The VA TourismPodcast Kojo Bentum-Williams

Today’s conversation is an exclusive chat with the newly appointed Executive Director of Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS)Mrs. Anne Kaoma-Sibanda. On the sidelines of the just-ended 2nd Travel, Hospitality, and Tourism Education Summit held in Lusaka, Anne tells me ZITHS is committed to using initiatives such as the summit to help address the gaps in the human resource base of the tourism sector. Anne outlines her vision for the country’s leading hospitality institution and how partnerships will help ZITHS  adapt to the fast-changing needs of the sector. 
Mrs. Anne Kaoma-Sibanda brings a wealth of experience in the field of tourism and hospitality. Her background in human capital development coupled with a strong leadership acumen, aligns perfectly with the current strategic vision of reclaiming ZITHS’ rightful position as an educator of choice in the region and beyond.
Mrs. Anne Kaoma-Sibanda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Psychology and a Master of Business Administration. As Executive Director, Mrs. Kaoma-Sibanda plays a pivotal role in steering ZITHS toward new heights of hospitality education in Zambia through strategic vision coupled with the commitment to fostering growth and educational innovation to contribute significantly to the success of the institute and the hospitality industry at large.
 

In today’s episode, the founder of Essence of Africa Amanda Margison unpacks the reasons behind the launch of the continent’s latest travel show. Taking place from 2-4 October 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, The Essence of Africa show a collaborative work between Onshow Solutions and ATTA is a private sector-led initiative focused on expanding the potential of tourism across Africa by bringing together the right global buyers and committed local sellers.
 

The recently held 2024 ITB Berlin saw Africa turn up in style showcasing a diverse and wide range of offerings for the continent’s key source market at the marquee travel show. On today’s podcast recorded on the final day of the show, I spoke to the Director General of Destination Marketing at Tourism Seychelles Bernadette Willemin on her impressions of the show. Sales & Marketing Manager of Malawi’s Blue Zebra Lodge, Jen Dunlop-Jones expressed excitement following an overwhelming show of interest in their products and La Reunion’s Jerome Manicom who was happy to use ITB to announce his maiden B2B event.

Natalia Rosa, a Project Lead at SADC Tourism Business Council Tourism Alliance concludes this conversation by sharing insights into the alliance’s significant strides and ambitious initiatives.
 
 

Today’s episode recorded on the margins of ITB Berlin 2024 unpacks Safari 2 GO, a revolutionary approach to planning a trip to Namibia. The platform, part of the Gondwana Group is a comprehensive online travel gateway. The Group CEO of Gondwana Gys Joubert says their newest product was inspired by the demand from smaller players and stand-alone adventurers to discover the land of the Brave.
 

Ahead of this year’s Kriol International Jazz Festival to be held in Praia, Cabo Verde from 4-6 April, I had an exclusive chat with the lead organizer of the event Djo da Silva. He tells me this year’s event will celebrate the fusion of kriol culture and music in style with musicians and groups from all parts of the world.

 

My conversation today is with the General Manager of Air Botswana, Lulu Rasebotsa. She is optimistic the financial assistance given them by the  Government of Botswana coupled with their plans to relaunch new routes with a new fleet will make the airline competitive and boost the country’s tourism drive.