The VA TourismPodcast

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.