The VA TourismPodcast

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.