The VA TourismPodcast

Inside Dr. Mati Nyazema’s Journey from Corporate Leadership to One of Zimbabwe’s Most Remarkable Hospitality Success Stories

From the bustling corridors of corporate boardrooms to the tranquil luxury of Mbano Manor Hotel, Dr. Mati Martha Nyazema’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and an enduring connection to tourism. In this episode, the renowned Zimbabwean hospitality executive and entrepreneur reflects on a career that has spanned journalism, destination marketing, aviation, international hotel management, and ultimately the creation of one of Victoria Falls’ most celebrated boutique luxury properties. Affectionately known in the industry as “Doc Mati,” Dr. Nyazema shares the deeply personal story behind the founding of Mbano Manor Hotel, tracing her lifelong bond with Victoria Falls back to childhood visits that quietly planted the seeds for a remarkable tourism success story decades later.
 

Tapping Into Nordic Demand: Africa’s Growing Tourism Opportunity

Ahead of the Africa Showcase Nordics roadshow taking place from 21–23 April in Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, I spoke with industry experts Gerald Amoudruz, CEO of World of Destinations, and Gustav Hanson, Sales Director at World of Destinations and Founder of Allternativa. They share insights on the growing appeal of Africa in the Nordic market and explain why this showcase is a rare and valuable opportunity to drive travel demand to the continent.
 

Why Skills and Indigenous Knowledge Matter for Tourism’s Future – Anne Kaoma Explains

On this episode, we engage in a focused conversation with Anne Kaoma of the Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS) as preparations gather momentum for the fourth Travel, Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit scheduled for 14–16 April in Lusaka.In this dialogue, Kaoma reflects on the tangible outcomes from previous editions of the summit, including the integration of travel and tourism into Zambia’s national school curriculum, a move that is already shaping a structured pipeline for future industry professionals.

Africa’s Business Events Sector ends 2025 strong, eyes growth in 2026

In today’s episode recorded as a wrap up of Africa’s MICE performance in 2025 with insights from a familiar voice on the podcast, Glenton de Kock. He unpacks a year he describes as “not only successful, but extremely busy,” highlighting South Africa’s hosting of the G20 alongside a packed calendar of trade exhibitions and association meetings. Together, these milestones made 2025 a standout year for the region’s business events sector.
 

Inside Namibia’s Tourism Surge: CEO Chicalu Zebulon on Strategy, Growth, and Global Visibility

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Chicalu Zebulon, CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board, as he reflects on what he calls a strong second half for Namibia’s tourism sector. He walks us through the major drivers behind this momentum—from improved airlift into the country, to growing public–private partnerships, and increased visibility in both key and emerging source markets, all of which are already creating real value for industry partners. Chicalu also shares the core priorities shaping their five-year strategy, including deeper engagement with stakeholders, stronger data and statistics, boosting global visibility, capacity building, and a commitment to inclusive tourism.
 

Botswana strengthens sustainable tourism path with revised regulations and MICE Focus

In today’s episode, the CEO of the Botswana Tourism Organization, Keitumetse Setlang, offers insight into the country’s updated tourism regulations designed to meet the evolving needs of the sector. She highlights Botswana’s renewed tourism appeal and delves into the nation’s MICE strategy, which she describes as a key driver in advancing the tourism industry. Botswana is also preparing to host the continent’s leading aviation event, AviaDev, from 10–12 June 2026.
 

Zambia’s Tourism Boss on smarter growth, stronger partnerships, and Sustainability that works

Today’s conversation was recorded on-site at the 2025 General Assembly of Airlinepros International in Cape Town, South Africa. I’m joined by the CEO of the Zambia Tourism Agency, Matongo Matamwandi, who shares why aviation and tourism are natural partners—and how platforms like this one are essential for strengthening public–private collaboration to deliver exceptional travel experiences and build a thriving ecosystem.
He also offers a refreshingly unconventional perspective on sustainability and provides an in-depth reflection on Zambia’s tourism performance over the past year.
 

Uganda’s Tourism Moment Is Now and Juliana Kagwa Is Leading the Charge

In today’s episode recorded at last week’s IBTM World, the flagship global meetings and events showcase in Barcelona, newly appointed CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Juliana Kagwa says the stars are finally aligning for Uganda’s tourism industry – and she is determined to ride the momentum with a reinvigorated strategy, bold targets and a fresh spirit of public–private partnership.