The VA TourismPodcast

Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) is a global platform for local action

In today’s episode, the CEO of Millvest Advisory Miller Matola dives into the objectives of the maiden Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) scheduled to take place in Upington, Northern Cape of South Africa from 7-9 June 2023.

Opening Day Roundup from 5th Africa Youth In Tourism Innovation Summit

In today’s episode, the CEO of African Tourism Partners Kwakye Donkor and Namibia’s Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism Zebulun Chicalu give an overview of the opening day at the 5thAfrica Youth in Tourism Innovation summit in Swakopmund, Namibia.
 

We want to make Zambia a centre of Excellence for Tourism Education- Rodney Sikumba

My episode today is an exclusive chat with Zambia’s Minister of Tourism and Arts Rodney Sikumba. In our conversation during the recently held Inaugural Travel and Tourism Education Summit in Lusaka, the minister said  Zambia is positioning itself in the region as a center of excellence in tourism education as well as incentivizing the private sector to create more jobs and wealth.
 

Unpacking SADC ’s 10 Year Tourism Action Plan

In today’s episode, the GIZ/C-NRM Head of Component Climate Resilience Lisa Blanken sheds light on the progress made in the implementation of the SADC Tourism Programme 2020-2030. At a breakfast meeting with stakeholders on the margins of this year’s Africa Travel Indaba, Lisa said her outfit has been supporting the regional body in putting the structures in place as well help build capacity for the team to meet the needs of the time.
 

Shaun Wheeler touts sustainability footprint of Radisson Blue Mosi OA Tunya Livingstone Resort

My episode today is a tour of Radisson Blue Mosi OA Tunya Livingstone Resort, situated on the banks of one of Africa's longest rivers the Zambezi. The Hotel’s General Manager Shaun Wheeler touts the sustainability footprint of the hotel and believes the property will boost the tourism industry in  Zambia.
 

We are working towards a robust and impactful membership - Liz Tapawa, President, Skal - Nairobi

In today’s episode, the President of SKAL Nairobi Liz Tapawa reveals programs instituted to grow the membership of SKAL International. Liz, who’s an active member of Women in Tourism Group in Kenya, is confident that the Association’s engagements with hospitality institutions to mentor young ladies will help scale up women empowerment
 
With over 25 years of experience in hospitality business development, LizTapawa is the Director of sales and marketing at Hilton Garden Inn  Nairobi airport. An active member of the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism and President Skal Kenya Nairobi 2023. 
 
She is passionate about mentorship and is actively preparing the next generation of sales leaders in the hospitality industry. She currently has 10 mentees working in the hospitality industry 7 ladies and 3 gentlemen .2 of the ladies recently took up sales leadership positions with their current employers
 

Malawi’s Sunbird Tourism Group targets hotel management services in expansion drive

In today’s episode, the CEO of Malawi’s Hospitality conglomerate Sunbird Tourism Samson Mwale opens up on the new chapter of the hotel Group and its commitments in the areas of women empowerment and clean energy.
Sunbird Hotels and Resorts is Malawi’s leading hotel chain with nine properties including four city hotels in all three regions of Malawi, four popular beach resorts along Lake Malawi and an iconic mountain resort, in the former capital city of Zomba
 

Exploring Malawi’s birding haven of Blue Zebra Island Lodge

My conversation today is with the Sales & Marketing Manager of Blue Zebra Lodge, Jen Dunlop-Jones. Hosting international buyers and media at the boutique and unique island lodge as part of the post-Malawi International Tourism Expo activities, Jen outlines what makes the island a unique experience and its draw as a birding haven.
Blue Zebra Island Lodge is nestled on Nankoma Island, part of the Marelli Archipelago: an unspoiled paradise under the protection of Lake Malawi National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)