The VA TourismPodcast

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.
 

Essence of Africa: Leanne Haigh's insights and why EOA is unmissable

My conversation today, is with advisory board member Essence of Africa Leanne Heigh.  Our chat today will explore the inspiration behind this exciting project, what sets it apart from other travel shows, and the key factors driving its success. Leanne shares her insights on the gaps in the market, the unique African business environment, and why quality meetings and global buyers are at the heart of Essence of Africa.
Profile
I arrived in Africa in February 1994 as a young backpacker, I stayed on as a Tour Leader and within a frighteningly short period was managing the largest overland truck company on the continent.
In November of 2013, my husband James and I were asked to become joint CEOs of Tourvests operations in East Africa, Tourvest had just bought out the minority shareholders.
It also coincided with the worst trading period in the history of East African tourism as the industry reeled from terror attacks and then ebola outbreaks.  
Tourvest emerged stronger from these events and restructured. I remained as CEO for the Lemala and Adrift brands which have since evolved into a group of 10 properties operating in Tanzania and Uganda, and an exciting activity brand offering exhilarating adventures on the River Nile. We are all incredibly proud of the team members that make up the #spiritoflemala and the positive impact that our tourism work has on our staff, their families and the communities from which they are drawn.
Lemala is a happy place and I am proud to play my part in its work.
 

TBCZA President Clive Chinwada discusses growth and future prospects Zimbabwe’s tourism

In today’s episode my guest  Clive Chinwada, President of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe discusses the exciting growth of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, with a spotlight on key destinations like Victoria Falls and how the country is evolving its offerings to appeal to a wider range of travelers.

UN Tourism and TUI Foundation roll out grant program for Artisans in 10 African Countries

In today’s episode Sandra Carvão, Director of Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at UN Tourism takes a deep dive into the recent grant program announced by UN Tourism and TUI Foundation focused on rural development and tourism. Sandra tells me the grants aim to connect artisans with the tourism value chain, giving them the resources and guidance needed to grow their crafts and impact local economies. The pilot countries are Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tunisia, and Zambia

Shaping Sustainable Trade: Fairtrade Africa's Vision for a Better Tomorrow

In today’s episode, we explore the impact of Fairtrade Africa in shaping sustainable trade across the continent. My Guest is Paul Colditz, the commercial director at Fairtrade International. From uplifting small-scale farmers to driving ethical business practices, this conversation delves into how Fairtrade ensures fair prices, environmental responsibility, and community development.
 
 

Essence of Africa 2024 : We confident of meeting the right buyers- Rosemary Muthoni

My conversation today looks at the expectations of Africa’s tourism industry players ahead of the maiden Essence of Africa travel show scheduled for 2-4 December 2024 in Nairobi,Kenya. In this chat, Rosemary Muthoni Director of sales at Sopa lodges tells me the track record of Onshow Solutions and ATTA, organisers of the show makes her confident of meeting the right buyers from the key source markets.
Rosemary Muthoni brings vast experience and expertise to the Sopa Lodges team, having worked with renowned hotel brands in Kenya and across the East African hospitality industry. As the Director of Sales, Rosemary leverages her extensive knowledge to drive business growth and build strong trade partner relations. 
Her leadership skills and innovative approach ensure that the Sales team delivers efficient and personalized services, while contributing to the company's growth. Rosemary’s passion for hospitality and her commitment to excellence align perfectly with the Core Values of Sopa Lodges, ensuring that guests continue to enjoy unforgettable experiences at all Sopa properties. 
A visionary leader, Rosemary holds a degree/master’s in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, and Business Administration from KCA University and the Kenya Institute of Management, respectively. She also holds a qualification in Strategic Management from the European Business University of Luxembourg and remains continuously committed to staying ahead of industry trends and innovations. Her expertise in the hospitality industry makes her a vital part of the Sopa Lodges' leadership team. 

Essence of Africa 2024: Jessica Smit excited with show prospects

In today’s episode, the owner of SA based White Shark Projects 'Jessica Smit' shares her expectation of the maiden Essence of Africa Travel show scheduled to take place from 2-4 December in Nairobi, Kenya.
The owner of White Shark Projects 'Jessica Smit' is a conservationist focusing on the behaviour and welfare of the marine life that we have the pleasure of working with daily. In her own words ''To have the ability to observe our wild marine life free swimming in their natural environment is an honour that we shall never exploit, or harm only observe with respect and admiration''.
White Shark Projects is a renowned global research organisation founded in 1989. It is dedicated to the conservation of South Africa’s shark species and our oceans. Shark cage diving and viewing not only provides a unique opportunity to witness the wonder of our beautiful sharks in a safe and professional environment, but also serves as a conservation education platform to help protect these vulnerable animals. Through our shark cage diving excursions, volunteer programme and vital community outreach projects, we aim to give people the knowledge to help conserve sharks and the environment to create a more sustainable future.
 

Shaping the future of Meetings in Africa: A conversation with Jeffers Miruka, President of African Society of Association Executives

Today’s episode takes a deep dive into the Associations' Business as part of the MICE ecosystem. My guest, Jeffers Miruka the Founding President of the African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE)highlights the crucial role of the Association sub-sector in the development of MICE in Africa. Jeffers says associations provide significant value to members including skills enhancements and networking opportunities among others. He rounds up the chat on the upcoming 2024 Africa Associations Summit to be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 29th – 30th October. 
Mr. Jeffers Miruka is the founding president of the African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE). He is also the Managing Director of the African Associations Management Company (AFAMCO) and the Secretary General of the Association for Kenya Business Events (AKBE). With a career dedicated to advancing Association Management as a profession in Africa, Jeffers is a respected global leader and mentor in the field.