’s episode, the CEO of Aptamind Partners Aradhana Khowala dives deep into a series of reports released by her outfit underscoring the need to make women empowerment a business imperative to sustain the growth and promotion of women in the tourism industry.
Aradhana Khowala is one of the most influential leaders in the luxury hospitality, travel and tourism sector. Her career has spanned 23+ years, five continents, and more than 75 countries. Today, she is the CEO of Aptamind Partners, a strategic consultancy, which combines hard data and decades of experience to advise governments, emerging destinations, public and private organisations on futureproofing their business. Previously she was the Managing Director of Tourism at NEOM - the US$ 500 Billion land of the future purpose-built for a sustainable and a new way of living in Saudi Arabia.
An active board member, she has an impressive portfolio of non-executive board roles, currently serving as Chair of the Group Advisory Board of Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia, the developer behind the Red Sea Project as well as AMAALA - the world’s first integrated wellness destination. Aradhana also serves as a Board Member of Elaf Group, the leisure arm of a sustainable listed holding company – SEDCO where she also chairs the compensation and remuneration committee. In the past she has worked for Jones Lang LaSalle, covering UK, Benelux and Scandinavian markets, a Strategy Consulting practice in Europe and Asia as well as in Hospitality Operations in India.
My conversation today is with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage Peninah Malonza. She tells me the vision of the Ruto-led government is to make tourism the number foreign exchange earner for the East African giant as well as diversify its tourism products to meet the needs of the evolving traveler.
Ahead of the return of the Kriol International Jazz Festival to be held in Praia, Cabo Verde from 13-15 April, I had an exclusive conversation with the lead organizer of the event Da Silver. He tells me the festival since its inception 13 years ago has been the platform to celebrate the Kriol culture and its rich history.
My Guest is the Director General of Mozambique’s National Institute of Tourism (INATUR) Marco Dos Anjos. Marco breaks down the numbers of its new e-visa program and what it means for the tourism sector.
In today’s episode, the Chief Destination Marketing Officer of WESGRO Monika Iuel discusses the remarkable tourism recovery of the western cape province in South Africa. She was impressed with the return of this year’s ITB Berlin and also excited with the appointment of South Africa’s new Tourism Minister Patricia de lille.
Monika has a long-standing passion for Southern African tourism, a deep knowledge of the international marketplace, and strong industry relationships at home and abroad. She has extensive experience in the industry, spending the first half of her career in the inbound tourism industry, including 13 years at Tourvest Destination Management.
Monika then spent 4 years at South African Tourism, initially as Regional Director for the Americas and ultimately as General Manager International Marketing, supporting all international SA Tourism offices in Europe, Americas and Australasia. Returning once again to the private sector, Monika served for 5 years as CEO of Private Safaris, a Destination Management Company operating from offices in Cape Town and Windhoek. At the helm, she successfully steered the business to its new owners, Fairfax Financial Holdings (based in Toronto) in 2017, and together with her team, led the resultant reinvention of the business.
Deepening her love for her country and ready to promote the Western Cape province to the world, in January 2021 Monika accepted the role of Chief Marketing Officer at Wesgro, the Official Tourism, Trade, Investment and Film Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, where she leads an inspiring team of place marketers and aims to make the region the top choice in Africa for tourism or business.
Episode 175 is a conversation with the General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Hotel, Lorenzo Baleri. Lorenzo who opened the Airport based-hotel in 2018 is proud of the achievements of the property as it turned 5 years this year. He singles out the staff as a key driver of the feat and aims to become a training hotel.
Today’s episode is an exclusive with Malawi’s new Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule. The former labour minister reveals her vision for Malawi’s tourism sector and its role in the economic transformation of the country.
Vera Kamtukule is a Malawian author, writer, and publisher and was first appointed a minister of Labour on 26th January 2022.
Hon. Vera Kamtukule is a life and leadership coach; a writer and a keynote and motivational speaker who has dedicated her life to the development of people especially women and girls of all ages across the world. She achieves this by employing unequivocally non-conventional methods which inspire people to draw motivation from deep within themselves in their quest to achieve both large and small goals they never imagined were possible.
Vera is a former Chief Executive Officer for Malawi Scotland Partnership (MaSP) Even though she is not a Member of Parliament yet, Vera was appointed as a Minister of Labour in 2022 after President Dr Lazarus Chakwera dissolved his cabinet. She had served as a Deputy Minister in the same Ministry since 8th July 2020; she is the youngest female member of the cabinet.
In today’s episode, the outgoing CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board Digu Naobeb reveals the reasons behind his resignation and gives an assessment of his 20 year leadership at NTB.
My podcast today is coming to you from one of Arabian peninsula’s oldest cities of Alula where the second edition of the Best Tourism Villages is being held. Sandra Carvao, the head of Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at UNWTO unpacks the objectives of the Best Tourism Villages project and its unique role in transforming rural communities.
In today’s episode, the deputy CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board Bradford Ochieng on the sidelines of this year’s Meetings Africa outlines Uganda’s main pillars in its recovery efforts. He also delves into air access to the east African country and invites the world to the upcoming Pearl of Africa Expo.
My conversation today is with the managing co-owner of Nairobi-based African Adventure Specialists Andrew Kitema. Andrew along with his business partner Martin Tobiko Koipa have carved a niche for themselves as one of Africa’s leading young tourism businesses offering authentic and bespoke services. He takes a deep dive into Kenya and Africa’s tourism recovery while imploring the continent's governments to eliminate bottlenecks to spur growth
In today’s episode, the portfolio Director of Africa Travel Week Megan De Jager outlines activities planned for this year’s show scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South from 3-5 April. She believes the maiden WTM Africa Awards offers an exciting opportunity to reward outstanding personalities and entities who have impacted the tourism sector.
Her role includes taking full accountability for the planning and operational management of all aspects of the portfolio, contributing significantly to the development and implementation of Reed’s strategy and to deliver exceptional performance through effective collaboration, management and development of others.
As part of Megan’s role, she builds closer relationships with the key players within the industry and gains a broader insight into the fundamental issues affecting each show’s industry.
After almost 8 years working in Marketing with Tourvest, Megan joined Reed Exhibitions in 2015 as the Marketing Manager for WTM Africa and IBTM Africa where she oversaw and drove world-class branding and communications for two successful travel trade exhibitions. In 2017, Megan then assumed the role of General Marketing Manager adding the brand ILTM Africa to her portfolio. In this role, she passionately promoted the WTM Africa, ILTM Africa and IBTM Africa brands and oversaw all the events’ relative marketing aspects.
In May 2018, Megan was promoted to Portfolio General Manager for Reed Exhibitions South Africa’s Travel, Tourism and Sport department which includes various dynamic trade and consumer shows namely; WTM Africa, ILTM Africa, IBTM Africa and FIBO Global Fitness Africa. Following a year as GM, Megan was made Portfolio Director in May 2019.Megan and her team passionately use the exhibition and eventing platforms to create opportunities for Travel & Tourism industry brands to market their products and services to a captive audience through face-to-face interaction using all of the 5 senses.
My Podcast today is coming to you from the iconic Okavango Delta in Botswana, where Dux Mareja of Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, part of the Nbeyond Group walks me through the uniqueness and why one needs to visit.
The Okavango Delta in northwest Botswana comprises permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. It is one of the very few major interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is almost intact. One of the unique characteristics of the site is that the annual flooding from the River Okavango occurs during the dry season, with the result that the native plants and animals have synchronized their biological cycles with these seasonal rains and floods. It is an exceptional example of the interaction between climatic, hydrological and biological processes. The Okavango Delta is home to some of the world’s most endangered species of large mammal, such as the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog and lion.
Dux is a passionate Nature Conservationist with a wealth of experience in the Tourism industry spanning over a period of twenty 20 years (6) years of admin and marketing and fourteen (14 years) within the field of guiding, (7 years as full-time guiding and fulfilling H/Guides roles & responsibilities and 7years now as ranger trainer and specialist guides in various fields including birding). He is always seeking new challenges where I am given an opportunity to grow with the company, helping the company achieve its ultimate goals under the component of human development.
A high degree of commitment, honesty, and reliability are some of the assets I would bring to any workplace. Dux has strong organizational and administrative skills with the highest ability to work independently without supervision. I enjoy working under pressure to meet tight deadlines. I am well-rounded in tourism industry needs and expectations, and a great ambassador to the company and the country of Botswana.
He is also capable of working in a multicultural team as I adapt to new cultures very easily. My previous and current positions involved working with large groups of people including external stakeholders. My dedication to a cause and high level of responsibility has always made me an asset to any organization.
In today’s episode, we take a look at the state of tourism in the Maldives and it’s quest to collaborate with partners to offer more airlifts to the sunny side of life from the Africa region. The CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation Thoyyib Mohamed tells me the new strategies of Maldives is to ensure that they move forward in a way that is environmentally sustainable, economically feasible, and preserves the integrity and value of its cultural heritage for generations to come.
Thoyyib Mohamed has over two decades of extensive experience in management, strategic planning, marketing, and international networking, with an emphasis on fostering creativity for executive managers.
Being appointed to his current portfolio by H.E. President of Maldives in 2018, he played an instrumental role in navigating MMPRC to market the destination through the pandemic. Under his leadership at MMPRC, Maldives achieved the highest tourist arrival figure in Maldives history and Maldives won the position of the World’s Leading Destination for two consecutive years amidst the pandemic
A Bournemouth University graduate with a Master of Arts in Broadcast and Film Management, his career began in the broadcast field. Later he held various high-profile positions in the government such as the Chairman of MMPRC and the Minister of State for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
My conversation today is an interaction with the travel and tourism trade who participated at the return of this year’s Botswana Travel and Tourism Expo in Kasane. From SMEs to international tourism buyers, they share their impressions about the show as well as how the industry has changed post the pandemic.
My Guest today is the Director of Innovation, Education, and Investments at the World Tourism Organization, Natalia Bayona. UNWTO at its recent 117th Executive Council Session in Marrakesh, Morocco announced a partnership with the Moroccan authorities to accelerate the digitalization process of 10,000 SMEs through its Digital Futures Program. Natalia in this conversation unpacks the figures and rationale behind this project.
Natalia Bayona leads the innovation, education and investment strategy of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations specialized agency for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism worldwide.
With a diverse background in politics, destination management and business, she has become the first innovation director at UNWTO, has introduced entrepreneurship and education as key factors for tourism and development, and has positioned UNWTO as an innovation benchmark within the wider United Nations system as recognized in the UN 2020 Mapping of Innovation, Data, and Digital Capacities. Furthermore, she has joined the UN Executive Leadership Programme for Sustainable Development led by the UN System Staff College (UNSSC).
Her work consists of identifying the most disruptive startups and investment projects and matching them with Member States and leading corporations. As an advocate of youth and technology, she seeks to make entrepreneurs grow for a promising future in all regions.
The Managing Director of the Tanzania Tourist Board Felix John on the sidelines of the just ended World Travel Market outlines Tanzania's post pandemic strategies and to diversify and grow its market share on the VA Tourism Podcast
In today’s episode, Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Tourism Hon Philda Nani Kereng tells me the southern African country is going to take a long time to recover from the joy and the fulfillment because of how Botswana delivered this year’s Africa Tourism Leadership Forum. Speaking to the needs of youth and women, the minister believes event such as this will help provide opportunities for them to connect with Capacity Building potential partners
In a joint podcast recorded onsite from Kruger Shalati train on the bridge, Founder and CEO AviaDev Jon Howell joined Kojo Bentum-Williams to dissect the synergy between Aviation and Tourism on the back of the 52nd Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) annual AGA.
The conversation also looked at the pathway to a robust and sustained recovery for both sectors.
In today’s episode, the CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board Dr. Betty Radier walks me through the activities earmarked for the return of the country’s flagship event the Magical Kenya Travel Expo. She says the show would provide an ideal opportunity for the travel industry to network and explore business opportunities in person.
My Guest is the Director General of Mozambique’s National Institute of Tourism Marco Dos Anjos. Marco walks me through the policies put in place by the Government to revive the tourism sector. He is optimistic the upcoming International Tourism Fair of Mozambique (FIKANI) will further quicken the country’s recovery.
In today’s conversation, the Regional Director for Africa of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Esmare Steinhofel weighs in on the role of business events in the recovery of tourism in Africa. Esmare points to training as an essential element in developing Africa's MICE industry.
Esmaré currently fulfils the role of Regional Director for Africa for the International Congress and Convention Association. Her key focus is to deliver ICCA services, products and events, for the recruitment and retention of members and for maintaining and enhancing ICCA’s reputation and awareness amongst target markets.
She has extensive experience in the international marketing and sales arena. Before joining ICCA, she managed the International Sales portfolio at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Prior to her joining the CTICC she worked at Arabella Starwood South Africa, promoting the 5* Westin Cape Town and the Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa. She was also part of the opening team that started the Cape Town Convention Bureau where she fulfilled the role of promoting Cape Town to the meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition industry with a focus on Association Marketing and Research.
Esmaré is currently a member of SAACI, the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry, and has served on the SAACI National Board as Venues Forum Chair as is currently a Board member of the SAACI Western Cape Chapter. She also served on the Board of the African Society of Association Executives.
She has been awarded the SAACI Fellowship Award in 2017 as well as the Top 40 Women in MICE in both 2017 and 2015.
In today’s episode, the Chief Operating Officer of South African Tourism Nomasonto Ndlovu discusses the newly introduced Enhanced e-visa platform for Nigerian travelers to South Africa. The SAT Executive also reflects on the latest tourism recovery figures as well as feedback on their just-ended roadshow in Ghana and Nigeria.
My Guest today is the CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed. He tells me the joint efforts of the island’s tourism industry have seen the destination accelerate its recovery efforts. Mr. Mohamed invites Africa and the world to come and experience the sunny side of life.
Thoyyib Mohamed has over two decades of extensive experience in management, strategic planning, marketing, and international networking, with an emphasis on fostering creativity for executive managers.
Being appointed to his current portfolio by H.E. President of Maldives in 2018, he played an instrumental role in navigating MMPRC to market the destination through the pandemic. Under his leadership at MMPRC, Maldives achieved the highest tourist arrival figure in Maldives history and Maldives won the position of the World’s Leading Destination for two consecutive years amidst the pandemic
A Bournemouth University graduate with a Master of Arts in Broadcast and Film Management, his career began in the broadcast field. Later he held various high-profile positions in the government such as the Chairman of MMPRC and the Minister of State for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
In today’s episode, the coordinator of Africa by bus project and lecturer at the University of Johannesburg Maipato Caroline Mmako says the aim of Africa by bus initiative is to expose the University of Johannesburg students to different African countries and cultures.
Maipato Caroline Mmako Lecturer, Coordinator and Learning Development facilitator at the University of Johannesburg. Passionate about student success and advancement, she believes that learning has to happen both inside and outside the classroom and that’s why she jumped on the Africa by Bus initiative and has been the only lecturer to have taken more than 180 students on the Africa by Bus trip.
I believe that young people deserve the opportunity to travel and see the world, this opens and changes one’s perspective about it. Learning about new cultures and experiencing them allows for our people to be global citizens and more accepting of the differences and similarities we share as people. My favourite say is “if it involves young people, count me in”
My Guest today is Mike Tavares, Founder of Ojimah, an African multi-channel online tourism platform. Mike is optimistic that Ojimah’s ecosystem of solutions is poised to empower African communities and change the dynamics of travel worldwide by facilitating a win-win situation for all industry players, travellers, and destinations.
A dynamic, results-oriented leader with a strong track record of performance in Tourism and Hospitality worldwide. Mike is well versed in dealing with multiple stakeholders at the highest level of both industry and government level.
After graduating with a master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, Mike started his career by working for the Portuguese National Tourism Board. Years later, he made his way up to hotel management in brands like Radisson and Intercontinental in the United Kingdom.
Mike then decided to embrace a new challenge and took a new role as Corporate Director of Hotel Operations, being responsible for the operations of the 18 hotels within the portfolio of HCI. With international exposure, Mike and his team created Ojimah, a multichannel platform aimed at developing the economy of Africa through sustainable tourism.
