The VA TourismPodcast

Nature's Classroom: How Constance Ephelia is cultivating a new generation of eco-conscious leaders in Seychelles

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.”

Hallpax's Marketplace will redefine Africa's MICE industry – Mahi Tadesse

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

Louise Leach unpacks Gondwana's new market strategies

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.

CEO of NTB Sebulon Chicalu Maps out Strategic Initiatives for Namibia's Tourism Development

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.
 
 

Steering a Family-Run Tourism Business to Unmatched Success: A Conversation with Abass of Takims Holidays

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
 

CEO of Zambia Tourism Agency Matongo Matamwandi on country's remarkable tourism growth path

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.
 

Analyzing the Central Eastern European Market: Agnieszka Lewandowska Takes a Deep Dive into the Polish Market

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.
 

Our focus is to align tourism education and training with the broader goals of AfCFTA- Anne Kaoma-Sibanda

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.