Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel, Inc., was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, during apartheid, a tumultuous time when the country was governed under the principles of segregation and discrimination based on race. He describes what it meant to be classified as “colored” while growing up, and how his family dealt with the various challenges that came with that designation.  

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Banda explains how he transitioned into a decades-long career in hospitality, beginning with the night shift at a Cape Town hotel, until he became the first Black General Manager of a five-star hotel in South Africa. He also explains what it was like for South Africa to transition to a democratic country, and more presently, the parallels between that time and the conversations we are currently having in the U.S. about race. He also explains the ways that African Travel’s parent company, The Travel Corporation, have handled the challenges of diversity and representation in the travel industry.  

Finally, he gives tips for travelers heading to Africa for the first time, along with suggested itineraries through African Travel Inc., the longest established luxury safari operator that’s focused exclusively on the African continent.  

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Africantravelinc.com 

Instagram: @AfricanTravelInc, @SherwinBanda  

Email: [email protected]  

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print and online magazine for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.  

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