The VA TourismPodcast

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.

Strong Interest in Durban by Central Eastern European Market Excites Us- Musa Ndabeni

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.

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).