The VA TourismPodcast

From the bustling corridors of corporate boardrooms to the tranquil luxury of Mbano Manor Hotel, Dr. Mati Martha Nyazema’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and an enduring connection to tourism. In this episode, the renowned Zimbabwean hospitality executive and entrepreneur reflects on a career that has spanned journalism, destination marketing, aviation, international hotel management, and u...

Ahead of the Africa Showcase Nordics roadshow taking place from 21–23 April in Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, I spoke with industry experts Gerald Amoudruz, CEO of World of Destinations, and Gustav Hanson, Sales Director at World of Destinations and Founder of Allternativa. They share insights on the growing appeal of Africa in the Nordic market and explain why this showcase is a rare and valuab...

On this episode, we engage in a focused conversation with Anne Kaoma of the Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS) as preparations gather momentum for the fourth Travel, Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit scheduled for 14–16 April in Lusaka. In this dialogue, Kaoma reflects on the tangible outcomes from previous editions of the summit, including the integration of trave...

In today’s episode recorded as a wrap up of Africa’s MICE performance in 2025 with insights from a familiar voice on the podcast, Glenton de Kock. He unpacks a year he describes as “not only successful, but extremely busy,” highlighting South Africa’s hosting of the G20 alongside a packed calendar of trade exhibitions and association meetings. Together, these milestones made 2025 a standout year f...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Chicalu Zebulon, CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board, as he reflects on what he calls a strong second half for Namibia’s tourism sector. He walks us through the major drivers behind this momentum—from improved airlift into the country, to growing public–private partnerships, and increased visibility in both key and emerging source markets, all of which are already cr...

In today’s episode, the CEO of the Botswana Tourism Organization, Keitumetse Setlang, offers insight into the country’s updated tourism regulations designed to meet the evolving needs of the sector. She highlights Botswana’s renewed tourism appeal and delves into the nation’s MICE strategy, which she describes as a key driver in advancing the tourism industry. Botswana is also preparing to host th...

Today’s conversation was recorded on-site at the 2025 General Assembly of Airlinepros International in Cape Town, South Africa. I’m joined by the CEO of the Zambia Tourism Agency, Matongo Matamwandi, who shares why aviation and tourism are natural partners—and how platforms like this one are essential for strengthening public–private collaboration to deliver exceptional travel experiences and buil...

In today’s episode recorded at last week’s IBTM World, the flagship global meetings and events showcase in Barcelona, newly appointed CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Juliana Kagwa says the stars are finally aligning for Uganda’s tourism industry – and she is determined to ride the momentum with a reinvigorated strategy, bold targets and a fresh spirit of public–private partnership.  

In this conversation, I sit with Eva Mwangi, the dynamic Head of Sales and Marketing at Tribe Collection, one of Kenya’s most respected home-grown hospitality groups. Eva offers a thoughtful look into Tribe’s evolution as a leading boutique brand, its commitment to art, community engagement, and cultural immersion, as well as its strategic vision for the growing West African travel market. Join me...

In this episode, we explore the dynamics of the North American market as a key source region for African tourism—and what destination managers need to understand to engage it effectively. My guests, Jane Behrend and David DiGregorio, partners at Rethink Travel Marketing and North American facilitators for the Africa Showcase platform, break down current trends shaping traveler behavior in this inf...

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 d...

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 th...

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 conversat...

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.

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 ke...

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 11th of 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. In our conversation, Kezy shares how the MICE industry is driving trade, investment, and stronger connections across Africa while unlocking eno...

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 sha...

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 Authorisati...

In today’s conversation, we take a deep dive into creative rights governance across the African continent. Our guest, Maureen Fondo, Head of copyright and related rights at the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), highlights how the surge in creative output—especially among young people—has underscored the urgent need for formal systems to recognize, protect, and help monet...

In this episode, we explore the Australasian market as an emerging strong key Source market for African destinations. A market Expert and Co-Director of Luxury Travel Marketing Lauren McAlpine beliefs the Africa showcase platform is opening new frontiers for African destination management companies (DMCs) as the continent expands its tourism footprint into Australasia. She takes a deep dive into t...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Frank Murangwa, Regional Director for the Africa Chapter at International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)as he reflects on his leadership journey since taking the helm a year ago. He shares insights into the continent’s growing membership, the rollout of educational initiatives aimed at strengthening member capacity, and takes a deep dive into the la...

In this episode, we're diving into the very first Seychelles Challenge, happening from July 20th to 27th, 2025. Event lead, Hylton Hale gives us the inside scoop on this exciting 7-day adventure — a 6-night active holiday filled with daily sailing challenges around the stunning Seychelles Islands. Whether you're bringing your own boat or chartering through Sunsail or The Moorings, it is set to be...

On today’s episode, we journey to the Indian Ocean archipelago of Seychelles: not  for the beaches this time, but for the stories that lie beyond them. The Seychelles Heritage Awards have returned with a renewed purpose: to recognise the quiet custodians of Creole culture: the storytellers, musicians, farmers, and knowledge-keepers who’ve dedicated decades to preserving the island's soul. In this...

In this episode, we’re joined by Mrs. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism in Seychelles, as she shares insights on the country’s historic hosting of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025. She discusses how this landmark event is poised to boost the island’s ambitions in the MICE sector and support the development of a policy framework positioning Seychelles a...

In this episode, recorded on April 4th in the stunning Seychelles, I sit down with Stéphane Duchenne, General Manager of Constance Ephelia Resort, and Markus Ultsch-Unrath, the resort’s Sustainability, Health, and Safety Manager. In this chat, we explore their recent milestone achievement — becoming the first recipient of the Platinum Award at the Sustainable Seychelles Recognition & Certifica...