The VA TourismPodcast

Talking Tourism in Mauritius - General Manager of Veranda Grand Bay Giany Bundhooa takes turn on VA Tourism Podcast

In this episode, the General Manager of Veranda Grand Bay in Mauritius Giany Bundhooa discusses the return of business to pre-pandemic levels. He singles out training and capacity building as essential to building a robust hotel sub-sector in Mauritius.
Giany, a Mauritian with a Diploma in Hotel & Business Management from the Durban International Hotel School, boasts over 20 years of experience in Food & Beverage and Hotel Operations Management. Starting as a 'Sommelier' on prestigious 5* cruise ships like Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2, and Caronia from 2003 to 2006, he returned to Mauritius in September 2006 to serve as the 'Assistant Restaurant Manager' at Hilton Mauritius.
His journey continued with roles such as 'Restaurant & Bar Manager' at The Oberoi in May 2007 and 'Restaurant Manager' at Le Paradis Beachcomber in July 2009. In April 2010, Giany ventured to the Seychelles for the opening of Constance Ephelia Resort as the 'Assistant F&B Manager.' He then joined Amanyara, Aman Resort in Turks & Caicos in February 2012 in the capacity of 'Assistant F&B Manager.'
Returning to The Seychelles in April 2013, he took on the role of 'Assistant F&B Director at Constance Ephelia Resorts before being transferred to Constance Lemuria in Praslin in August 2015 as the 'F&B Director' until June 2019. Since July 2019, Giany has been back in Mauritius, serving as the 'Resident Manager' at Le Tamassa in Bel Ombre. In this position, he assists the General Manager in daily operations and spearheads innovative projects.
As of May 2023, Giany has taken on a new challenge, joining Rogers Hospitality as the Hotel Manager for the opening of Veranda Grand Baie.

Our vision is to be the friendliest Resort in Seychelles- Andre Borg

In this episode, the Area General Manager of Hilton Hotels in Seychelles Andre Borg doubles down on the narrative of Seychelles being a destination beyond the amazing beaches. He is optimistic of a buoyant tourism sector for the upcoming year.

Discover the Secrets of Seychelles with the Seychelles Small Hotels and Establishments Association (SSHEA)

Today’s episode was recorded on site in the Seychelles Island. On the final day of the maiden Mega Fam Trip organised by Tourism Seychelles in the pristine Cap Lazare Nature Reserve, I caught up with the chairperson of the Seychelles Small Hotels and Establishments Association (SSHEA) , Peter Sinon. He tells me in this conversation that, it is about time their members and properties are mainstreamed as part of the offerings of the archipelago island.

Seychelles back to Normal- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism gives an update

In today’s episode, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of the Seychelles Sylvester Radegonde gives an update on the unfortunate explosion and flooding which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning.
 

Jacqui Reynolds sheds light on Onshow’s Africa Showcase Platform

My conversation today is with the co-owner of Onshow Solutions Jacqui Reynolds. Jacqui unpacks the learnings from her company’s flagship project “Africa Showcase “ and its impact on Africa as a destination. She discusses trends, airlift, and partnerships, as crucial elements for the development of the tourism sector in Africa
 
 

Minister Patricia de Lille on state of South Africa’s Tourism Industry

In today’s episode recorded at this year’s World Travel Market, London, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille talks recovery of SA’s tourism sector, women empowerment, SMME support, and airlift to South Africa and to the continent in general. She debunks the assertion that she is destroying the tourism industry and will crack the whip at corrupt officials undermining investigation processes at South African Tourism.

Exclusive chat with Anita Mendiratta on new book ‘’The Call to Leadership: Unlocking the Leader Within in Times of Crisis’’

In today’s episode from the beautiful city of Samarkand, in Uzbekistan, I sat down with Anita Mendiratta on her new book titled ‘’The Call to Leadership: Unlocking the Leader Within in Times of Crisis’’. In a sneak peek of the book, the Special Advisor to UNWTO Secretary General said whether it’s a personal crisis or a pandemic we all need to know how to get through the hardest of times.

CEO of Fairground Holdings Gorata Gabaraane discusses Botswana’s growing MICE Sector

My conversation today is with the CEO of Botswana’s Fair Ground Holdings Ms Gorata Gabaraane. She unpacks the entity’s role in the development of Botswana’s MICE sector and reveals plans to upgrade its facilities to meet the needs of the industry.
Gorata Gabaraane is the Chief Executive Officer of Fairground Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a distinctive Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions venue in Botswana. Operating in a country listed amongst the top 5 to invest in (according to the 2021 RMB where to Invest in Africa research) - means her institutional service delivery is devoid of anything less than excellent. She has worked for listed Hospitality groups such as Cresta Hotels and Sheraton Hotels. She is known for consistently curating presidential customer experience for clients. Her distinct leadership is characterized as a strong strategic visionary with an innate ability to build and motivate high-performing teams. 
A turnaround industry maverick, Gorata has played critical leadership roles orchestrating both strategy and organizational design within entrepreneurship development entities, state-owned entities mandated to drive foreign direct investment as well as country positioning for global competitive advantage. She has been a Board Member of the Botswana Meat Commission and Board Chairperson of Table Bay Cold Storage, based in Cape Town. 
Gorata has three daughters and is intentional about contributing to the next generation of curious, innovative, and cutting-edge African pioneers. She coaches young leaders and entrepreneurs from across the country. As a devout life-long learner, she continues to read extensively and engage markets through diverse platforms on sustainable hospitality and innovative food security. 
Gorata's educational arsenal includes completion of a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management with the University of Derby in the UK, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel Restaurant, and Institutional Management from Johnson & Wales University (Providence, Rhode Island) as well as a Diploma in Hotel Management from Les Roches in Switzerland.