On the sidelines of the recently held Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit in Windhoek, Namibia I had an exclusive conversation with the newly appointed CEO of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Winnie Muchanyuka. She talks about the state of tourism in Zimbabwe, the upcoming Sanganai world tourism expo and the industry’s preparedness of the industry as the sector bounces back.
My conversation today is about the opportunities that the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (mice) offer for young people. Dr. Linda Pereira, an industry leader with over 3 decades of experience in business events says mice is a driver of talents and a way of spreading knowledge at an inexpensive level.
ays the MICE masterclass will be a refresher course and a learning curve for practitioners in the industry.
Linda Pereira is the senior partner and CEO of the L&I Communications Group. In addition to her long and respected career as one of the most influential voices in the Meeting Industry, she is also Executive Director of CPL Meetings &Events. Respected internationally as a speaker, consultant, strategic communication expert, writer, and as an educator, she has been an invited speaker in over 149 countries on all continents.
She is an expert in communication and corporate diplomacy and has vast experience in cross-cultural communication strategies, localization, and public speaking and as a master of ceremonies.
She has worked on the major events which marked the last 30 years of modern history, from World EXPOs to Football and Sports Championships, various EU Presidencies, and major political events. She is also an invited lecturer at five different international Universities where she lectures on strategic meetings management and corporate diplomacy and protocol.
She is absolutely passionate about associations and sits on a variety of international association boards herself. Linda is also a consultant to a variety of international Governments and associations. She was considered one of Portugal’s five most influential people in the industry and has received various international education awards as well as the medal of honour for responsible entrepreneurship for her commitment to promoting culture and heritage and for Social Responsibility initiatives.
My Guest today is the Founder of Fulani Kitchen Chef Fatmata Binta. Chef Binta who has become the first African to win the Basque World Culinary Prize opens on her journey to achieving this noble prize in gastronomy and set sights on expansion of her projects aimed to bring change to the people of her community and also help grow the knowledge of African gastronomy in the world.
Founder - Fulani Kitchen Foundation / Executive Chef - Dine on a Mat
Chef Binta is an award winning chef born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone to first-generation Sierra Leonean Fulanis of Guinean descent. She is a modern day nomadic chef. Like her ancestors, Binta has traveled to many countries to explore different cooking techniques, ingredients and ways of life. At Fulani Kitchen, she combines her nomadic Fulani roots, classical training and love for rural life and nature to create modern dishes, while maintaining the simplicity and authenticity of Fulani culture. By creating a traditional setting, discussing Fulani culture and serving ancient grains, indigenous spices and other exciting West-African ingredients in an interactive way, Binta triggers all senses and takes you to a whole new world.
Food for Sustenance
Her passion to share African nomadic cuisine is based on her experiences as a child growing up during the darkest period of Sierra Leonean history- the civil war. She experienced first hand how food brings people together and pulls down walls. Many times during the conflict no one could go out to buy food or food was simply not available. She saw neighbors from different backgrounds contribute, share and prepare meals together to make something out of nothing. The rice they could afford was filled with cockroaches which they had to hand pick, repeatedly wash and blend with bulgur in order to get enough to share for everyone. What she calls creating food for sustenance; learning to create totally new dishes with just a handful of ingredients, sharing and working together, was not only a life-saving skill in a war zone, it has actually made her the chef she is today.
Fulani Cuisine Ambassador
Chef Binta presents herself as an ambassador for Fulani cuisine and she promotes fonio, an ancient super grain, traditionally grown and consumed in West Africa. Over the last couple of years, fonio, as a result of its similarity to quinoa, has gained more attention in international culinary circles. And rightfully so- it’s gluten free, extremely nutritious, requires minimal water to grow, has a shorter life cycle than its similar foods, is more disease and drought resilient and gives back more nutrients to the soil than other staple crops like rice and maize. This little grain might possibly be one of the answers to food security and climate challenges to come. Binta’s menu almost always features this super grain, fonio, as she continues to promote its value to her guests on the mat.
Following the renewed partnership between Meta and UNWTO and the launch of their latest program dubbed ‘’See the world through my eyes’’ the policy program manager at Instagram Asya and Elizabeth Instagram‘s manager of politics, government, and civic engagement says the project is expected to train young people and creators around the world on how they can become tourism ambassadors for their hometowns, and countries using Instagram's smart glasses Technology called Ray-Ban Stories.
In today’s episode, the United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake is my Guest. At the recently held Global Youth Tourism Summit in Sorrento, Jayathma implored the youth not to wait to be invited to the table but take the initiatives they feel strongly about it since it’s the surest way to effect change. She applauded the UNWTO for organizing the landmark youth summit.
Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake was appointed as the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth in June 2017 at the age of 26. She is the youngest senior official in the UN and the first woman to hold this position. In this role, Jayathma works to expand the UN’s youth engagement and advocacy efforts across all four pillars of the organization’s work — sustainable development, human rights, peace and security, and humanitarian action — and serves as a representative of and advisor to the Secretary-General.
In 2019 Jayathma was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “Time 100 Next: Rising stars shaping the future” and in 2020 she was recognized by Forbes magazine as part of its “30 under 30” list.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Ms. Wickramanayake has worked extensively on youth development and participation, including playing a key role in transforming the youth development sector in her home country.
Prior to taking up her post, Ms. Wickramanayake was instrumental in creating the movement for civic and political engagement of young people, especially young women, in Sri Lanka through the “Hashtag Generation” movement. Previously, she advocated for global youth development on an international level including as the first ever Sri Lankan Youth Delegate to the United Nations and as the youth lead negotiator and member of the International Youth Task Force of the World Conference on Youth 2014 where she played a critical role in mainstreaming youth in the Post-2015 Process and in the establishment of World Youth Skills Day.
At the recently held first Global Youth Tourism Summit in Sorrento, Italy I sat down with eight delegates who expressed profound appreciation to the UNWTO and its partners for creating a platform to help them understand the issues around tourism, public speaking, and most importantly the simulation of the UN General Assembly. In an enthralling end to 5 memorable days in Sorrento, Gytsers from Spain, Chile, China, Cabo Verde, Cook Island, DR Congo, Seychelles, Ukraine, and Qatar in their languages pledge to stand for sustainable tourism on the podcast
In today's episode, Dr. Bénédicte Savoy, Author of ''Africa's struggle for lost Arts, a history of post colonial defeat'' unpacks her works and research on Africa's lost arts. She tells me nearly a million African arts and ornaments are in European museums and is optimistic today's adult generation will witness the return of very important pieces of art to the continent.
Bénédicte Savoy is a professor in the Department of Art History at the Technical University of Berlin and was a professor at the Collège de France in Paris from 2016 to 2021. She is the coeditor of Translocations: Histories of Dislocated Cultural Assets; Acquiring Cultures: Histories of World Art on Western Markets; and The Museum Is Open: Towards a Transnational History of Museums. She is the author (with Felwine Sarr) of The Restitution of African Cultural Heritage: Toward a New Relational Ethics, known as the Sarr-Savoy Report. She lives in Berlin.
Make order of the book here
At the ongoing First Global Youth Tourism Summit in Sorrento, Italy, I caught up with Founders of Kids against plastic initiative Amy and Ella Meek. They tell me it is idealistic and over-ambitious to target plastic-free world, instead, they believe in Plastic Clever, a concept which is attainable even if it means doing small things to minimize the impacts of plastic pollution.
In today’s episode the CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa sheds light on the council’s inaugural Tourism Leadership Conference scheduled to take place in Sun City Resort in the Northwest Province, South Africa from the 14th-16th September 2022.
My Conversation today is with the Acting General Manager of Accra City Hotel Divine Matey. He tells me the premier 4-star hotel is poised to deepen its credentials as an environmentally conscious and sustainable hospitality provider by adapting five of the UN Sustainability Goals (SDGs)
In today’s episode, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu discusses in detail the restart activities of tourism in South Africa. Speaking to me on the sidelines of the just-ended UNWTO 116thExecutive Council meeting in Jeddah, the veteran politician tells me the pandemic has assisted the industry to rethink how to make tourism a real force for good. Minister Sisulu says South Africa is ready to welcome the world.
In today’s episode, Boipelo Tladinyane Hlubi a solo traveler and author of a travel memoir titled: “A safari back to self – Backpacking 54 countries in Africa” narrates her fascinating travels in Africa having literally covered the entire continent with public transport.
Having travelled to 4 continents across the world, it is her solo travels across 54 African countries that has captured her heart the most. She is left with only one country (not due to lack of trying from her side) to complete setting foot in the whole continent. She shares her story as a contribution to reclaiming the African narrative in hope that this brings a certain understanding amongst Africans and pride that compels us to do better for one another and see the need to build for the benefit of each and every one of us.
Besides an African map clearly outlining the routes she took from one country to the next, her self-published book vividly depicts minute by minute details of her authentic journey across Africa, crossing land borders and using public transport. You get an insider’s account as she navigates between cultures, religions, languages, currencies, issues and delights across the rest of Africa. From attending weddings, funerals, throwing kiddies parties, night clubs, getting hospitalized, sleeping on rooftops, at the beach, on the roadside among strangers, at the police station, starring in her own movie of jumping on and off moving vehicles, surviving deportation, endless immigration processes - to being fed and warmly welcomed into homes of people who felt the need to protect her regardless of having never met her before.
Boipelo is an alumna of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) with a N-Dip in Engineering Computer Systems and a B-Tech degree in Knowledge Management.
My Guest today is the cofounder of Karibu KiliFair Tourism Expo Dominic Shoo. The vibrant tourism show is back after 2 years and he tells me his team is encouraged by the level of participation for this year’s edition, which takes place from 3rd to 5th of June 2022 at the Magereza Ground in Arusha Tanzania.
KARIBU/KILIFAIR is the leading international Outdoor Tourism & Industry Fair in Tanzania, promoting and presenting companies based in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, and East Africa as a destination.
In today’s conversation, Corné Koch the Head of the Western Cape Convention Bureau Takes a deep dive into the state of the MICE sector in the province and its preparedness for the post covid era as live events makes a glorious return.
A passionate promoter of South Africa, Corné commenced her formal career at the South African Chamber of Commerce as Manager of Corporate Affairs. She then entered the destination marketing sector in 2003 as the Gauteng Tourism Authority’s Business Tourism Manager. Pursuing her other passion, that of strategic communication, she took the role as Communications Manager at the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa before her desire for tourism marketing enticed her back to Gauteng Tourism Authority in 2010.
She then had another three-year stint as Trade Development and Partnership Manager. In 2014 she moved to Cape Town and joined Wesgro, (the official destination marketing organization for the Western Cape. South Africa) in her current role as Head of the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau. Corne is the immediate past Board Chair of the BestCities Global Alliance as well as on the Board of the Cape Castle Control Board and the International Congress and Convention Association.
At the just-ended Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, South Africa, I caught up with Malawi’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Dr. Michael Usi who discussed in detail the ambitious Tourism master plan launched by President Chakwera.
The Minister revealed that the master plan is aimed at courting investors to the sector and also a paradigm shift in the economic dynamics of the Southern African Country.
My conversation today is with the Chief Marketing Officer of Wesgro Monika iuel on Western Cape’s progress in its tourism restart strategy. She says she is encouraged by the present numbers of inbound travels to cape town which presently sits at 55% of 2019 figures.
Monika has a long-standing passion for Southern African tourism, a deep knowledge of the international marketplace, and strong industry relationships at home and abroad. She has extensive experience in the industry, spending the first half of her career in the inbound tourism industry, including 13 years at Tourvest Destination Management.
Monika then spent 4 years at South African Tourism, initially as Regional Director for the Americas and ultimately as General Manager International Marketing, supporting all international SA Tourism offices in Europe, Americas and Australasia. Returning once again to the private sector, Monika served for 5 years as CEO of Private Safaris, a Destination Management Company operating from offices in Cape Town and Windhoek. At the helm, she successfully steered the business to its new owners, Fairfax Financial Holdings (based in Toronto) in 2017, and together with her team, led the resultant reinvention of the business.
Deepening her love for her country and ready to promote the Western Cape province to the world, in January 2021 Monika accepted the role of Chief Marketing Officer at Wesgro, the Official Tourism, Trade, Investment and Film Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, where she leads an inspiring team of place marketers and aims to make the region the top choice in Africa for tourism or business.
My conversation today is about the role of women in the tourism sector and how governance structures can be improved to uplift the girl child to the upper echelons of the tourism establishment. My Guest is Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka who is the Former Executive Director of UN Women and current Chairperson of the World Committee of Tourism Ethics. The former vice president of South Africa also discusses her mandate as the chair of the Tourism Ethics Committee and how tourism can be a real force for good.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is a former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. She was awarded a doctorate in Technology and Education from Warwick University. She has authored several scholarly and other opinion pieces. A Hauser Leader at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. She became a Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade and Industry, Minister of Minerals and Energy, and finally as Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008, Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka worked tirelessly on programmes and policies to reduce inequality.
As the head of the UNwomen, she has been a global advocate for women and girls. She established initiatives such as the HeForShe for men and boys to address gender Equality. She also successfully mobilized a historic $40 billion USD for women and girls around the world. She is a founder and leader of Umlambo Foundation which is dedicated to the improvement of education and digital literacy training for educators.
The Acting CEO of South African Tourism Themba Khumalo has reassured the tourism community of a successful 2022 Travel Indaba from 2-5 May at Durban’s International Convention Centre.
In today’s episode, my guests Megan Oberholzer and Martin Hiller of Reed Exhibition Africa take a deep dive into the return of Africa Travel Week after two years of postponement as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.
Africa Travel Week (ATW) focuses on inbound and outbound markets for leisure tourism, luxury travel, LGBTQ+ travel, economic development, investment and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.
After a successful hosting of this year’s MeetingsAfrica in Johannesburg, South African Tourism is leaving no stone unturned to stage the return of Africa’s biggest leisure show, Africa’s Travel Indaba. In a conversation about the return of the event, the Acting CEO of South African Tourism Themba Khumalo said Indaba will offer more opportunities for the continent’s travel trade to connect and do business in a safe environment.
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 will take place from 02 – 05 May 2022 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (previously Durban ICC).
Register here
In this episode, the Senior Vice President Operations Middle East and Africa at Minor Hotel Amir Golbarg tells me, some of its hotels are back to pre pandemic levels. Amir who has been attending the 16th Meetings Africa in Johannesburg South Africa says Minor Hotels is committed to expanding its enviable footprint in Africa.
Amir Golbarg heads up Operations in the Middle East and Africa region for Minor Hotels, in addition to the Indian Ocean islands of the Seychelles and Mauritius. Minor Hotels’ portfolio currently totals 528 hotels in 56 countries and includes the highly-acclaimed luxury Anantara brand and the upscale Avani brand. Amir currently oversees a total of 33 properties in operation across ten countries and four brands, in addition to driving the development of a strong pipeline of properties within the region across multiple brands. This will see the launch of two new brands – NH Collection and NH Hotels – to the region later this year.
Joining the Minor Hotels regional team in March 2019 as Vice President Operations for the Middle East, North Africa, Mauritius, and Seychelles, Amir was promoted in September 2021 to Senior Vice President Operations, including adding the group’s operation in Southern Africa into the mix.
Amir previously held the strategic position of Chief Operating Officer at Al Rayyan Hospitality and Corporate Director – Asset Management at Katara Hospitality. Both entities are subsidiaries of the state-owned Qatar Investment Authority and in this dual role, Amir supported the State of Qatar with the opening and positioning of government assets and hotels both locally and internationally, in addition to managing a portfolio of operating entities and opening five luxury properties. These included the relaunch of Ritz Carlton Doha, the rebranding of the Six Senses Spa with Chiva-Som Resort in Thailand, the renovation of Raffles Singapore and the acquisition of Grosvenor House London.
A graduate of Glion Institute of Higher Education, Amir began his career in hospitality in 2004 and held various front of house roles for prestigious hotels such as Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. Amir first joined Minor Hotels in 2012 as Director of Operations & Hotel Openings based in the Bangkok Corporate Office. He then held several international positions with Minor, before becoming Hotel Manager at Souq Waqif Hotel Doha, Qatar in 2015.
