The VA TourismPodcast

In today’s episode, the CEO of the Zambia Tourism Agency, Matongo Matamwandi speaks extensivley on the growth trajectory of the tourism sector in Zambia. Speaking to me exclusivley at this year’s ITB Berlin, Matongo described Zambia’s participation as a resounding success and highlighted the country’s tourism offerings to the German and wider European market. The ZTA boss also talks about the upcoming Zambia Travel Expo,  UN Tourism CAF-CAM Summit, it's sustainability push and more.

In this episode I speak with Agnieszka Lewandowska, Director of Tour de Family, a leading Polish outbound company specializing in African travel. Discussing the dynamics of the Polish and Central European tourism market at the recently concluded Africa Showcase CEE Roadshow, Agnieszka highlights the growing interest in Africa as a travel destination, particularly in Namibia and South Africa, alongside established interest in Kenya and Tanzania. She advises African destinations to focus on educating the Polish market to further tap into this potential.

In today’s episode, we discuss this year’s Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit, set to take place from April 7-9, 2025, in Lusaka, Zambia. My guest, Mrs. Anne Kaoma-Sibanda, Executive Director of the Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies, reflects on the successes of last year’s summit and highlights the new features of this year’s event. Anne is confident that the summit will address skills gaps and foster stronger collaboration within the industry.

In today’s episode recorded in Warsaw, Poland, the  Regional Marketing Manager of Durban Tourism Musa Ndabeni discusses the city of Durban’s tourism plans to tap into the central European market. She is impressed with the incredible interest shown in the destination during the week’s interaction with the travel trade during the Africa showcase CEE roadshow in Prague, Bucharest and Warsaw.

Musa is a Travel and Marketing specialist with vast experience in Corporate New Business & Brand Development, she has worked for multiple Giant Brands including HRG Rennies, Tourvest Group and TWF currently exploring Digital Marketing opportunities for Destination Promotion opportunities.

In today’s conversation Kenneth Kapitako, CEO of Sandwich Dune Tours and an experienced tourism entrepreneur, explores the shifting dynamics of Namibia’s tourism sector. As a prominent industry leader, he shares insights on market trends, challenges, and the strategies driving the sector’s resilience and growth in 2024.

In this episode, Sam Munda, Managing Director for Kenya and VP of Africa at Travisory, delves into the evolving landscape of Africa's border security and digital travel solutions. With over 30 years of experience in aviation ICT and transport security, Sam shares insights on seamless border management, visa accessibility, and the future of hassle-free travel across the continent.

Sam Munda joined Travizory in 2020 and is the Managing Director for the Kenya Office. He leads the company’s commercial strategy across Africa, supporting governments in digitizing borders to enhance security, efficiency, and traveler experience. His work also enables real-time data access for better decision-making.

With over 30 years of experience in ICT, aviation, and transport security, Sam has held leadership roles in Africa with a major global aviation ICT provider.

He is an Electronics Engineer, having graduated from ENAC (École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) in Toulouse, France, and holds an MBA from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

In this episode, recorded in Madrid on February 03, 2025 during the Africa Showcase Southern Europe event, On Show Solutions founders Jacqui Reynolds and Amanda Margison reflect on nearly two decades of shaping a marketplace for Africa’s tourism sector. They share their journey of promoting African tourism products across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and within Africa itself, using dynamic roadshows and strategic marketing networks to make a lasting impact

In this episode, the first for the year, we discuss Africa’s potential as a sought after luxury travel destination. My guest Penny Fraser,  Sales, Sponsorship & Partnerships Director for RX Africa dives into the luxury space and also gives a sneak peek of this year’s ILTM Africa slated for 7-9 April 2025

Penny is an experienced Luxury travel personality – from her days as part of the launch team of Cape Grace Hotel voted by Conde Nast Traveller as the best Hotel in the World during her time there, she has also spent time at WESGRO and running her own Hospitality Consulting business for many years and now Sales, Sponsorship & Partnerships Director for RX Africa. Penny also overseas the Sustainability Portfolio for RX Africa.

In today’s episode, the Vice President at ICF Foundation Coura Badiane explores the transformative power of coaching in tourism, showing how it fosters social impact, drives growth, and empowers individuals and organizations.

In today’s conversation recorded on the margins of the 63rd ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, I sat down with Kathleen Lihanda, Director for Social Impact at the International Coaching Federation (ICF) to unpack how their partnership with ICCA is empowering leaders through coaching and driving impactful change in the tourism and Business Events Sectors.