The VA TourismPodcast

Eldevina Materula’s take on Mozambique’s burgeoning tourism Sector

In today’s episode, Mozambique’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Eldervina Materula takes a deep dive into the state of the country’s tourism sector following the ringing changes of its visa policy and the rollout of the evisa program. The country recently held the 11th National Cultural Festival and she believes Mozambique’s cultural heritage can propel its tourism renaissance.
 

Building a coalition of environmentally Conscious travellers: A story of Mwanase Ahmed

My guest today is Mwanase Ahmed, the CEO & Co-owner of Distant Relatives Ecolodge and Backpackers, a unique eco-lodge in Kilifi, Kenya. The lodge has in the last ten years built a coalition of environmentally conscious travellers and made the local community the pillar of its project. Mwanase talks about her passion for the work and how destinations could tap into their model to develop robust and sustained domestic tourism.
Mwanase Ahmed, a global citizen with roots on Lamu Island, has journeyed through living in the United States, France, Central America, and Senegal before returning to her homeland of Kenya. As the visionary CEO and Co-owner of Distant Relatives Ecolodge and Backpackers, she combines her rich cultural experiences with a deep passion for sustainable tourism, integrating social and environmental responsibility. With a background in Sociology, International Studies & Political Economy, Mwanase brings a unique perspective to her leadership role, fostering a harmonious blend of ecological awareness, community empowerment, and unity, and enriching travel experiences through positive social & environmental activities.
 
 

Tourism is a key pillar in our investment drive- Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board

My guest today is Margareth Gustavo, the Executive Director for Strategy and Branding at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. She delves into the key mandates of the Board and what it means to them to host the 2024 edition of the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum.
 

Tourism Seychelles hopes sector diversification can spark boom after first quarter growth

In today’s episode, the Principal Secretary at Tourism Seychelles Mrs Sherin Francis highlights the state of tourism in the archipelago island and singles out the diversification of the sector as an exciting addition to the tourism offering of the island.
 

We are on course to reaching our 150 hotels target in Africa- Ramsay Rankoussi

My conversation today is on the incredible growth trajectory of the Radisson Hotel Group in Africa. The Group’s Vice President, Development for Africa and Turkey Ramsay Rankoussi discusses the operations in Africa and gives details on the newly announced 7 hotels in Africa during the AHIF conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
 
 

The New President and Chairperson of AAVEA Mpume Mabuza discusses priorities for Association

In today’s episode the new president and Chairperson of the African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AAVEA) Mpume Mabuza outlines her priorities for the association.
As the current CEO of Downtown Music Hub (DTMH), the former Marketing Executive for uShaka Marine World and former Chairperson of the Durban Chamber Tourism Forum, Mabuza brings a wealth of experience and insights into the attractions industry to the AAVEA board. Her passion for social development, leadership and innovation are reflected in her tertiary qualifications which include a B Com, a post-graduate Diploma in Business Management and an MBA.
 

Managing Director of the Bench Matthew Weihs reflects on 2023 AHIF

In today’s episode, the managing director of the Bench, Matthew Weihs unpacks the positive feedback received from customers and participants at this year’s Africa Hospitality Investments Forum held in Nairobi, Kenya. He said the feedback highlights the considerable efforts being made to foster long-term development and investment opportunities across Africa.
 

TIFA 2023:Tourism is a key pillar in shaping Brand South Africa

On the sideline of the inaugural Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) held in the Northern Cape of South Africa, I caught up with Toni Gumede from the office of the CEO at Brand SA. She underscored the power of collaboration and partnership in shaping the perception of Africa and believes platform such as TIFA is cardinal in the development of the tourism sector on the continent.