Amir, who is a Danish national, is currently based in the Middle East Regional Office in Dubai. Now a seasoned international hotelier, Amir’s passion for excellence has led him to successfully drive the operations and hospitality assets for a number of companies for over 17 years.
Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor with a diverse portfolio of brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH, nhow and Elewana.
On the sidelines of this year’s Meetings Africa held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau Janet Karemera tells me events such as Meetings Africa offers the continent a great opportunity to restart the sector. She points to Rwanda’s impressive vaccination drive and other initiatives as being critical to an accelerated tourism recovery.
During the just ended 16th Meetings Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, I caught up with the CEO of Millat Investments Hamza Faroouqi who shared his impression of the event and his organization’s commitment to the tourism industry.
A tourism trailblazer, Hamza Farooqui, has put his years of experience in the hospitality and tourism sector to good use, with this industry in South Africa benefiting from his wily yet focused entrepreneurial approach.
Not letting the Covid-19 pandemic scupper any of his plans, Farooqui, the CEO of global venture capital and investment firm, Millat Investments, has been the driving force behind the opening of three Hyatt branded properties in Cape Town and Johannesburg in the last 18 months.
Farooqui, eats, sleeps, and drinks tourism and hospitality and is focused on creating opportunities in the sector and ensuring economic growth for all involved.
My Guest today is the Acting CEO of the Zambia Tourism Agency Chavunga Lungu. Mr. Lungu looks at MICE as a strategic part of Zambia’s tourism products and their participation at meetings Africa gives credence to that. He reveals other initiatives such as slashing of visa fees and a seamless e-visa program as major commitments by the government to make tourism a key economic driver.
My conversation today is on the major developments in the Seychelles aviation, space and its objective of making travel to the paradise destination a seamless one. My Guests, Alan Renaud the Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of Seychelles, and Tom Marten of Trivisory outline initiatives and ongoing development to make Seychelles a smart destination.
Alan Renaud is Seychelles’ Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine since November 2018. Prior to his appointment, Alan was General Manager for Alliances, Revenue Management, and Aeropolitical Affairs at Air Seychelles, capping a 15-year career at the national airline where he served in a number of executive positions. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Cornell University in Applied & Engineering Physics and served as Director on the Seychelles Tourism Board from 2017 to 2020.
Thomas Marten, Managing Director (Middle East, Indian Ocean) of Travizory Border Security, SA, is responsible for managing Travizory’s business in the Seychelles and developing the business throughout the region. He joined Travizory in 2019.
Thomas is an American national with over 30 years' experience in government and industry, with a consistent focus on national security, law enforcement, and information technology. Prior to joining Travizory, he was Vice President of Securitas Aviation USA (2014-2019). At Securitas, he led all of Securitas’ aviation business development and operations in the US, including negotiation and delivery of multi-million dollar security contracts with the Transportation Security Administration, and major US airports (Detroit Metropolitan, Syracuse Hancock, JFK, Kansas City International, etc.…).
Prior to joining Securitas, he served as Director of Justice Services at French multinational Sodexo in Paris (2012-2014). Tom served for nearly 10 years as Vice President at SITA (2004-2012), a Swiss multinational based in Geneva, where he created and led the Government Solution Line to become the largest provider of border management and security software solutions (API/PNR and Electronic Travel Authorizations) to governments worldwide, including Italy, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Argentina, and all the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman).
Tom started his professional life as a career diplomat in the US Foreign Service, where he served for 10 years (1989-1999), with overseas assignments in Rwanda (1989-91); South Korea (1991-93); and France (1995-1999).
My Guest, Arvind Bundhun the Director-General of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority tells me Mauritius is ready to receive the world again and has been impressed with the over 225,000 tourists the island has received since the reopening of its borders 4 months ago. Arvind revealed that South Africa has been instrumental to its success as a destination and the coming weeks and days will see a ramp-up in air access from Johannesburg to Mauritius.
In today’s episode, the Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South African National Convention Bureau Mrs. Amanda Kotze-Nlapo expresses delight at the successful hosting of this year’s Meetings Africa and how she believes it will go a long way to reignite the MICE sector in Africa.
Mrs. Kotze-Nhlapo joined South African Tourism following a successful tenure at the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau where she held the position of the head of the Bureau for six years. Amanda has 20 years of experience in the industry.
My Guest today is the Founder and CEO of award wining NGO Conservation Through Public Health, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. Her NGO protects endangered gorillas and other wildlife through One Health approaches. In today’s conversation she discusses the need for the tourism sector to make conservation a cardinal pillar of the industry and sheds light on the initiatives her NGO and other partners have engaged in to improve the lives of communities as well as the well-being of the gorillas.
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is the Founder and CEO of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), an award wining NGO that protects endangered gorillas and other wildlife through One Health approaches.
After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, in 1996, she established Uganda Wildlife Authority’s first veterinary department. In 2000, she did a Zoological Medicine Residency and Master in Specialized Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina Zoological Park and North Carolina State University, where masters research on disease at the human/wildlife/livestock interface led her to found CTPH in 2003. In 2015, she founded Gorilla Conservation Coffee to support farmers living around habitats where gorillas are found.
CTPH’s most recent award is the 2020 Saint Andrews Prize for the Environment. Dr. Gladys is a National Geographic Explorer and winner of the 2009 Whitley Gold Award and 2018 Sierra Club EarthCare Award and 2017 Golden Jubilee Medal from the President of Uganda. In 2020, she was awarded the Uganda Veterinary Association World Veterinary Day Award and Aldo Leopold Award for Mammologists. In 2021 she was recognised by Avance Media among 100 most influential women in Africa and recently won the UNEP Champions of the Earth Award in the category of Science and Innovation.
She is the current Chairperson of the Africa Chapter of the Explorers Club, on the leadership council of Women for the Environment in Africa, and Vice President of the African Primatological Society. She has recently been appointed to the World Health Organization Special Advisory Group for the Origin of Novel Pathogens (WHO SAGO).
With a week to the 16th edition of Meetings Africa in Johannesburg South Africa, a leading voice in the business events and mice sector, Linda Pereira is urging businesses in the industry to use the event to sharpen their skill set and be abreast with the evolving needs of the market. She says the MICE masterclass will be a refresher course and a learning curve for practitioners in the industry.
Linda Pereira is the senior partner and CEO of the L&I Communications Group. In addition to her long and respected career as one of the most influential voices in the Meeting Industry, she is also Executive Director of CPL Meetings &Events. Respected internationally as a speaker, consultant, strategic communication expert, writer, and as an educator, she has been an invited speaker in over 149 countries on all continents.
She is an expert in communication and corporate diplomacy and has vast experience in cross-cultural communication strategies, localization, and public speaking and as a master of ceremonies.
She has worked on the major events which marked the last 30 years of modern history, from World EXPOs, to Football and Sports Championships, various EU Presidencies and major political events.She is also an invited lecturer at five different international Universities where she lectures strategic meetings management and corporate diplomacy and protocol.
She is absolutely passionate about associations and sits on a variety of international association boards herself. Linda is also a consultant to a variety of international Governments and associations.She was considered one of Portugal’s five most influential people in the industry and has received various international education awards as well as the medal of honour for responsible entrepreneurship for her commitment to promoting culture and heritage and for Social Responsibility initiatives.
Ahead of the return of Africa’s premium MICE event, Meetings Africa scheduled to be held in South Africa from February 28-March 2, the Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South African National Convention Bureau Mrs. Amanda Kotze-Nlapo outlines measures out in place to see the successful return of the event. She tells me showcasing to the world, Africa’s readiness to host the business and meetings industry is the central idea that underpins this year’s event.
Mrs Kotze-Nhlapo joined South African Tourism following a successful tenure at the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau where she held the position of head of the Bureau for six years. Amanda has 20 years of experience in the industry.
My Guest today, Yasmine Fofana, a gastronomy content creator and storyteller discusses in detail her journey to becoming one of Africa’s leading voices in the promotion of culinary and its culture. She tells me about her new project with Africa No Filter as a narrative champion for the advancement of African gastronomy in francophone West Africa.
Yasmine Fofana is the pioneer when it comes to promoting the culinary scene of Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa). She did not only launch the 1st food blog of Côte d’Ivoire in 2012: “Journal d’une Foodie” now rebranded as “Afrofoodie”, but she also launched the 1st Restaurant week of Côte d’Ivoire: “Abidjan Restaurant Week”. Thanks to her continuous efforts in sharing Côte d’Ivoire culinary scene with the world, Yasmine was selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow under President Obama’s Young Africa Leaders Initiative in 2016 and a Chevening Scholar in 2017-2018.
For the past 10 years, her mission has been to shift the African narrative through its cuisine and promote Gastronomy tourism on the continent. Yasmine recently became an Africa No Filter narrative champion and is looking forward to exploring West African flavors .
My conversation today is with CEO of Aviators Africa Toni Ukachuwu.Toni is leading an initiative dubbed walk for Love Africa. The project aims among other things to ramp up vaccination drive in Africa and also impress on African leaders to reduce bottlenecks that hamper intra Africa travel in the region.
Toni Ukachuwu is an experienced aviation, travel and tourism management professional with international exposure. He has more than 15years of experience and has provided strategic and people leadership for leading hospitality and aviation businesses in emerging markets. He possesses senior-level experience in media, Aviation, and marketing communications.
Toni is the publisher/ CEO of Aviators Africa, an integrated PR and marketing company that services the travel and tourism sectors.He also founded Aviators Africa Academy, a social enterprise that seeks to inspire and engage the next generation in aviation and Aerospace in Africa.
Toni is The founder of Walk for Love Africa. A pan African advocacy campaign initiative pushing for a connected and borderless Africa
In today’s episode, Eric Pateman, one of the world's leading culinary brand and marketing strategists, having written numerous culinary tourism and brand strategies for nations such as Canada and NZ is of the opinion that, gastronomy’s power in driving traffic to destinations especially in Africa has not been maximized enough to bring the much needed benefits to the community.
With over 25 years in business and the global hospitality industry, Eric is the nation’s leading ambassador for Canadian cuisine and one of the top international experts on culinary tourism, sharing his expertise with clients around the globe from the USA and the UK to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and beyond.
He is a storyteller for hundreds of artisan food companies, farmers, fishers, foragers and is known to bring together chefs and influencers from all aspects of the culinary world around the globe. With one of the most well-developed networks in the culinary world, Eric is constantly at the forefront of the global food movement.
In my first episode for the year 2022, the Regional Director for Africa at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Elcia Grandcourt looks back at the successes the organization chalked in Africa in spite of the challenges of the covid-19 pandemic. She looks into the year with lots of optimism for the tourism sector and takes a deep dive into the programs and activities in Africa for this year.
In today’s episode, the founder of African Sports Tourism Week, Prince Deji Ajomale-McWord takes a look at the power of sports in driving tourism in Africa.
He’s a sports tourism consultant. In his home country Nigeria, he served in the Sports Industry Thematic Group under the auspices of Nigeria Economic Summit Group, where he gave recommendations on how to drive local and international arrivals, using sport. The recommendations he gave, alongside that of other bright minds in the sport, environment, and tourism industries, dovetailed into a draft that was eventually adopted as a blueprint for the Nigerian sports industry, on which an MoU signed between the Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports and NESG was predicated.
He’s the author of ‘Life, Humanity & Leadership According To Golf’ and ‘Mulligan of Mercy’
My guest Altaaf Kazi , General Manager Global PR, Communications and Stakeholder Relations at South African Tourism looks at South Africa’s participation at the ongoing Dubai 2020 Expo. He says SA’s participation has afforded the opportunity to convince the world and shift perception around safety and security issues which has been unfairly reported by the western media.
Altaaf Kazi is seasoned media professional with two decades of experience spanning various roles in the media, sports, and tourism industries.
His professional career started out in Radio and TV as a sports news reporter, landed roles as a TV presenter and producer before moving into the corporate communication space heading up media and communications departments in Football, Cricket, and Tourism in South African organisations.
In today’s episode, the founder of Levasseur Rum Marco Francis takes a deep dive into the complementary role of the premium Laverser rum in the promotion of destination Seychelles. He says Rum is an inherent part of the island lifestyle.
Levasseur Rum is a dark rum produced in Seychelles, expressing patience, richness, quality, master blending, and is Bourbon barrel aged to perfection.
My conversation today is on how the tourism sector of Seychelles has managed to get tourism going in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. On my visit to the archipelago island, I caught up with the founder and owner of la Digue-based casa de Leela Robert Pool. Robert tells me even though the booking trend has changed drastically, it is very encouraging and he is optimistic about the return of tourism to its full flight.
Born on 28/01/1978 in La Digue, Seychelles Robert started life in the tourism industry at the age of 16 working in a hotel as a PR Assistant for a year. He then worked for a Commercial Helicopter Company for 10 years. Started as Heli Attendant and resigned as Operations Manager for Inner Islands.
He started his own venture in 2004 as a Taxi Operator which is still running as of now. In 2007, Robert started a small Guest House with his wife Colette. Today they own two establishments Casa De Leela & Cocolux Apartments. ( 20 rooms in total) Robert enjoys interacting with people and loves his home country, Seychelles Island.
My Guest Maria Valcarce Director of FITUR International Tourism Fair discusses next year’s edition of the travel show slated for 19th -23rd January 2022. She tells me the organizers have instituted measures to host the event in a safe and responsible way. Over seventy countries have so far confirmed their participation.
Maria Valcarce holds a degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Complutense University of Madrid and a Special Degree in European Economics from the Free University of Brussels. A native Spanish speaker, she also speaks English and French.
She has developed her entire professional career at the Madrid Trade Fair Institution -IFEMA-, where, since 1997, she has been managing different trade fairs for various economic sectors such as automotive, renewable energies and ICT, among others; since January 2019 she is the director of the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR, in addition to the International Security Trade Fair, SICUR, the Doors and Automation Trade Fair, SMART DOORS and the International Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Show C&R.
In this episode, the Director of Europe at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Alessandra Priante has been sharing with me the objective of next year’s Global Youth Tourism Summit and what it seeks to achieve. She talks about tourism restart in Europe and rounds it up with her own journey into tourism.
She was the Chief of multilateral international relations (UNWTO, OECD and EU) and tourism policy for the Ministry of Agricultural, Food, Forestry and Tourism Policies of Italy. She has also actively participated in the research and analysis work behind the preparation of the National Strategic Plan for Tourism 2017-2022.
She is a first-degree business graduate at the top Italian business university, Università Luigi Bocconi, and holds the Executive MBA at Luiss Guido Carli University and an International Master in Audio-visual Management. She successfully merged her strong experience in corporate finance and M&A operations, developed within international investment banks in her initial job posts, with her cultural expertise, joining since 2002 the Italian Ministry of Culture - Direction for Cinema, with the task of restructuring public finances for the culture sector. As a major output, she created the first public RSU in the audio-visual sector, focused on the design, set-up, and implementation of the most important sector reforms.
As a firm believer in the importance of international networks and in the power of lobbying, she has created, has been part of and at times initiated various international think tanks and represented Italy in international and European Institutions devoted to culture.
As an expert also of the Middle East area, she was appointed in the years 2010-2015 the Diplomatic Cultural Representative for the Gulf Area (UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrein, Kuwait), with the task of taking care of promoting Italian culture and education.
In line with her academic preparation and research attitude, Alessandra has published numerous sector publications and books and teaches culture management and international audio-visual analysis at some of the major Universities in Italy for post-graduate students.
Alessandra is a cinephile and a trained musician. She loves art and culture, her Country and her family.
With the restart of tourism in West Africa's archipelago Island of Cabo Verde in full force, Women Entrepreneurs working in Cabo Verde's Tourism Sector, Neusa Goncalves, and Divania Fortes want more inclusion of women in the tourism sector.
Neusa Gonçalves is a 48-year-old entrepreneur whose career in tourism started in 1996 as one of the first tour guides on Sal island despite the young age rose through the ranks and in 2018 became the president of Aprotur (Tour Agencies, tourism transportation and tourism suppliers Association).
