The VA TourismPodcast

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.
 

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.