Guest: Mohamed “Mo” Baba – Founder, Aurum Africa

Host: Lori Cohen – Content Lead at Big Ambitions

In this episode of I Am Tourism, host Lori Cohen speaks with industry veteran turned visionary entrepreneur Mohamed “Mo” Baba, Founder of Aurum Africa, about his extraordinary 30-year career in tourism — one that started behind the wheel of a minibus taxi during South Africa’s 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Guest: Cameron Murray – Co-Founder, TAHS-SA (Traditional African Homestays South Africa)

Host: Melissa Foley – All About Africa Sustainability Consulting

In this episode of I Am Tourism, Melissa Foley sits down with Cameron Murray, co-founder of TAHS-SA (Traditional African Homestays South Africa) — a pioneering initiative that connects travellers with rural communities through authentic, respectful homestays. But this isn’t your typical “community experience” story.

Guest: Maria Malepa – Manager, Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers

Host: Melissa Foley – All About Africa Sustainability Consulting

In this episode of I Am Tourism, host Melissa Foley speaks with Maria Malepa, Manager of the award-winning Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, one of South Africa’s most respected community-based tourism experiences. What began more than 20 years ago with her late husband Lebo selling crafts outside Hector Pieterson Memorial has grown into an internationally recognised cultural hub rooted in authentic township storytelling.

Guest: Yasmine Kazadi – Founder & Director, Mercatique Consulting

Host: Melissa Foley – All About Africa Sustainability Consulting

In this episode of I Am Tourism, host Melissa Foley is joined by powerhouse entrepreneur Yasmine Kazadi, Founder & Director of Mercatique Consulting, who is shaking up how tourism businesses approach events - from trade shows to corporate gifting - with a sustainability lens that actually works.

Guest: Grace Stead – General Manager, Fair Trade Tourism

Host: Melissa Foley – All About Africa Sustainability Consulting

In this episode of I Am Tourism, host Melissa Foley chats to Grace Stead on why sustainability certification isn't just nice-to-have anymore… it's do-or-die. Forget vague ESG buzzwords - Grace breaks down how Fair Trade Tourism turns ethical practices into cold-hard business advantages for lodges, DMCs, and even backpacker hostels fighting to stay relevant in an era where EU regulations demand proof you're not greenwashing your Instagram feed into oblivion.

Guest: Orlando Pinto – Founder, Secret Angola DMC

Host: Melissa Foley – All About Africa Sustainability Consulting

In this episode of I Am Tourism, host Melissa Foley speaks with Orlando Pinto, founder of Secret Angola DMC, about the dramatic transformation happening in one of Africa's least-explored tourism destinations.

Guest: Gillian Saunders – Africa Tourism Adviser, Tony Blair Institute

Host: Natalia Rosa – CEO of Big Ambitions & Founder of I Am Tourism

In this episode of I Am Tourism, host Natalia Rosa sits down with Gillian Saunders, Africa Tourism Adviser to the Tony Blair Institute, for a conversation that travels from five-star hotels in Munich to community conservancies across the continent.

I Am Tourism Stories Podcast

Guest: Mapholo Ratau – Founder & Managing Director of Ledikana Fashions

Host: Melissa Foley – All About Africa Sustainability Consulting

In this episode of I Am Tourism, host Melissa Foley speaks with Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana Fashions — a proudly South African brand designing ethically made fashion, uniforms, and corporate gifts using culturally rich prints like Seshweshwe.

In this episode of I Am Tourism Stories, host Natalia Rosa speaks with Adrian Lange, founder of Tourism That Cares, about why empathy must be more than a buzzword in African travel. Drawing on decades in the field - and his personal experience as a father to a neurodiverse daughter - Adrian shares how listening differently can radically change how we design for both guests and staff.

Guest: Natalia Rosa – CEO of Big Ambitions & Founder of I Am Tourism Stories

Host: Paul de Waal – Founder & CEO at WETU

Trailer of I Am Tourism Stories, host Paul de Waal speaks with campaign founder Natalia Rosa about why now is the time to reignite conversations that matter in African tourism.