Since 2014 invested in tourism by starting her own business, the Kryol Operator, focusing on sales of tourism activities and restaurant management. Moreover, she has a degree in Tourism Management and holds some tourism-related formations such as professional driver, customer service on online communication channels
My conversation today is with Zimbabwe music sensation Gemma Griffiths.
Gemma is Zimbabwean music sensation, she is known for her recent release 'Kwale' where she pays homage to Kenya. She released A GIRL FROM HARARE documentary. In this project Gemma narrates her story in a car where she traveled all over Africa exploring the African roots, music, culture, food and the creativity to start writing.
She takes us on the journey of where her life started in Zimbabwe and how her singing abilities started in pre-school with the help of growing up in a family that were also music lovers.
She tells us what music means to her, "Music is everything, it is praise, social commentary,and reflection that connects us." Her friends also give us a glimpse of who she is and how music is within her. We experience the beauty of her telling us about her life whilst tying it in with her music. This gives the audience insight into who Gemma is, and how this project
A Girl From Harare was written when she was in a car, and recorded in ten different African countries.This project allows the audience to appreciate her celebrating her African roots through her creative storytelling and music that is melodic. I would kindly like to request an interview for Gemma as she will unpack more about her documentary and how she got the inspiration to tell us about her roots.
My Conversation today is with the Founder of the Seychelles Fashion Week Terry Carolla. He tells me how the Seychelles Island wants to use fashion as one of its main draws as a destination. Going into its fourth year, the show has grown into becoming one of the must attend fashion shows in the Africa region.
The 4th edition is scheduled to take place on Saturday 27th November at the plush L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa in Mahe.
Follow the 4th Seychelles Fashion Week here
On the sidelines of the recently held 6th unwto world forum on gastronomy tourism held in Bruges, the General Director of Basque Culinary Center shares his thoughts on the future of African Gastronomy.
Joxe Mari Aizega is the General Director of Basque Culinary Center, a pioneering academic institution worldwide that contains a Faculty of Gastronomic Sciences attached to Mondragon University and a Centre for Research and Innovation. This center was the first Gastronomic Faculty in Spain with an Official Degree in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts. Pioneer Joxe Mari Aizega has been the director of this center since its inception, supported by public institutions, the most relevant chefs in the world, private companies and Mondragon Unibertsitatea.
Joxe Mari Aizega has a degree in Business Sciences and Law from the University of the Basque Country and a PhD on Law from the University of the Basque Country. He has worked as a professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of the Basque Country and the Faculty of Business Sciences at Mondragon Unibertsitatea. He has also served as Vice-Rector of Mondragon Unibertsitatea.
The Africa Tourism Summit café is a dedicated conversation from the recently held summit at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg where panellists and participants have been sharing their experiences of the event. My guest today is the CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) Glenton de Kock. Glenton points to the proof of concepts as one of the key elements to restart the meetings industry.
Glenton had refined his public and private sector strategic management skills during his tenure as Managing Director of Tourism Buffalo City (covering East London, King Williams Town and Bhisho) where he oversaw the development and implementation of the destinations USAID Funded Tourism Master Plan, as Chief Executive Officer of Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch) he refocused the organisations operating model, and as Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Cape Tourism Board, which is now The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) he drove the implementation of the provinces international partnerships program.
As an Associate Director at KPMG he led the Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Unit for Africa and South Africa before moving onto Grant Thornton in a similar position. His position as Project Manager at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber ensured that Business embraces its civil society role by driving a holistic approach which enables business within the Metro to work towards long-term sustainability, though projects such as the Nooitgedaght Low-Level Water Scheme and the re-activation for the much needed Addo Road refurbishment.
Glenton’s business management experience cuts across various sectors, such as Tourism Hospitality, Petro-chemical, Mining and all spheres of government to name a few. He provides strategic input into his family footwear manufacturing business which employees 60 people and is run by his sisters.
As active citizen, Glenton acts as an independent advisor to the Nelson Mandela Bay Consultative Christian Churches, The Nelson Mandela Bay Civil Society Coalition, and the Northern Areas Education Forum and occasionally when time permits mentors businesses within the ICT and Services Sector.
Glenton is Chief Executive Officer for the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI).
In his spare time, he is the President of the Nelson Mandela University Football Club and is a budding golfer.
The Africa Tourism Summit café is a dedicated conversation from the recently held summit at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg where panellists and speakers have been sharing their experiences of the event. My Guests, Kennedy Agyepong, founder of Afrochella and Nomsa Dlamini have been sharing impressions from the summit.
Ken Agyapong Jr (Kenny) is a Ghanaian-American Entrepreneur and a Philanthropist. He attended public High School in the Bronx, New York, and graduated top of his class. He earned a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from Utica College of Syracuse in 2012. He further his education at Johnson Wells University, Providence Rhode Island in 2014 where he received his Master of Business Administration in Business Administration. Kenny began his career in events and entertainment Management by organizing major parties while studying at Utica College of Syracuse in his dorm room.
Inspired by Madam CJ Walker, and a strong advocate for Schumpeter's school of thought. Gcina Nomsa Dlamini was named one of the Mail& Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans 2021, a winner in the category of Tourism & Hospitality. She is no stranger to the International community. While working in Washington DC, she received a scholarship from Howard University, Advance IT Women In STEM to further her studies in Econometrics & International Business. Her passion for travel started at the tender age of 14, on a visit to Dakar, Senegal. She has hosted multiple delegations and international celebrities both in South Africa and the US, who have a direct interest in investing in South Africa.
Her company Merchantry Worldwide, which means trade was founded on the basis of using travel as a catalyst for business and investment. She has contributed to the South African tourism industry, by exposing international visitors to the rich culture, history and diversity in the rural parts of the Country also known as 'hidden gems.
My guest today is the General Manager of the newly opened Movenpick Hotel Abidjan Mr Peter Hoesli. He discusses the reasons behind the decision to have the brand in Abidjan and the hotel’s rich footprint in sustainability and women empowerment. Peter will recount his first time in Abidjan in 1989 and what it means to him to be back managing a hotel in the west African country.
Peter Hoesli was born and raised in Berne, Switzerland. He started his career with apprenticeships in service and kitchen at the Hotel Bellevue-Palace in Berne and continued his career in the F&B and Front Office departments of several luxury hotels in Switzerland. Peter graduated from the hotel management school Centre International de Glion in 1986. At the beginning of 1989, he started his international career holding positions in Bermuda, Thailand and Malaysia before joining Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Cairo in 1998. He has been working for the company for 22 years in the Middle East – Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia – and since March 2020, he is the General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Abidjan, a brand of the Accor group.
Ahead of next week's 6th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism to be held in Bruges, Belgium, we caught up with a leading resource person at the event and Chief Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at UNWTO Sandra Carvao on what the festival seeks to achieve. She says this year's event is themed on Gastronomy Tourism and rural development and believes there is a huge potential to reinforce the relationship.
The 6th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will focus on the role of Gastronomy Tourism in Promoting Rural Tourism and Regional Development, closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Topics related to the role of gastronomy tourism in enhancing the reputation of destination, empowering local community, as well as strategies that can be used by farmers and small scale rural food producers in using their culinary heritage to directly and indirectly promote tourism and thereby make a positive economic contribution at the local and regional level will be discussed throughout the event.
My guest Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) is urging the government of South Africa to review its covid-19 protocols to exempt fully vaccinated travelers from presenting PCR test as a prerequisite for travels to the rainbow nation. He thinks South Africa will be competitive in attracting desirable travellers to its shores and in turn help accelerate the recovery efforts. Tshifhiwa also shed light on intra Africa travels and tourism’s quiet role in the African Continental Free Trade Area conversation
My conversation today is with the General Manager of Noom Hotel Abidjan Jorgen Jorgensen. Mr Jorgensen who has under his sleeve an impressive four-decade running leading global hotel chains says he is ready for the new challenge and optimistic that the Noom hotel will bring to the Ivorian and West African hospitality market new standards of luxury which will exceed the expectation of the modern-day traveller.
Jorgen Jorgensen was born and raised in Denmark. He started his career at the Hyatt Hotel Group holding positions around the world for 26 years (Latin America, USA, Middle East, Europe).With this solid experience, he joined the Radisson Blu Group first in Europe then in Africa with the opening of the first Radisson in Libya. He was afterwards appointed West Africa Director of the Radisson Group and oversaw the opening of the brand's hotels in Abidjan, Bamako, and Freetown.
Since September 2021, he is now the General Manager of the Noom Hotel Abidjan Plateau, a brand of the pan African Mangalis group.
L’épisode d’aujourd’hui est avec Suzanne Kabbani – Maitre Chocolatier & Fondatrice de Douceurs de Suzanne. Elle s’entretient avec Yasmine Fofana, présentatrice invitée et journaliste gastronomique, sur l’utilisation de cacao et de ses produits finis pour promouvoir la gastronomie en Côte d’Ivoire.
Travailler aux côtés des planteurs, contribuer au développement de son pays, faire valoir du chocolat « Made in Côte d’Ivoire » qui se définit par son caractère unique en termes de goût et d’histoire, voici certaines des motivations qui aujourd’hui poussent Suzanne Kabbani à aller encore plus loin.
Découvrons ensemble son histoire.
The Africa Tourism Summit café is a dedicated conversation from the recently held summit at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg where panellists and speakers have been sharing their experiences of the event. Tourism Entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Travel with Confidence PTY LTD Percy Morapedi Koji who presented a case on compliance for SMEs tells me, collaboration between Private and public sectors is vital and urged governments to create the enabling environment as an initiative to drive growth for small and medium-sized businesses.
Percy Morapedi Koji, Africa Economic Leadership Council’s (AELC’s) co-founder and chairman, is an astute South African businessman. He has more than 15 years of experience in the tourism industry, construction and property development, agriculture, mining and renewable energy. While his education and professional accolades are quite extensive, Percy has also shown his commitment and passion for uplifting the community and youth, his commitment to this cause speaks for itself as he is also the Founder of an NGO (Friends of Morokweng) which’s focus is to develop young leaders across society. His 10 years’ public service experience perfectly positions him, to lead AELC and its members in maximising on the opportunities they seek, to grow in their respective businesses, while simultaneously contributing to a flourishing African economy.
Percy’s story though still in its beginning stages continues to inspire many youths, particularly entrepreneurs (upcoming and aspiring) in the community and this is where he draws his inspiration from, to work tirelessly and diligently in building sustainable businesses with an international client base for the benefit of our community.
My Guest today is the CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board, Dr. Betty Radier. Dr Radier does a post-mortem of the novel virtual magical Kenya travel Expo. She tells me, they were encouraged by the participation of the travel trade and highlights the touchpoints of Kenya’s restart strategy.
The Africa Tourism Summit café is a dedicated conversation from the recently held summit at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg where panellists and speakers have been sharing their experiences of the event. My Guest is Sustainability Champion Judy Kepher Gona from Kenya. Se narrows down on why tourism leaders and stakeholders should beyond the numbers to institutionalise sustainability as part of the new tourism normal. Judy applauds South Africa Tourism for taking the BOLD step to host the summit.
The Africa Tourism Summit café is a dedicated conversation from the recently held summit at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg where panellists and speakers have been sharing their experiences of the event. My guests are four of the panellists who discussed in detail the subject matter of youth inclusion as a Driver for Sustainable and Ethical Tourism in Africa. Meet Kim Whitaker-Co founder at Kwela Women, Francine Zana-Director of Exclusive Hospitality Concepts in Port Elizabeth, Elvis Silayo, founder of travel agency Lokaday in Tanzania and Luze Klooppers, the founder of Recycling Lab in Namibia
My guest today is Co-founder of On show solutions Amanda Margison. On-show solutions is the organizer of East Africa’s Flagship travel show the Magical Kenya Travel Expo. This year’s edition has gone virtual and with few days to the event, Amanda walks me through what participants and exhibitors should expect at this important gathering.
As co-owner of On Show Solutions, Amanda Margison brings a keen operational mind to the company. Over 20 years of dedicated exhibition experience has put Amanda at the forefront of logistics in the business events field, working passionately with industry colleagues.
Amanda worked on a range of sporting, military, air force and navy-related events before finding her niche in tourism. She has successfully delivered world-class shows such as Indaba, Meetings Africa and Magical Kenya Travel Expo. With management skills to coordinate large-scale projects, suppliers and staff teams, Amanda’s organisational skills enable her to focus on the finer details of each project.
On the first day of Africa’s Maiden Travel and Tourism Summit, the Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South African National Convention Bureau Amanda Kotze-Nlapo gives her impression and reveals South Africa’s massive plans to get Africa's meetings sector ready for an accelerated restart.
Ahead of the maiden Africa Travel and Tourism Summit scheduled to be held next week in South Africa, Chief Convention Bureau Officer of the South African National Convention Bureau Mrs. Amanda Kotze-Nlapo discusses the need for Africa to look at the opportunity the pandemic has offered to work together in furtherance of the Intra Africa travels and trade. Amanda tells me Delegates will have the opportunity to create their own conference and choose topics and activities that most appeal to them on a personal and business level.
Mrs Kotze-Nhlapo joined South African Tourism following a successful tenure at the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau where she held the position of head of the Bureau for six years. Amanda has 20 years of experience in the industry.
Register for the summit here
My conversation today is with Ghana’s Kizomba dance King and Queen, Ebow Anderson and Nana Kwatemaa. The effervescent dance couple in the last decade has thrilled and trained lovers of the Angolan kizomba genre. They make the point that dancing is more than just entertainment but portents for keeping a healthy lifestyle and adding to Ghana’s marquee credentials as a bustling cosmopolitan destination.
In this episode, the New Director of Tourism and Gaming at Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism Zebulun Chicalu discusses the country’s recovery strategy and their target of a diverse tourism source market. Namibia which until 2-weeks ago had been on a lockdown is optimistic domestic will return and become a key component to their revival strategy.
Ahead of the Virtual African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) Conference, Executive Director of the Association Sabine Lehmann takes a deep dive into South Africa’s first Attractions Benchmark survey report. She points to data as one key ingredient if Africa is to build back better.
Sabine Lehmann has first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the attractions industry – especially on the African continent. Having held leadership roles in some of South Africa’s most iconic tourist attractions Sabine understands from the inside out how difficult it is to run a profitable and sustainable attraction in a world that is constantly changing.
Sabine is committed to building African attractions and is the founder and Chair of the African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) and a government relations committee member of the IAPPA (The Global Association for the Attractions Industry). She holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town and an MPhil (Futures) from the Stellenbosch University.
My conservation today is with the General Manager of Ghana’s Accra City Hotel Roman Krabel. Roman who has been spearheading operations & pre-openings for world-leading Hotels, along with private brands and properties ranking from 5 to 3 Stars and managing facilities with 450+ rooms in Europe, Asia, the US and Africa discusses the challenges and opportunities of the hospitality sector in West Africa.
Originally from Germany, Roman started his career in culinary arts; He was a Chef for many years. In 2000, he made career switch to Sales & Marketing, HR and F&B Management and eventually, this led him to become a successful GM. His culinary art and F&B background gave him self-discipline and the mentality for attention to details. The foundation of his success in West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana) lies in his attention to detail, and as a highly motivated person, always works hard to ensure that all processes are efficient. In every hotel that I have worked, I not only bring new energy, fresh ideas and a different way of thinking, but also help fellow work colleagues to achieve their full potential.
Mr. Roman Krabel is also a recipient of over 25 Awards for Professional Achievements including, “Best General Manager” in Africa - World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017, “Most admired GM of the Year” - Africa Hotel Industry Leadership Awards 2018, “Best General Manager” in Africa – International Travel Awards 2019.
This Episode is a dedicated show to the recently held Africa Youth in Tourism and Innovation Summit in Accra, Ghana. My Guest Akwasi Obeng Adjei, an academic and a seasoned audit director in the financial services industry based in South Africa who also participated at the summit as a speaker, a jurist and a panelist has been sharing his experience of the conference and advises start-ups to incorporate the principles of business sustainability in their models.
