The VA TourismPodcast

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 this high value market.

Luxury Travel Marketing (LTM) is a boutique representation agency based in Australia, specialising in sales and marketing for luxury and experiential travel brands across Africa as well as the rest of the world. With a long-standing commitment to promoting Africa's most inspiring travel experiences—from high-end safari operators, luxury trains and remote lodges to conservation-led tourism initiatives—LTM connects African suppliers with the Australian and New Zealand trade. As long-time facilitators of Africa Showcase in Australia, LTM plays a key role in driving awareness, education, and fostering meaningful trade engagement across the region’s dynamic travel sector.

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 latest ICCA Country and City Rankings—highlighting how Africa performed on the global stage.

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 an unforgettable experience on the torquise waters.

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 episode, you’ll hear from two remarkable cultural champions: Camille Azemia, a traditional music icon whose passion spans generations, and Jenita Laporte, a fierce advocate for Creole heritage who says she’s “retired, but not tired.”We’ll also speak with the Executive Director of the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council, Benjamine Rose  who shares the vision behind the awards and the deep community roots they celebrate.These are not just honours; they are acts of cultural survival.

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 as a premier destination for major international events. Mrs. Francis also delves into the current state of tourism, efforts in product diversification, and the unique charm of Seychelles that goes far beyond its iconic beaches.

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 & Certification Ceremony. Our wide-ranging conversation reveals how sustainability at Constance Ephelia goes far beyond carbon offsets and recycling bins. As Stéphane eloquently puts it, it’s a philosophy rooted in the land, sung by the local community, and seen in the eyes of children playing among the mangroves. as Markus says: “We’re not just here to protect nature — we’re here to pass it on.”

In today’s conversation, Mahi Tadesse, founder and CEO of HallPax, offers an in-depth look at Africa’s MICE sector. She discusses the vast opportunities the continent's business events sector presents for destinations and introduces the HallPax marketplace. According to Mahi, this new platform will help MICE stakeholders organize events seamlessly while providing vendors with opportunities to maximize their expertise

In this episode, we unpack the opportunities that new and emerging markets such as the Central Eastern European Market offers African destinations. In this exclusive conversation recorded on the final day at the Africa showcase CEE roadshow in Warsaw, Poland Louise Leach, Sales Manager,  Portfolio: Responsible for developing new source market at Gondwana Collection is very optimistic of growing the numbers from the CEE to fill out the group’s low season moment. She maintained Namibia offers exciting and unique products beyond the safaris.

In today’s episode, recorded at the iconic Windhoek City Museum on Friday, March 21st, 2025, the VA Tourism Podcast sat down for an exclusive conversation with Sebulon Chicalu, the newly appointed CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board. Just hours after the historic inauguration of Namibia’s first female president, Chicalu shared his thoughts on the exciting new chapter for the country, highlighting the boost to the destination's brand equity and the momentum it will bring to the board’s renewed focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). In this chat, he outlined his vision for the organization, emphasizing the importance of consolidating core source markets, diversifying products, promoting domestic tourism, and ensuring high-quality standards, among other strategic priorities.

A seasoned business strategist with extensive expertise in the travel and tourism sector, Mr Chicalu brings a wealth of experience in tourism product innovation and development. He is also a GALLUP-certified Strengths and Talent Development Coach, a mentor and an expert in employee engagement. His dynamic skill set spans roles as a moderator, negotiator, coordinator and public speaker.

Before joining NTB, Mr Chicalu served as the Director of Tourism and Gaming at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in developing and launching various hospitality and tourism services, spearheading major business events, and providing strategic leadership in executive management and board-level roles within the tourism and hospitality industries.

Academically, he holds a Master of Business Administration (MsM), a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, and a Diploma in Marketing Management. Additionally, he is certified in Corporate Governance and as a GALLUP Clifton-Strengths Coach.

In this conversation recorded in Warsaw, Poland on the margins of the Africa Showcase CEE Event, the VA Tourism Podcast caught up with the Commercial Director of Takims Holidays, Abbas Takim. Abbas shared his immense inisghts into the CEE market where he has been operating for over a decade and encouraged African destinations to explore the opportunities in this emerging source market for the region. He delves deep into the operations of his Family run business and it's landmark 75th anniversary this year