The VA TourismPodcast

CEO of Sandwich Dune Tours Kenneth Kapitako discusses Namibia's evolving tourism sector

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.

Is Electronic Travel Authorization the Key to Seamless Travel in Africa? Travisory's Sam Munda Bares it All

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).

Africa Showcase 2025: Amanda and Jacqui Reveal Everything You Need to Know

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

Is Africa Prepared for the Luxury Travel Boom? Penny Fraser Explores the Potential

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.
 
 

The Essence of Coaching in the Tourism Industry: A Conversation with Coura Badiane

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.

Unravelling the Benefits of Coaching with ICF's Kathleen Lihanda

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.

African Voices from 63rd ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi

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. 
 

CEO of ICCA Senthil Gopinath reflects on 63rd Congress and outlines plans for Africa

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.