He is currently the Director of Audit: Investment Management (South Africa) and Insurance (Rest of Africa) at Absa Bank South Africa and an academic with a vested interest in the Future of Work as a discipline. He has presented on this subject matter at several conferences and organisations and has received numerous accolades. He is a Ph.D. Candidate (Wits) and holds an MBA (Stellenbosch), MCOM (Wits), BSc Hons Management(UJ), BSc IT & Mathematics qualifications.
My Guest, Divine Uwase, is the founder & CEO of SHARAMA Events & Tours. An eco-friendly tour operating and event planning company based in Rwanda. She has been discussing with me her passion for Clean and Sustainable Tourism, Digital Marketing, and how Africa can tap into the opportunity the covid-19 pandemic presents to build a robust sustainable tourism product with technology as its core base.
She is passionate about Clean and Sustainable Tourism, Digital Marketing, and everything entrepreneurship. Her company offers seamless travel and celebratory experiences to both locals and international guests with unique packages.
With her expertise in Digital Marketing, her company added a new division to help brands stand out through Online Marketing Services. She has worked on various projects with different organizations such as Hanga Ahazaza | Giz, Rwanda Chamber of Tourism and Ikaze PCO.
Her Company SHARAMA Events & Tours has been recognized in 25 Rwandan female-led outstanding businesses in BK Urumuri Initiative and Tourism Inc. in 2020.She holds a Tourism & Hospitality Diploma from Davis College | Akilah Campus, and prior to her startup she worked with Hotel des Mille Collines as a Front Desk agent. She is very zealous about the Tourism and Hospitality industry and committed to its growth. One last fun fact; She is just 22 years old
My Guest today is the Director of Innovation, Education, and Investments at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Natalia Bayona. She walks me through the initiatives the Madrid-based UN Tourism Agency has embarked on to help growing tourism investments into Africa.
Natalia Bayona leads the innovation, education and investments strategy of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations specialized agency for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism worldwide.
With a diverse background in politics, destination management and business, she has become the first innovation director at UNWTO, has introduced entrepreneurship and education as key factors for tourism and development, and has positioned UNWTO as an innovation benchmark within the wider United Nations system as recognized in the UN 2020 Mapping of Innovation, Data and Digital Capacities.
Her work consists of identifying the most disruptive startups and investment projects and matching them with Member States and leading corporations. As an advocate of youth and technology, she seeks to make entrepreneurs grow for a promising future in all regions.
During the last 3 years, Natalia has developed 7 UNWTO Startup Competitions and 6 Innovation Challenges with outcomes such as more than 74 million USD in support for entrepreneurs and pilots for safe travel. Moreover, she has designed the Tourism Tech Adventures innovation forums and co-created the UNWTO Tourism Online Academy, the pioneer platform for advancing skill development for the sector in collaboration with the most prestigious universities such as IE University, Cornell University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, currently with over 10.000 students. Furthermore, she has created the UNWTO Technical Committee on Tourism Online Education and acts as its Secretary to ensure education is at the forefront of the global agenda.
Natalia graduated in Government and International Relations from Universidad Externado de Colombia and holds an Executive MBA from the IE Business School. Nowadays, she is part of the World Economic Forum (WEF) network as a European Digital Leader and is an Eisenhower Fellow as the first Colombian on the Women Leadership Program for creating the first Tourism for Tomorrow Programme: a high-level network focused on joining public-private efforts for high-impact investments in digital education and innovation for tourism’s sustainable development and post Covid-19 recovery. Additionally, she enjoys sharing knowledge by teaching at universities – Harvard, Externado (Colombia) and Bilkent (Turkey) – and public schools in Colombia as part of her give back to youth and her country.
Episode 89 of the VA Tourism Podcast celebrates Kenyan Hotelier, Daniel Sambai. Daniel who is currently the General Manager of the Kigali Serena Hotel has been narrating his two decades of learnings in the hospitality sector.
Daniel Sambai is the Country Manager for Serena Hotels in Rwanda with the responsibility of overseeing both the Kigali Serena Hotel and Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Prior to being posted to Rwanda, Mr. Sambai worked for Serena Hotels in Tanzania and Kenya.Mr. Sambai has a broad and varied experience in the hospitality industry spanning over 20 years majorly in East Africa and the United Kingdom.
Mr. Sambai holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honors degree in Business Management from the University of South Africa and a Diploma in Hotel Management from Kenya Utalii College.
My conversation today is with Derek Houston, an industry veteran and founder of Houston Travel Marketing Services. He tells me progress in the vaccination program is one of the surest ways of getting back to some sense of normality.
On January 15th, 2021 Derek will have been involved in the travel industry for 56 years. I started my career in Pretoria with S.A.TOURISM and also worked in the Harare Zimbabwe Satour office. In 1969 He joined Trafalgar Tours in Johannesburg as Sales Manager and in 1972 traveled overseas to London to broaden his travel experience.Derek spent three interesting years in London working for a number of travel agencies and tour operators.
He returned to South Africa in 1975 where he worked for Thomas Cook Travel as Assistant Branch Manager and as Branch Manager of Jet International Travel in Johannesburg. In 1979 I transferred to Sunshine Tours as Marketing Director where I spent 4 years helping to build up the company into a major outbound wholesaler and expanding its product range significantly.
But in 1984, Derek felt it was time to do his own thing and that is when He started Houston Travel Marketing Services cc Initially, our main focus was advertising Sales for THE GSA Travel Magazine (the leading travel trade monthly directory in SA). In 1984 we also started our travel trade database offering mailing and fax mailing service to travel agencies /tour operators.
From 1986 to 2001 HTMS represented ABC Travel Publications /OAGTravel Guides as Africa Subscription and marketing representative.
In 2000 HTMS started the SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA series of workshops to promote “Africa” as a whole to various markets both in Africa and overseas.
Over the last 20 years, HTMS has grown its portfolio of travel trade workshops under The Spotlight brand and we now run 30 trade workshops sessions around Africa and in Europe.In 2005 and 2006 a Spotlight and Africa Roadshow was held in Ireland and in 2006 in Holland and Belgium.In 2007 the workshops were held in Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam., Scotland, Leeds, and Cambridge.
In 2009 we held our first Nordics “Seashow” with workshop sessions on board ship. This was a great success and was repeated in 2009 and 2010 after WTM. The Nordics Roadshow is now an annual event every November. In 2010 We added Central Europe to the Spotlight Portfolio with workshop sessions in Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. It was such a success that it has been repeated every year to include Warsaw in Poland and Bucharest in Romania.Spotlight workshops are also now held annually in Southern African cities such as Harare, Gaborone, Windhoek, Maputo, Nairobi, Luanda and Addis Ababa.
My Guest, Dr. Adun Okupe is a leading researcher and expert in the fields of tourism, sustainable cultural practices, and leadership for societal change. Dr. Adun with her partners has led the conversation in promoting domestic and regional tourism in west Africa since the onset of the covi19 pandemic.
She is an advocate for sustainable tourism development in West Africa as well as the cultural and creative industries in Africa. She is a Senior Advisor with Red Clay Advisory, a tourism advisory practice; Host of the West African Tourism Roundtable Series, and faculty member at the prestigious Lagos Business School.
Dr Adun has over 15 years’ research and advisory experience in infrastructure and development advisory services in the tourism and leisure industry as well as advising on the leisure component of urban planning in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. She has worked with several organisations including the Universities of Edinburgh and Surrey, the World Travel & Tourism Council, KPMG London, and the W Hospitality Group.
She is also the founder of The Sahara Centre, a not-for-profit committed to the development of the creative economy in Nigeria through research and policymaking and INDIGO, an eco-friendly shared workspace in Lagos, Nigeria. She is the President and a Board Member of Zonta eClub of West Africa, a part of Zonta International and sits on the advisory group of Open House Lagos and is a member of the Academy of International Business. She led the research on the Lagos State COVID-19 Relief Committee for the creative industries and with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) on understanding the effectiveness of interventions in the creative industries.
Adun is a seasoned keynote speaker, panelist, lecturer, moderator and industry event facilitator. She has been featured on several local and international media across the world discussing domestic tourism, sustainable tourism development, and how to harness West Africa’s creative tourism potential.
She earned a Ph.D. in Tourism Leadership from the University of Surrey, a Masters in Development Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London and holds first class degree in Business Economics from the University of Keele. Adun Okupe, Ph.D. is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. She is the curator of The Conversations at The Sahara Centre which features industry experts in the tourism, cultural and creative industries and host the Business Strategy Session for Executives and Entrepreneurs in the creative, arts and tourism industry.
My conversation today is with Mozambique’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Eldevina Materula. The Minister who has been attending the Brand Africa Conference in Windhoek, Namibia has been sharing with me a detailed plan to make Mozambique a top-of-mind destination for, particularly African travellers.
Madam Materula was however not amused by the spin placed on reportage regarding the instability in the north of the country.
Eldevina Carla José Materula has been Minister of Culture and Tourism since 17 January 2020.
Eldevina Materula was born on June 29, 1982, in the city of Maputo. She did her primary education at the Luta Continua Complete Primary School. She then did her high school at Escola Secundária da Polana, in Maputo city. She continued her studies in the music area, at the Superior School of Music in Lisbon, Portugal, and then joined the Malmo Academy of Music, in Sweden, where she obtained a Bachelor's and Master's degree.
Oboist musician by profession, Eldevina Materula was a teacher in the “Neojibá project” in Brazil, between 2007 and 2017. She founded Xiquitsi Project in Maputo and assumed the position of Artistic Director, from 2013 to 2019. She was a member of the Symphonic Orchestra of the Porto, Casa da Música – Portugal, between 2009 and 2020.
Eldevina Materula won the “Young Musicians Award” in 2001, and in 2016 she was awarded the Dom Infante D. Sousa Order of Merit Medal in Maputo by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, for her work with Mozambican Youth Musicians (Xiquitsi ).
In 2019, Eldevina Materula was elected cultural figure of the year by the Mozambican Newspaper Jornal Savana.
In today’s episode, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board Mrs. Sherin Francis gives an update and measures the archipelago island has put in place to help visitors travel with confidence. The Island has received 10,000 visitors since the opening of its borders on March 25 and hoping for an accelerated tourism restart in q4.
Prior to joining the Seychelles Tourism Board, Mrs. Francis was formerly the Principal Secretary at the Department of Tourism within the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. She has also headed the Seychelles Investment Board for four years whereby she has been instrumental in broadening the marketing arm of the board and raised the Seychelles’ profile internationally as an investment destination.
The Previous position she also occupied before rising to an executive position includes Director of Investment Promotion at the Ministry of National Development, where amongst her many duties, she carried out research on market trends and promote investment opportunities. Mrs. Francis holds a Bachelor of Arts joint Degree with Honors in Business Studies and Economics, from Manchester University and an M.Sc. in Finance with the University of London.
During her tenure at the Tourism Board, a position which she is still currently serving, she has been instrumental in developing the digital marketing strategy of the board amongst other achievements.
Episode 84 of the VA Tourism Podcast is an exclusive interaction with the CEO of the Africa Union Development Agency- NEPAD Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki. Dr. Mayaki has been explaining the reasons behind the renewal of AUDA’s partnership with the World Tourism Organization. The Former Prime Minister of Niger who has had an accomplished career as a Politician, international statement, and author gives a sneak peek into what he will be doing when he bows out as the head of AUDA in September this year.
Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki of the Republic of Niger is the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). He was appointed to this position in March 2009.
He started his career as Professor of Public Administration in Niger in 1975, then in Venezuela; he has been a guest professor at the University Paris XI and led research at the Research Centre on Europe and the Contemporary World within that university.
He was Minister in charge of African Integration and Cooperation and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Niger in 1996 and Prime Minister of Niger from 1997 to 2000.
He equally served as Executive Director of the Rural Hub Think Tank, based in Dakar, Senegal from 2004 to 2009.
He is « Commandeur de l’ordre du mérite national » of Niger , «Commandeur de l’ordre du mérite agricole » of France and decorated in the « Orden Isabel la Católica ( Encomienda de Número) of Spain.
He was rewarded the highest distinction of the State of Japan, the "Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun", by Emperor Naruhito, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to promoting friendly relations and mutual understanding between Japan and Niger as well as Japan and the African Union.
My conversation today is an insight with the Marketing Manager of Ghana’s Accra city Yaw Mamphey. He beliefs the pandemic has offered the hospitality sector an opportunity to build a sustainable market with the domestic market as its main pillar.
Yaw has over 10 years experience as a Top–Performing hospitality and guest-oriented professional, steering business development, operational efficiencies and strategic sales and marketing initiatives for hotels and resort properties. He had always provided leadership for the teams he works with. Execute a “clear vision and voice” to align with high ethical standards and cultures of discipline that value integrity and transparency in the core business.
He played a key role in sales & marketing in leading countryside and city hotel properties to unprecedented market share, revenue and profit. Increased revenue within the first year at the Accra City Hotel property. Developed a high-performing team that led Accra City Hotel to the highest market share and profit in the last few years of operation. This helped in aiding the hotel to earn 20 Awards & Accolades for Excellence in the first 2 years of assignment at Accra City Hotel. Yaw in the course of his career been bestowed with the awards below
o “Most Admired Hospitality Professional” 2020 – Hospitality Awards Ghana
o “Best Marketing Director - Africa” 2019 - Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards
o “Most Admired Sales & Marketing Director” 2019 - Hospitality Awards Ghana
o “Excellence in Marketing Management” 2018 – The Bizz Awards
In today’s episode, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Honourable Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane outlines a number of initiatives her outfit is leading to bring about transformation in the rainbow nation’s tourism sector. The Minister also shed light on the e-visa rollout, priority for tourism stakeholders in SA’s vaccine program and SAT’s impending merger.
Mmamoloko “Nkhensani" Kubayi-Ngubane is, a Member of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa and a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress.
Prior to her current role, Kubayi-Ngubane previously served as a Minister in three portfolios, Science and Technology, Communications, and Energy respectively. She has held several leadership roles both within the ANC and as a deployee of the ANC in various spheres of government. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Johannesburg (formerly Vista University), a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from Damelin College, a Masters Degree in Public and Development Management from the University of the Witwatersrand and completed a Programme for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School.
Kubayi-Ngubane is an outgoing member of the Global Artificial Intelligence Council established by the World Economic Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She joins other global leaders as a member of the Forum’s newly established Global Future Council on Sustainable Tourism, a multi-stakeholder knowledge network tasked to advance innovative thinking for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
My Conversation today is an exclusive with the CEO of the Kenya National Convention Bureau, Ms. Jacinta Nzioka. Jacinta believes Kenya is well-positioned to be a major MICE Destination in Africa and its conservation history will help endure the Harambee nation to many who wants to have a seamless event. She said the covid-19 pandemic compelled them to think outside the box to be adequately prepared for the future.
Ms. Nzioka was appointed in October 2019 as the National Coordinator/ Chief Executive Officer heading the secretariat setting up the Kenya National Convention Bureau, as a brand new entity. Under her leadership, KNCB has been able to develop a 10-year roadmap destination Strategy for MICE and a destination Brand identity to position and market the destination. Through the one year that KNCB has been in operation, various industry engagements and frameworks to engage the value chain, professionalize and coordinate the sector in Kenya as well as collaboration regionally and global awareness of Kenya has a MICE destination has been palpable.
Before her appointment, she had served as the Director of Marketing at the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for 6 years where she was charged with the responsibility of leading Kenya's global tourism marketing strategy. In 2016, she was the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the KTB for 11 months. With over 20 years of experience in Destination Marketing & Management at the KTB, she has been involved in several projects and initiatives to turn around the sector during previous crises through implementation of global recovery strategies. While at the Tourism Board, Jacinta has overseen implementation of tourism projects in all the source markets having been a Regional Manager for America, Europe and Emerging Markets during this period and has overseen development of a strategy to penetrate the African market and Domestic markets in later years.
Ms. Nzioka is serving as an Advisory Board member of the World Tourism Forum, Lucerne and the UNESCOs International Tourism & Cultural Committee (ICOMOS), Board Member at the Ecotourism Kenya and is ICCA Africa Chapter Deputy Chair elected in 2020 for the next two years.
