The VA TourismPodcast

Seychelles’ New Tourism & Culture Minister Amanda Bernstein outlines vision for Authentic, Sustainable Growth

In this episode, recorded at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, I chat with Amanda Bernstein, Seychelles’ new Minister for Tourism and Culture—who stepped onto the global stage barely a week after taking office. She talks about her excitement, her vision for Seychelles’ tourism, and the key role culture and sustainability will play in her plans. 
In this dialogue, Minister Bernstein discusses the government’s renewed focus on cultural authenticity, women’s leadership, and youth empowerment within the sector, while outlining her commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and long-term resilience.
 

How Seychelles Is Redefining Hospitality: Paul Lebon on “Lospitalite Sesel”

In this episode, recorded on August 24 during VoyagesAfriq’s coverage of the Seychelles Nature Trail, Mr. Paul Lebon, Director General for Destination Planning and Development at Tourism Seychelles, shares in-depth insights on Lospitalite Sesel. He discusses how the initiative has revitalized service excellence across the tourism sector and the importance of preparing the destination to deliver the warm hospitality the islands are renowned for. Mr. Lebon explains that the program aims to strengthen Seychelles’ tourism competitiveness and further position the islands as a leading travel destination.

Amanda Margison reflects on the Impact of Essence of Africa 2025

In this episode, we examine the real impact of the Essence of Africa trade show, its evolution, significance, and what it means for the continent’s tourism future. Joining me on site is Amanda Margison, one of the founders of Essence of Africa, as we reflect on this year’s edition in Malindi, Kenya.From local community engagement to the show’s bold vision of rotating across Africa, this conversation offers an honest look at how Essence of Africa is reshaping the B2B landscape and redefining how the world connects with African destinations.
 

Is Latin America the Next Big Source Market for Africa? Insights from Andrea Landaeta

In this conversation, we delve into one of Africa’s most promising travel corridors, the growing connection between Latin America and Africa. Joining me is Andrea Landaeta from Sariri Terra, a leading voice in Latin American tourism. Together, we explore evolving travel trends, shifting demographics, and the critical role of air connectivity in deepening ties between the two regions.

Inside Tourism Seychelles: Sherin Francis on MICE, Air Connectivity, and Expanding Visitor Experiences

Today’s episode features an in-depth conversation with Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department and a familiar voice on the VA Tourism Podcast.Since our last update in May—following the historic hosting of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup—the Seychelles has seen a notable rise in events, a  move aligned with the destination’s growth ambitions.In this episode, Sherin shares key insights into the latest developments in product offerings, new experiences for travelers, air connectivity, and the recently launched cruise tourism report. She also introduces us to Seychelles Secrets, a national grading program designed to expand authentic Creole hospitality options for visitors.

Africa MICE Summit: Kezy Mukiri Shares What to Expect

In today’s episode hosted by Guest Presenter Laura Penaloza, guest, Kezy Mukiri, the founder of Zuri Events and the lead of the Africa MICE Summit talks to us about this year’s edition scheduled for September 9th through the 11thof 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. In our conversation, Kezy shares how the MICE industry is driving trade, investment, and stronger connections across Africa while unlocking enormous growth potential. We touch on how the industry is expanding not only across sectors but across the continent, as new countries work to position themselves as emerging MICE destinations.
Thisyear’s edition of the summit will also have a new focus on empowering young professionals through the Future Leaders Forum. We hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening!
KEZY MUKIRI is an advocate of the high court of Kenya, a MICE consultant, prolific conference organizer, dynamic entrepreneur and an enthusiast of intra-Africa trade.
She is the CEO and founder of ZURI EVENTS, a professional conference management & consulting firm based in Nairobi, Kenya, with close to two decades of experience in managing international conferences, business meetings, trade expos and trade missions.
Through the Africa MICE Summit which launched in 2018, she has been a champion for MICE development in the region as well as a key voice for innovation and sustainable event management practices in Africa.
She has managed conferences across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zanzibar, Sri Lanka, and Djibouti. Her key clients are spread across Kenya, US, UK, Netherlands, Thailand, Japan, UK, Germany, Spain, Israel, South Africa, Bangladesh etc.
Her company has been recognized as the leading sustainable event management firm in East Africa by several awards including the MEA Excellence Awards and the UK Hospitality Awards. Zuri Events has also been recognised as the best MICE Organiser in Kenya by the World MICE Awards for the last 5 consecutive years.
Kezy has been recognized with the Woman of Excellence Award by the Women Economic Forum, (2018) and the Collaborator of the Year Award by Women in MICE Africa, (2021).

TIFA focuses on driving tourism investment into secondary and tertiary cities- Matola

In today’s episode, we sit down for an exclusive conversation with Miller Matola, CEO of Millvest Advisory — the organization behind the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA).Now in its third year, TIFA continues to build momentum, and this year’s event in Richards Bay, South Africa, reaffirmed its mission: driving tourism investment into Africa’s secondary cities.In our conversation, Miller shares why TIFA is more than just a conference — calling it “a global platform for local action” — designed to spotlight development opportunities in often-overlooked secondary and tertiary regions across the continent.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa on G20, ETA Reforms, and Empowering African Tourism

As South Africa prepares to host the historic G20 Meetings this year, we speak with Tshifiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, about the significance of this event for the country’s tourism private sector, the SADC region, and the continent as a whole. In this conversation, Tshifiwa shares his perspective on the Impending rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system aimed at streamlining visa processes, as well as the upcoming Tourism Leadership Conference and initiatives the Council is implementing to support MSMEs in the sector.