In today’s episode, the President of the Africa Chapter for the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Tes Proos delves into the state of the continent’s Incentive travel market and looks at what can be done to quicken the MICE recovery. Tes who has an accomplished career in the meetings sector believes recent events in FITUR and the Arabian Travel Market should signal a gradual restart of business events in Africa.
Tes is currently serving as President of the SITE AFRICA Chapter (Society of Incentive Travel Excellence) and Immediate Past Chair of the South Africa Events Council.
Her career started in hotel operations in 1985. She gained vast experience in hotel operations over the next 10 years, including opening a new convention center in Johannesburg in 1993.
She spent time at both Gallagher Estate and Sun City where she was involved in running groups and events up to 10 000 guests.
She became a DMC in early 2000 and thoroughly enjoys what she does, being able to bring her operational, sales, and marketing experiences together in creating magic for international incentive programmes. She is also a proud recipient of a SITE Crystal Award for Best Motivational Programme in Africa/Middle East.
In today’s episode, the CEO of the Namibia Airport Company Bisey Uirab tells me how the airport company is positioning its self to attract the required investments to the country’s aviation sector. He is confident the newly refurbished Hosea kutako international airport will not only enhance travel experience but also act as another layer for non-aeronautical revenues
Today’s episode is a special program dubbed ‘’ Tour of African Gastronomy Talk Series’’ where featured chefs of UNWTO’s Tour of African Gastronomy Journal speak to us on their culinary journeys.My guest today is Mr. Flavien Joubert, former head of the Seychelles Tourism Academy and a seasoned chef. Mr.. Joubert takes us on a tour of the very spicy and tasty Seychelles culinary. He points to collaboration and partnerships as ways to help bring out Africa’s diverse culinary offerings.
Flavien Joubert is married and have two grown-up daughters. He had his culinary studies/hotel management studies in Cyprus, England, and France. He's had professional culinary chef posts in England, France, Singapore, Seychelles, Switzerland. Flavien also served as a hotel General manager at a 5-star hotel in Seychelles.
He's been in pedagogical and teacher training in Seychelles, England and Germany.He has also held principal teaching and lecturing posts in culinary and hospital management in Seychelles, La Reunion, France, Mauritius, Germany.Flavien is the author of several books which include: -Exotic seafood recipes from the Seychelles published in France in 2000
-Exotic cocktails from the Seychelles published in England in 2014 -Fish and seafood recipes published in England in 2017 -Refugee: A Seychelles boy's story published in 2019
My guest today is the Chairperson of the Kenya Tourism Federation, Mohammed Hersi. The East African country in the last two weeks has seen a resurgence of covid-19 and as a result, the reimposition of some stringent measures to curtail the chain of infection. This new development seems to be chipping away the efforts by stakeholders to restart tourism which is a major economic pillar of Kenya. Mr. Hersi in this conversation discusses a raft of measures the federation has taken to guarantee the safety of staff and guests as well as updates on Kenya’s vaccination program for the tourism industry players.
Mohammed is also the Director of Operations at Pollmans Tours & Safaris, Baobab Beach Resort & Spa, Diani
In today’s episode, African Aviation Expert and Managing Director of ZA Logics Ogaga Udjo takes a deep look at the state of Africa’s aviation sector and its ability to bounce back post the pandemic. He throws the spotlight on South Africa’s troubled flag-carrier South African Airways and the latest happenings at the airline. Ogaga is of the belief that the continent’s national tourism boards and their aviation counterparts need to collaborate in order to grow Africa’s share of international tourist arrivals. Ogaga is a commercial strategist and Managing Director of ZA Logics, an advisory business based in Johannesburg.
He has a wealth of experience across commercial and strategy functions. Having worked on projects in close to 30 countries around the world, he has planned and implemented core business solutions for the aviation and logistics industries. Prior to his current position, he worked across several markets for airlines including Comair Limited, Qatar Airways, and South African Airways. At Comair Limited he was Head: Network Planning, Alliances & Regulatory Affairs.
Ogaga qualified Cum Laude from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree. He also holds a Master’s in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa. He specialised in strategic management and international business.
A regular media voice, he has had several appearances across global platforms including YahooFinace, Quartz, ChinaGlobal TV Network, and Turkish Radio & TV Corporation (TRT World). Ogaga is passionate about network planning and route development, with a deep understanding of this ecosystem, across all role players and stakeholders.
Connect with Ogaga Udjo
Exclusivité avec le Chef Comorien Ahamada Binali basé en France qui s'est entretenu avec Franck Olivier Kra sur le Podcast VA Tourism et a exposé comment nous pouvons utiliser la gastronomie pour promouvoir les destinations.Né dans l’archipel des Comores et ayant grandi à Marseille, c’est en région parisienne que le Chef Ahamada Binali exerce son art.
Issu d’une formation classique, il se dote d’une solide expérience et gravi les échelons jusqu’au rang de chef cuisinier dans des grands établissements et restaurants de renommées nationales et internationales de la place Parisienne. Animé par une forte envie d’indépendance, de transmission de son héritage, de ses compétences, et paré de son expérience managériale, il fonde en 2013 : Massiwani Traiteur, pour une gastronomie valorisant les terroirs des îles Comores et ceux du reste du Continent Africain.
Massiwani traiteur met un point d’honneur à accompagner et proposer un service personnalisé à sa clientèle de particuliers et de professionnels, en apportant sa touche de modernité aux cuisines d’Afrique tout en conservant l’authenticité des produits : surprendre par le goût et la présentation sans pour autant tout dénaturer
Il a su mobiliser ses compétences autour de trois prestations de services : traiteur événementiel, chef à domicile et consultant culinaire.
In today’s episode, the founder and Chair of the African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) Sabine Lehmann delves into Africa’s attraction scene and how visitor attractions can respond to the needs of guests in the time of Covid-19.
Sabine Lehmann has first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the attractions industry – especially on the African continent. Having held leadership roles in some of South Africa’s most iconic tourist attractions Sabine understands from the inside out how difficult it is to run a profitable and sustainable attraction in a world that is constantly changing.
Sabine is committed to building African attractions and is the founder and Chair of the African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) and a government relations committee member of the IAPPA (The Global Association for the Attractions Industry). She holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town and an MPhil (Futures) from the Stellenbosch University.
In today’s episode, Founder of US-based Monkey Initiative Anne- Marie Mascaro opens up on her motivation for the support and protection of primates. She believes countries need to have the right legislation to support conservation efforts.
Anne-Marie’s love of primates was ignited in early childhood after a chance encounter with a chimpanzee used in entertainment. She recognized the exploitation of animals from a young age and felt drawn to change the fate of other primates. After college, she moved to New York city where she would connect with her future mentor, Linda Koebner. Linda was a chimpanzee behaviorist and co-founder of Chimp Havenchimpanzee sanctuary in Louisiana.
Anne-Marie used her background in marketing to do volunteer publicity and fundraising for the sanctuary, gaining them a coveted spot in the famous annual “Blessing of the Animals” event at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in NYC. She was part of grassroots brainstorming sessions for the chimpanzee sanctuary, so she understands the power of small groups working towards a common goal.
Volunteer work opened doors to a stint in Uganda, working with captive chimps, followed by a Master's of Science, Primate Conservation (With Merit) from Oxford Brookes, and an MBA in London. Anne-Marie is the “ideas” person of Monkeyfriendy, Inc.-leveraging ideas from around the world into project ideas for Red Rocks Monkeyfriendly Initiative in Rwanda.
In today’s episode, the Chairperson of the Rwanda Tours and Travel Association Bonita Mutoni sheds light on the state of preparedness of the Association for the tourism restart. Bonita whose niche is in the area of luxury-high-end tourism believes building back better will mean African Destinations should rethink their models when pitching for business to the region.
Bonita is currently the Sales and Marketing Director of both One&Only properties in Rwanda and Founder of Uber Luxe safaris, one of the leading Destination Management companies in Rwanda. She is Incredibly passionate about luxury travel and is keen to play a role in Rwanda’s development into the leading eco-luxury travel destination.
My Guest today is the Director of Program, Innovation and Planning at the Africa Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) Mrs. Estherine Fotabong. Mrs. Fotabong sheds more light on her agency’s Post Covid-19 African Tourism Recovery Strategy launched in the midst of the pandemic to support member states. She believes the time has come for Africa to pay more attention to innovation in building a sustained and resilient tourism sector.
Before her appointment as Director at the AUDA-NEPAD, Mrs. Fotabong was the UNEP Country Liaison Officer for South Africa and the Senior Environment and Tourism Adviser to the NEPAD Secretariat. She has a Master’s Degree in Law and another Master’s Degree in International Affairs, specialising in International Policy and Practice. Mrs. Fotabong has co-authored several publications relating to Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Law and Development Policy. She has extensive global travel experience, through serving in various portfolios.
In May 2014 and July 2016, Mrs. Fotabong received Honorary Awards from the Governments of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Republic of Cameroon respectively, for her passion, dedication, and leadership towards advancing equality and empowerment of African women.
In today’s episode, CEO and Managing Director of IKAZE PCO Brenda Nyakira Anderson shares her story on how the Rwandan-based Professional conference organizers had to shelve major events as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Over 12 months into the pandemic, Brenda has led the team to adapt their business model to the new normal and introduce some novelty to the market.
Prior to founding Ikaze PCO, worked within the Commercial Department at the High Commission, and was responsible for attracting Foreign Direct Investment to Rwanda and expanding Rwanda’s export base; advising the Rwandan Diaspora about various business opportunities in Rwanda and the UK; generating new Investor leads for Foreign Direct Investment in Rwanda and advising on all areas related to the Investment Code of Rwanda.
Ikaze PCO targets inbound tourism, and in particular MICE Tourism with a strong focus on Conference and Incentive travel to Rwanda. They offer a single point of contact solution for event planners. This includes venue and accommodation sourcing, event website design and online conference registration, function planning and theming, audio visual and technical requirements.
Today’s episode is a fascinating conversation with the Director of Investments and Product Development at the Ghana Tourism Authority Ben Anane-Nsiah. He tells me Ghana is looking to diversify its source market with a focus on the African Market. He was the leader of the Delegation of Ghana’s trade and tourism mission to Rwanda which was facilitated by the Rwanda High Commission in Accra and the Rwanda Development Board.
La session d'aujourd'hui du Tour de la Gastronomie Africaine est une conversation fascinante sur la culture alimentaire Comorienne. Hanane Saif Sohun est née á Médine en Arabie Saoudite de parents Comoriens. Elle fait ses études primaires et secondaires à Moroni dans la capitale des Comores avant de partir poursuivre ses études supérieures en Tanzanie où elle s’est formée en anglais et dans le secteur de l’aviation. De retour aux Comores, elle devient agent de voyages dans une grande compagnie de la place avant d’être recrutée comme hôtesse de l’air. Elle travaille tout d’abord pour une compagnie nationale Comorienne avant d’être recrutée pour une compagnie aérienne Sud-Africaine pendant des années.
La passion d’Hanane Sohun pour la cuisine date de sa plus tendre enfance sous le joug familiale en regardant sa mère qui reste une référence indéniable pour elle jusqu’à nos jours, même si le côté autodidacte est ce qui l’a emmené à être chef gastronomique. Elle est donc fondatrice de Yummy Cuisine et Pâtisserie et un service traiteur qui lui permettent de faire connaître la gastronomie Comorienne tant au niveau national, continental qu’à l’international. Hanane Sohun est mariée à un Mauricien et est mère de trois garçons qui font d’elle une mère et épouse comblée.
Episode 67 of the VA Tourism Podcast is an exclusive with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of Tourism & Wildlife Hon, Najib Balala. He discusses how Kenya's tourism sector managed the effects of the coronavirus Pandemic and identifies 3 pillars as essential for a sustained tourism sector recovery.
Hon. Najib Balala, EGH, assumed the position of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife in the 2015 government reshuffle. He moved from the Ministry of Mining where he was appointed as Kenya’s first Minister in May 2013 and is credited with delivering the Draft Mining Bill in 2014, the first policy and institutional framework review of Kenya’s mining sector since 1940. Having also served as Minister for Tourism from April 2008 to March 2012, Hon. Balala holds the record of being the longest-serving Minister in the docket.
During that tenure, Hon. Balala delivered the Tourism Bill and gave the sector a policy and legal framework geared towards maintaining sustainability. Hon. Balala has been elected Chairman of the United Nations World Tourism Organization twice, in 2011 and 2019, where he currently holds the position of Chairperson of UNWTO Executive Council.
In a very insightful conversation with the Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa at the Radisson Hotel Group Tim Cordon, the Hospitality Executive recounted how Radisson stayed in business with its “People First before profits” in the midst of the global pandemic. He outlined 3 core elements which proved to be essential in navigating the crises.
Based in Dubai, Tim is responsible for leading hotel operations and delivering business growth and profit across the group’s largest area, with over 100 hotels in operation and over 80 hotel projects in the development pipeline. As a young and dynamic hotelier, Tim brings a level of knowledge, skills, and experience, which are critical to Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion plans and strategic operations across the Middle East and Africa.
A British national, Tim has been with Radisson Hotel Group (formerly Carlson Rezidor) since 2003 and was recently appointed Area Senior Vice President for the Middle East & Africa in 2017.
He began his progressive career in the UK where his first General Manager's position was at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport which, at the time was Rezidor's largest hotel in the UK and where he successfully positioned the hotel in Rezidor's top 20 performing hotels worldwide. He went onto hold leadership positions in two of the group’s key properties in London, Radisson Blu Portman Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel Stansted Airport.
He briefly left the group to become General Manager of the Cumberland Hotel in London, before returning as the General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek. In 2015, he was promoted to Regional Director Middle East & Turkey.
Tim holds a degree from Nottingham Trent University in Mechanical Engineering and Design and Technology, including qualified teacher status. In 2006, Cordon entered the British Hospitality Hall of Fame, with the Alpha Forum Prize – “Young manager” award. For two consecutive years, Tim has secured a spot in the top 5 of Hotelier Middle East’s Power 50 list
Connect with Tim Cordon
Avec plus de 30 ans d'expérience locale et internationale sur la scène culinaire, Marie Thérèse est la directrice de la Chaîne des propriétaires de restaurants pour la promotion du patrimoine culinaire camerounais (CRESPAC), membre du Conseil national du tourisme (CNT), ainsi que la coordinatrice de la Fédération camerounaise des arts culinaires et la promotrice du célèbre restaurant Bois Sainte Anastasie à Yaoundé, au Cameroun. Elle est l'exemple parfait que rien n'est impossible si on a la passion. La gastronomie camerounaise reflète la diversité de ses groupes ethniques, riche en quantité et en qualité.
Today’s episode is a special program dubbed ‘’ Tour of African Gastronomy Talk Series’’ where featured chefs of UNWTO’s Tour of African Gastronomy Journal speak to us on their culinary journeys.
President of Chefs Association of Ghana, Chef Isaac k Sackey is my Guest. Chef Isaac. K. Sackey through his culinary profession has traveled across the world to acquire expertise on current culinary trends, as a judge for cooking competitions and organize food workshops.
He started his career at Novotel Hotel (Accra) as a commis chef, moved to become chef de partie` and sous chef level, and now an executive chef with BSC in hospitality management.
Download the Tour of African Gastronomy Book
Today’s episode is a special program dubbed ‘’ Tour of African Gastronomy Talk Series’’ where featured chefs of UNWTO’s Tour of African Gastronomy Journal speak to us on their culinary journeys.
Chef SEMIRA AJAYI from Nigeria is my Guest. After being inspired by the cooking skills of her parents, Semira pursued further education in culinary in Dubai and she shares her unique story and Nigeria’s gastronomy offerings in this conversation.
Download the Tour of African Gastronomy Book
Today’s episode is a special program dubbed ‘’ Tour of African Gastronomy Talk Series’’ where featured chefs of UNWTO’s Tour of African Gastronomy Journal speak to us on their culinary journeys.
My Guest today is Chef Nicole Ansoni, Executive Chef and owner of Inka Steakhouse – the only steak house in Rwanda. She takes us on a tour of Rwanda’s diverse and unique gastronomy offerings.
With over 15 years experience in the culinary world, travelling to over 35 countries and living in 14, she amassed specific skills and techniques along the way all the while discovering new spices and flavour profiles. Executive Chef & Owner of INKA STEAKHOUSE (the only Steakhouse in Rwanda) and board member of the Rwanda Hospitality Association, this young Rwandan Chef and entrepreneur continues to share her love of food and grow the Rwandan culinary ecosystem through the promotion and advocacy of sustainable cooking and local agriculture.
Download the Tour of African Gastronomy Book
In today's episode, the Legal Counsel of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Alicia Gomez unpacks the international code for the protection of tourists being developed by the UN Tourism Organization and its international partners.
Ms. Alicia Gomez has 15 years of experience in the UN, a decade at UNWTO, and has been the Organization's Legal Counsel since 2017. In this capacity, she supported the process for the development and adoption of UNWTO´s Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics and currently leading the process for the development of an International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), which will be presented to the 24th UNWTO General Assembly for approval.
La cheffe Georgiana Viou, lors d'un entretien avec Franck Olivier Kra, a fait la lumière sur le secteur culinaire du Bénin. Elle était l'invitée du Tour de la Gastronomie Africaine de l'Organisation Mondiale du Tourisme (OMT)
Autodidacte, la cheffe Georgiana Viou vit une enfance multiethnique au Bénin, puis elle étudie à Paris. Elle fait ensuite un passage dans la communication et revient à ses premières amours, l'art culinaire.
Tout commence avec le prix culinaire " Le Taittinger des Cordons Bleus " en 2009. Puis le désir de créer une école avec trois jeunes enfants. Cela devient un scénario compliqué.
Elle atterrit par hasard sur la première édition de Masterchef, puis sous l'influence de Lionel Lévy (1 étoile Michelin) elle fait ses premiers pas dans la cuisine professionnelle. Elle fait ensuite un passage à Paris au restaurant de Sarah et Sylvain Sendra (aussi étoile Michelin), puis à Hissa Takeushi.
Avec le soutien d'Yves Camdeborde, elle en profite pour entreprendre des ateliers de cuisine qui deviendront plus tard "L'atelier de Georgiana". En plus des cours, elle propose une formule unique de déjeuner sur le modèle d'une Table d'Hôtes. Ce fut un grand succès, avec un menu du jour impressionnant.
Georgiana anime une série diffusée sur une chaîne de voyage "Chez Georgiana".L'atelier Georgiana d'octobre 2011 à décembre 2014."Chez Georgiana" est lancé le 2 février 2015 - le premier "vrai restaurant".
Après avoir remporté un succès aussi estimé, elle reçoit 2 Toques au Gault et Millau, et en six mois la note de 13/20, et le prix des "Jeunes Talents". C'est là qu'elle rencontre Anthony Bourdain et le chef Eric Rippert pour l'émission de télévision Parts Unknown.
Le concept de restaurant de Georgiana remet les fourneaux sur le devant de la scène, dans un cadre nouveau et original ; elle mélange la richesse culinaire, les voyages et la littérature du Bénin tout en réinterprétant la cuisine locale dans le respect de l'éthique des producteurs et de leur respect des pratiques et des produits locaux. Ouverture fin de la crise du coronavirus.
Entre 2019 et 2020, elle parcourt le monde entier pour différents événements et festivals sur la cuisine. En 2020, la chef Georgiana s'apprête à publier un nouveau livre sur la gastronomie béninoise intitulé Le Gout de Cotonou (Ducasse Éditions - mai 2021)
La conversation d'aujourd'hui est une rencontre avec la cheffe Ivoirienne Christelle Vougo qui était l'une des chefs vedettes du livre de l'OMT sur le voyages à travers la gastronomie Africaine. Elle explique à Franck Olivier Kra tout ce que la Côte d’Ivoire a à offrir en matière de gastronomie.
L'histoire du Chef Christelle Vougo débute aux USA ou elle était étudiante en comptabilité. Elle rachète à Atlanta en 2005, The Avenue, un restaurant dans lequel elle était serveuse puis Manager. C’est ainsi que commencera sa carrière de chef autodidacte à 26 ans.
Elle y proposera une cuisine américaine traditionnelle jusqu’en 2010. Elle rentre en Côte d’Ivoire en 2011 et ouvre Norima, un restaurant américain. Le restaurant connaît un succès remarquable. En 2012, fortement inspirée par la richesse des produits du terroir et par la diversité des plats ivoiriens, elle ouvre Saakan, son restaurant spécialisé dans la cuisine Africaine. Ses clients y découvrent les ingrédients et plats traditionnels sous un nouveau visage. Sa célèbre "Queue de bœuf braisée" est pratiquement sur toutes les langues.
Zanda traiteur sera créé en 2015, afin d’exporter son talent aux domiciles, et entreprises.
Elle ouvrira en 2016, MONDIAL son dernier restaurant qui offre aujourd'hui une expérience culinaire avec des formules gastronomiques multiculturelles à étapes. Christelle Vougo porte son succès au-delà des frontières Ivoiriennes et Africaines et cela se remarque dans les plus grands médias spécialisés de place telle que le Figaro, Jeune Afrique, BBC Afrique pour ne citer que ceux-là. Entre temps elle reçoit en 2017 le Prix d’Excellence de la Meilleure Jeune Cheffe d’Entreprise 2017 de Côte d’Ivoire.
On the occasion of the World Tourist Guide Day 2021, My guest Cathy Wood, a tourist guide with Laramon Tours in Namibia shares her story as a guide and believes, the pandemic has offered the tourism sector an opportunity to innovate for the good of the sector. She delves deep into how her company survived over 7 months without work and her passion as a nature lover.
Today’s edition is a special edition dubbed ‘’ Tour of African Gastronomy Talk Series’’ where featured chefs of UNWTO’s Tour of African Gastronomy Journal speak to us on their culinary journeys and their respective gastronomy offerings. Chef Miriam Kaudzu, an Executive Chef at Malawi’s Sunbird Tourism plc is my guest.
Aged 42 and a mother of 2 boys, Miriam is passionate about food and sees real cooking as more about following your heart than the recipe. She obtained a certificate in food production from the Malawi Institute of Tourism in the year 2001 and started working as a chef at Mwaiwathu private Hospital where I did my internship.
Joined Sunbird Tourism PLC in 2006 to date and currently working as Executive chef. She obtained her Advanced Diploma in Culinary Management from August 2010 to July 2011 at Business and Hotel Management School in Switzerland.
My Guest, Megan Oberholzer the Portfolio Director for Travel, Tourism, and Creative Industries at Reed Exhibitions, Organizer of the Africa Travel week outlines measures put in place to make this year’s unique WTM Virtual event exceptionally rewarding. She believes the sector has learned a lot in the last 12 months and the show will offer a wonderful opportunity to revive the tourism businesses.
Her role includes taking full accountability for the planning and operational management of all aspects of the portfolio, contributing significantly to the development and implementation of Reed’s strategy and to deliver exceptional performance through effective collaboration, management and development of others.
As part of Megan’s role, she builds closer relationships with the key players within the industry and gaining a broader insight into the fundamental issues affecting each show’s industries.
After almost 8 years working in Marketing with Tourvest, Megan joined Reed Exhibitions in 2015 as the Marketing Manager for WTM Africa and IBTM Africa where she oversaw and drove world-class branding and communications for two successful travel trade exhibitions. In 2017, Megan then assumed the role of General Marketing Manager adding the brand ILTM Africa to her portfolio. In this role, she passionately promoted the WTM Africa, ILTM Africa and IBTM Africa brands and oversaw all the events’ relative marketing aspects.
In May 2018, Megan was promoted to Portfolio General Manager for Reed Exhibitions South Africa’s Travel, Tourism and Sport department in which includes various dynamic trade and consumer shows namely; WTM Africa, ILTM Africa, IBTM Africa and FIBO Global Fitness Africa. Following a year as GM, Megan was made Portfolio Director in May 2019.Megan and her team passionately use the exhibition and eventing platforms to create opportunities for Travel & Tourism industry brands to market their products and services to a captive audience through face to face interaction using all of the 5 senses.
Dans l'épisode d'aujourd'hui, le chef algérien Rabbah Ourrad dévoile son expérience de la gastronomie algérienne et africaine avec Yasmine Fofana.
Rabah Ourrad a quitté sa ville natale d'Alger à l'âge de 21 ans pour Paris, à la tête d'un groupe de rap algérien à succès, considéré comme l'un des pionniers du hip-hop nord-africain, qui a donné une voix à la jeunesse algérienne au tournant du siècle. Après avoir été signé par Universal et avoir fait le tour du monde en tant qu'interprète, il a décidé de profiter de sa présence en France pour approfondir deux éléments importants de leur identité nationale, la littérature et la cuisine.
Il est diplômé en littérature française de l'université Paris 8 et a obtenu un diplôme de gastronomie française (CAP) en passant une année intensive dans les cuisines du GRETA (école de cuisine d'État). Après avoir travaillé dans quelques-unes des brasseries les plus prestigieuses de la capitale (Brasserie Julien, le Vaudeville et le Fouquet's en apprentissage), Rabah s'installe à Barcelone où il passe deux ans à travailler dans de petits restaurants, baignant dans la cuisine traditionnelle espagnole (principalement catalane). Il devient sous-chef au restaurant El Manjador, avant de devenir chef de cuisine au restaurant El Cafeti.
Arrivé à Londres en 2009, il rejoint la brigade de Pierre Gagnaire à Sketch à Mayfair où il est exposé aux plus hauts standards de la gastronomie. Travaillant dans différentes sections pendant deux ans, il repart avec une nouvelle vision de l'artisanat culinaire, à la fois comme un art et une science.
La conversation d'aujourd'hui est une rencontre avec le chef Tunisien Rakia Racheg qui était l'un des chefs vedettes du livre de l'OMT sur la tournée de la gastronomie africaine. Il explique à Yasmine Fofana tout ce que la Tunisie a à offrir en matière de gastronomie.
Ayant appris à cuisiner très jeune pour sa famille, sa mère lui a transmis toutes les techniques et astuces traditionnelles et les secrets les plus gardées par les anciens. Longtemps reconnue pour ses repas sans égale, elle se lance dans le monde professionnel à l’hôtel Borj Dhiafa en 2006 ou elle occupe aujourd’hui la place de Chef de cuisine.
Relevant le challenge d’innover dans la gastronomie traditionnelle, elle lance le fameux Halelem aux fruits de mer successeur du Halelem aux kaddid et cartonne pendant des années grâce à cette soupe.
Elle se crée une réputation dans tout le pays, et deviens l’adresse incontournable à Sfax pour les hommes d’affaires, politiciens, chefs de gouvernements et chefs d’états.
The Managing Director of Namibian Hospitality powerhouse Gondwana Collection Gys Joubert narrates the Group’s 25 years journey and their plans to grow outside of Namibia. He also gives a sense of how they survived the ever-evolving coronavirus pandemic and lessons to build back better.
Gys Joubert currently holds the position as Managing Director of Gondwana Collection Namibia, one of the leading hospitality groups in the country. With over ten years of background in the banking and legal fields, he has extensive knowledge in commercial law. In 2017, Gys formally took over the reins as MD, prior having walked a path with the company as a non-executive director. He describes himself as an idealist with a strong moral code. In his own words, he hopes for the Gondwana brand to ‘bring true and holistic humanity to the corporate world’ and always representing a ‘force for good’. His overarching vision however does not only apply to the in-house brand, but extends far beyond Gondwana Collection Namibia, to the country and all her people.
In today’s episode, Morocco’s celebrity chef, Chef El Hadi who has enormous experience in cooking English, French, Italian, Spanish, Asian and Moroccan foods believes the continent of Africa needs to use diplomacy and marketing, and media to promote the region’s diverse culinary experiences to the world. Of British/Moroccan nationality, Chef El Hadi is an exceptional chef of many culinary talents.
Growing up in Morocco (with its great produce and vast cuisine), he started cooking as a young boy in his Mothers kitchen while she was out, and unbeknown to her, that is when his passion for cooking started. His love of creating new recipes as well as his ingenuity in the kitchen has led to his reputation for food of the highest tastes. With experience in cooking English, French, Italian, Spanish, Asian and Moroccan/Arabic food, Chef El Hadi has travelled the world to gain knowledge about food. He has cooked for celebrities in various restaurants in the UK and other parts of the world and is also a TV chef having completed several cooking programs (UK, Asia and Morocco). He is currently on Moroccan TV, daily presenting the cooking section on a very popular show and also presenting a cookery program on the Radio.
Chef El Hadi has gained great media coverage in newspapers and magazines over the years. Obtained certificates: First Aid certificate, Food and beverage management , Food Management certificate,Health, and Safety Food certificate level 1 & 2Various cooking courses
In today’s episode, Sandy Le Roux, the owner of Still house Craft gin Distillery based in Namibia’s coastal city of Swakopmund walks me through how her business survived the lock down and the uniqueness of the craft gin and its role in Namibia’s gastronomy. She tells me how they are the epitome of good spirits from fermentations to distilling - all happening on site with bottling and labeling done by hand.
Stillhouse Atlantic is a craft distillery established early in 2017 in the small coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia. It’s a small family business run by Pierre and Sandy le Roux with some input by sons Jason and Danyon, whos curiosity first inspired the idea and passion for the art and science of craft distilling.
L'épisode d'aujourd'hui est une conversation avec le Ministre du Tourisme, des Arts et de la Culture de la République du Bénin, M. Jean-Michel Abimbola. Au cours des derniers mois, son ministère a fait des progrès significatifs dans sa quête de développement des secteurs du tourisme et des arts. Notre présentateur invité et membre de la Fraternité VoyagesAfriq, Franck Olivier Kra, s’entretient avec le Ministre dans ce podcast
In today’s episode, the CEO of South African Tourism Sisa Ntshona outlines measures instituted to restart tourism in a responsible way and SAT’s short to medium-term plans to protect the tourism industry as the sector battles the ever-changing coronavirus pandemic.
In today’s episode, the Portfolio Director, World Travel Market and IBTM Events Claude Blanc takes a deeper look at the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the meetings industry and what the sector has learned to help accelerate the recovery process. Claude has an impressive track record of more than 25 years in top management roles in the travel industry, with extensive experience in both the leisure and business events sectors.
Claude has an impressive track record of more than 25 years in top management roles in the travel industry, with extensive experience in both the leisure and business events sectors. Claude became Portfolio Director of IBTM Events in November 2020, a remit he manages alongside his role as Portfolio Director of World Travel Market (WTM). On his appointment to IBTM Events, Claude said: “I’m really looking forward to continuing to support the IBTM global community on the road to recovery and beyond.”
IBTM Events and World Travel Market are owned by the world’s leading exhibition organiser, Reed Exhibitions. The IBTM portfolio includes IBTM World, IBTM Africa, IBTM Americas, IBTM Asia Pacific, IBTM Virtual and IBTM Connect. Claude has been Portfolio Director of WTM since October 2018, a portfolio which includes WTM London, Travel Forward, the International Travel & Tourism Awards, WTM Africa, Arabian Travel Market and WTM Latin America.
Prior to joining Reed Exhibitions, Claude was Chief Executive Officer at Paris-based Travel & Co, a tour operating group he founded in 2007. Before that, he was Digital Travel Director at TUI Group, and he has held senior posts with a leading online travel agency in France; travel management company Rosenbluth International; and timeshare exchange company RCI.
Today’s episode looks at the crucial role of data collection as the tourism world aims to build back better. Sandra Carvao, Head of Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at the World Tourism Organization is my Guest. She will help me unpack the topic and also dive deep into UNWTO's Tourism dashboard and recovery tracker.
My Guest Beuli Opperman a Namibian Commercial pilot turned cabin crew attendant tells the story of how her passion for serving people has seen her taking a permanent job as West Air's cabin crew head.
Beuli Opperman - 21 Born 18/09/1999 in the little farming town of Gobabis in Namibia, Beuli grew up on a farm, not knowing much about aviation. Later in life after completing schooling in Gobabis she was drawn to a life in Aviation and began pilot training at Signa Aviation in Windhoek. After completing her private pilot's license, she started working at Westair Aviation as a cabin crew, to help subsidize the cost of her Commercial Pilot license. While working as a cabin crew Beuli realized that this would be a more suited career choice for her as will enable her to still satisfy her love for aviation, but at the same time could have a more personal interaction with the passengers.
She says she will always keep her private pilot's license current, allowing her to fly whenever she wants.
In today's episode my Guest George Ayisi, the Sales Manager at Ghana's Labadi Beach Hotel recounts his two decades working in the same hotel and highlights of his career where he had the opportunity to serve the visiting former US President George W Bush to Ghana. He believes Ghana can do more to grow its tourism
In this episode, the CEO of WestAir Aviation Henri van Schalkwyk gives an account of how the airline survived the disruptive coronavirus pandemic and their quest to support Namibia's tourism revival strategy as well the vision of WestAir to have a foothold on the southern African market. The airline currently has operations in South Africa, Angola, Senegal, Mozambique, and Mali with diversified aviation operations.
In today's episode, Marsha Paccou an experienced health and life coach looks at wellness tourism and the prospects for Africa. She believes that every person should become fascinated with the way they work, and through this properly understand the ways in which they can nurture, cherish, and accept who they are through self-care and self-love. Accredited by the Health Coach Institute, USA, she coaches using International Coach Federation (ICF) tools and exercises whilst delivering her own unique framework for transformation. She inspires women to blossom through self-care and self-love. She also provides the support, structure, and strategy to empower them to not only become more successful but to also learn to love themselves along the way
Today's conversation is with two leaders in Namibia's tourism private sector. Chairperson of the Federation of Namibian tourism association (FENATA) Netumbo Nashandi and Joseph Kafunda Chair of the Emerging Tourism Enterprise Association of Namibia. They discuss the tourism restart in Namibia and the Government's support in the tourism revival initiative.
In this episode, the Founder of Red Rocks Initiatives Greg Bakunzi talks about the urgent need for diversification in the tourism sector in order to help sustain their business and also recounts measures taken by the Government of Rwanda to get tourism restarted. Greg is passionate, about conservation, community-based tourism, environmental conservation, and developing skills that will help uplift the living standards of the locals, through collaboration and partnerships.
In this episode, Founder of Spree Rwanda and winner of the 2020 Tourism Innovation Challenge at Africa Tourism Leadership Forum Alin Murekatete discusses her motivation for the project and why she thinks now is the time to use technology to make tourism sustainable for destinations.
Today’s episode is a conversation with the CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau Nelly Mukazayire. She gives a vivid account of the measures taken by the Rwandan Government to safely reopen the economy as well as the Bureau’s plans to consolidate its place as a MICE Powerhouse. Nelly is is a lover of sports and music.
Nelly Mukazayire is the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Convention Bureau, a private company established to market Rwanda as a preferred destination for MICE tourism (Meeting, Incentives, Conference and Events) and to ensure coordination and efficient execution of all international events happening in Rwanda.
Prior to that, she was the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President of Rwanda. She served as a Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President and before that, she was a policy researcher in the economics department in the Prime Minister’s Office. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from the University of Rwanda, where she was the recipient of the best performer award in economics, and a Master’s in Economic Policy Management, from the University of Makerere.
Nelly is a motivational speaker who believes that Africans have a duty to transform their nations, change the narrative about their continent and lead it to prosperity. She speaks in different high-level forums especially youth conferences where she shares her journey of surmounting overwhelming personal circumstances, as well as her unique experience as a young leader in a new Rwanda, with the aim of motivating a new generation of Africans to be active leaders today. She was invited by the UNSG to speak at the UN headquarters about her journey as a young leader in the new Rwanda Nelly and her husband, Gapita Martin Fabrice are the proud parents of two children.
L’épisode d’aujourd’hui est le premier de notre série d’entretiens en français et notre présentateur invité Franck Olivier Kra échangera avec Madame Arlette Soudan-Nonault, Ministre du Tourisme et de l’Environnement de la République du Congo. Elle nous fait le point sur la relance du tourisme dans ce pays d’Afrique centrale et donne son avis sur l’approche de l’OMT pour réactiver le tourisme en pleine pandémie du coronavirus
This episode is the final leg of my conversation with finalists of the UNWTO Inspiration Brand Africa challenge. Naledi Khabo of US-based Africa Tourism Association and Tryia Govender the lead for The Creative Collective of South Africa and Kenya. The duo is excited to be part of the challenge and are willing to share their expertise with Africa’s tourism stakeholders as the continent work towards the Africa renaissance agenda. The Inspiration Africa Branding challenge is an initiative of the World Tourism Organization in collaboration with CNN International to help reshape the perception of travellers to the African continent. Below is the link to their profiles Africa Tourism Association Creative Collective
My conversation today is with six of the finalists for UNWTO’s Inspiration Brand Africa challenge. They are Art Lebedev Studio of Russia, Big Ambitions from South Africa, Oscar Abuko- Kenya, ATREVIA-Spain, Rainmaker- Namibia and the UK based Mirabelle Communications. They tell me about their inspiration to participate in the challenge and the experience acquired to move on beyond this project. The Inspiration Africa Branding challenge is an initiative of the World Tourism Organization in collaboration with CNN International to help reshape the perception of travellers to the African continent. See below link to their profiles
Art Lebedev Studio Big Ambitions Freelance (Oscar Abuko) ATREVIA Rainmaker Mirabelle Communications LTD
As the world celebrates the world tourism day today 27th September, Nigerian Travel Journalist Obinna Emelike of Business Day Newspaper and Jeannette Ceja a US Travel reporter and anchor of Jetsett with Jeannette looks at how travel journalists can contribute to making tourism a social force for good.
Jeannette is a bilingual Travel Journalist, TV Host, Travel Advisor, and a Global Public Speaker. Her work has appeared on ABC7 Los Angeles, FOX 11 Los Angeles, Mexico Travel Channel, KUSI News, and many more media outlets around the world. This year, Jeannette was a speaker at The Women Economic Forum in Cairo, Egypt. While in Cairo, she received the award: Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All.
Last year, she was awarded as one of the top 20 Global Women of Excellence by U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis and the Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force. Jeannette was also one of the nominees for Best Travel Creator at The Tecla Awards - part of the 10th annual Hispanicize conference - honoring Latinx contributions to media. This year, she partnered with Visit Pasadena as the tourism board's official bilingual spokesperson on National Plan For Vacation Day.
In 2018, Jeannette was the Official Travel Host for The World Woman Summit at the Clinton Presidential Center. Where she was recognized as Travel Host of the Year. The same year, Jeannette was named a Power Player by Angeleno Magazine. A respected Speaker, Jeannette has spoken at travel conferences all over the world including The Women Economic Forum Mexico City, The Women in Travel Summit, The New York Travel Festival, Tourism in Romania Conference, Impact Travel Immersion Conference, Epic Mastermind Conference, Travel Talks and the Travel Unity- Economic Development through Diversity Summit.
EMELIKE OBINNA is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience. He majors in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality, which he reports with passion. Apart from heading the Travel and Tourism Desk, the Assistant Editor at BusinessDay, scouts visitors for top destinations and he does flight checks for some airlines. He was a member of the Naija Seven Wonders expedition in 2014, a South African Specialist, and a recipient of the Tourism Reporting Seal of Honour by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC). He won the Culture Category, CNN/Multichoice African Journalists Awards 2014, among other awards.
In this episode, my guest Chris Flynn, President & CEO of the World Tourism Association for Culture & Heritage discusses in detail the impacts of covid19 on the culture and heritage sectors and advises destinations to make them core pillars as tourism restarts. Chris' position requires liaison at the most senior levels of Industry, Government and Academia.
With 36 years of experience in international tourism working in a wide range of countries across four continents, Chris has an intimate knowledge of the industry and the requirements needed to identify critical trends that have the potential to influence future tourism development and expansion. Recognised as a leading specialist in terms of innovation and strategy, Chris is often requested to speak at high profile conferences and events and provides insights to leading news media channels such as BBC World News Asia Business Report, which boasts a live global audience in excess of 300m
His expertise is also sought by leading Australian and International Universities and Faculties. Educating our future industry leaders is one of Chris’s passions.
In this episode, the Project Director of Ghana’s Tourism Development Project Divine Owusu Ansah delves deeper into the aims and aspirations of the World Bank Facility project which is expected to be the game-changer.
The VA #TourismNewsWrap19 is a 360 roundup of the latest news in the Travel and Tourism sector. It sums up what you missed the previous week. The video captures, in brief, the major stories. Headline -World Tourism Day 2020: Global Community unites to celebrate Tourism and Rural Development // M-NET Showcases the Immense Beauty of Limpopo in Legacy Series //IFEMA unveils FITUR MICE for next year’s Expo// Seychelles Tourism Board rolls out '' Our Home, your Sanctuary'' Digital Campaign
In this episode, my guest Nomasonto Ndlovu CEO of the Limpopo Tourism Agency and astute marketer discusses the strategies deployed by the Tourism Agency to restart Tourism in South Africa’s northernmost province.
Nomasonto Ndlovu does not only have a passion for brands, but also the special touch of turning them into household names. With more than ten years of classical brand marketing experience gained within the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, specifically at Unilever South Africa, she has already worked on various local and global brands in various positions over the years.
She became the Global Manager: Business Tourism at South African Tourism (SAT) for three years, where she was responsible for marketing South Africa as a premier business tourism destination globally. Here, she led and contributed to growing Meetings Africa, a marketing platform to showcase South Africa as a business tourism destination
She has also held the position of Head: Brand Marketing, Sponsorships and Events at Standard Bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking Division (CIB), where she was responsible for strategic marketing and profiling of various CIB products as well as utilising events strategically to achieve organisation’s objectives.She was Strategic Executive Director for Communications, Marketing & Events Department at the City of Tshwane. Nomasonto is also the former Chairman for the South African Golf Tourism Association.
She is a full-time mother of two enthusiastic boys (11 and 8), keen golfer and enjoys reading and traveling (particularly in Africa).
In this episode, my Guest, one of the main architects of the hugely successful Year of Return, Ghana 2019 campaign Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority continues his pivotal role as the Coordinator of the Beyond the return initiative, a 10-year ambitious plan pivoted on 7 pillars gives an overview of last year’s event, and delves into the inspiration for the new project.
Akwasi Agyeman, is the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, the lead Public Service Agency in charge of regulating tourism in Ghana through marketing and promotion, licensing and classification of tourism facilities and services, investments, research and development. Prior to his appointment in January 2017, he was a shareholding partner of Global Media Alliance, a Media Consultancy and broadcasting company. As the Managing Director of its broadcasting operations, he was in charge of one TV Station and four radio stations. Until recently, he was the President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA). He holds an MBA in Marketing and Information Systems from Tulane University in Louisiana (2003), USA – an MBA Merit Scholarship Recipient. He also holds a Bachelors's degree in Social Sciences (1993) and a Masters in Public Administration (MPA -1996) from the University of Ghana.
He has over 15 years’ experience in Project Management, Crisis Communications, PR and Media Relations, Banking, and Relationship Management across Africa and has worked in senior-level capacities with Ecobank, Merchant Bank, Stanbic Bank in South Africa. Prior to joining GMA as a founding partner in Ghana, Akwasi was a Business Analyst for Entergy Inc. in New Orleans, USA.
Akwasi was recently awarded at the Radio and TV Personality awards for his outstanding contribution to Media Excellence in Ghana. He is a devout Christian and a devoted family man with three children.
The VA #TourismNewsWrap18 is a 360 roundup of the latest news in the Travel and Tourism sector. It sums up what you missed the previous week. The video captures, in brief, the major stories. Headlines: •112th UNWTO Executive Council Meeting Concludes in Tbilisi//2020 WTM London Moves Online //South Africa Announces Reopening of International Borders from Oct 1// Qatar Airways to Launch Four Weekly Flights to Ghana//Best Job Ever Tourism Documentary Premieres//Ethiopian Airlines Resume Daily Flights to Accra// ATLF Set for Hybrid Event in Kigali More news on www.voyagesafriq.com
In this conversation, Victor Constantino, CEO of Avaco Mornami takes a swipe at the Cabo Verde Government’s approach to restart the tourism sector and advises the Country’s Tourism Ministry to engage private sector stakeholders to develop practical and sustainable solutions in order to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the sector.
Victor holds Post-Graduate in Management and Master in Management (Dakar -Senegal) and Project Manager SAPM (Stanford-USA). Graduated in Economics from Cheikh Anta Diop University (Dakar-Senegal). In the professional field, with sixteen years (16) of experience and already taken relevant positions in companies in Cabo Verde, I give lectures and conferences on business management and Strategic Planning, Leadership and Project Preparation & Implementation. He organized 3 times the Global Entrepreneurship Weekend (GEW).
In 2013 after the 1st Cabo Verdean Young Executives Training Course for Leadership, promoted by the Pedro Pires Institute for Leadership, he participated in the Summer Course on Leadership in the USA being part of the top 10 first course for Cabo Verdean executives. Victor worked as a Senior Consultant at the Strategic Policy Centre which is a Think Thank attached to the Office of the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde.
In this episode, the Founder of YAAPA Fadimatou Noutchemo Simo believes the pandemic has offered Cameroon a fine opportunity to reinvent its tourism and aviation sectors. Fadi has also launched her AviaTour project which seeks to train and offer sustainable job opportunities for the youth in Cameroon and the CEMAC Region.
Fadimatou Noutchemo SIMO is Founder and President of the YOUNG AFRICAN AVIATION PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION (YAAPA) and HEFA Group her aviation consultancy firm that also specializes in promoting travel, tour, and trade globally. Winner of the IATA High Flyer Award 2019, the Commonwealth point of light 2019, and the AFCAC Recognition certificate for promoting the industry to the NextGen, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and an IATA diploma for airline management.
She founded YAAPA in 2014 a nonprofit organization to educate youths through communication on aviation careers, as well as create a platform of exchange between the aviation stakeholders and the next generation of aviation professionals in Africa to meet up with the future demand of skilled workers in the industry. Fadi is a member of the women in Aviation International Organization and actively promotes gender equality across the continent by advocating for stakeholders to invest more in human capital development through innovative methods in Africa to ensure safe and secure aviation for the next generation. Her message for gender equality in the African aviation industry is for each male professional to identify a woman they will Inspire, Mentor and Empower to have more women in Aviation.
YAAPA has launched its Youth Aviation Tech Africa Program to enable the Young Africans passionate in aviation and ICT to work on solutions that are adapted to our aviation infrastructures as well as its community centers to promote aviation to facilitate tourism amongst the Next generation of Young Africans to ensure no country is left behind.
In this episode the CEO of Africa Tourism Partners and Convener of Africa Tourism Leadership Forum Kwakye Donkor advocates for Government support for Tourism SMEs in Africa to help them revive their businesses and gives an update on this year’s ATLF event scheduled to come off in Kigali, Rwanda.
Kwakye is an Experienced Marketing and Communications professional with a demonstrated history of working in education, financial services, hotel & hospitality and travel & tourism industries. Skilled and strong in Strategy Formulation, Business Advisory, Leadership Development & Coaching, Brand Strategy Development & Management, Market Planning, Mega Planning & Project Management and Hotel & Resort Development Advisory. Strong professional graduated from IMM Graduate School of Marketing, IMC and BSN.
In this episode, Travel and Conservation writer/blogger Charlotte Beauvoisin talks to Kojo Bentum-Williams about Conservation in Africa during the Pandemic. British expat Charlotte Beauvoisin moved to Uganda in 2009 as a Voluntary Service Overseas volunteer working on anti-poaching and human-wildlife conflict projects. She now lives on the edge of Kibale National Park, a protected area that is famous for 13 types of primate including chimpanzees.Charlotte is a contributor to the Bradt Uganda Guidebook and has written for SWARA Magazine, Lonely Planet, Fodor's Travel, The Daily Telegraph and Horizon Guides. She is a writer, marketing manager and trainer.Her award-winning blog Diary of a Muzungu takes readers off the beaten track in search of adventure, conservation stories and cultural encounters across East Africa. She has worked with many conservation organisations across East Africa, mostly in a voluntary capacity. Connect with Charlotte here Diary of a Muzungu