In this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson interviews Jillian Blackbeard, the CEO and founder of Africa's Eden. Jillian is based in Gaborone and has an extensive background in tourism, having worked for Peermont Hotels, Botswana Tourism, and as the Africa director for the World Travel and Tourism Council. She founded Africa's Eden with the vision of improving destination marketing by focusing on the needs of travellers and promoting regional collaboration.

Africa's Eden was established in early 2020 with the aim of improving regional tourism marketing. The organisation was created to address the lack of consumer-focused marketing and the need for regional collaboration in Southern Africa. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa's Eden has grown from 15 members to over 400.

The pandemic provided an opportunity for the tourism industry to reassess and collaborate more effectively. Africa's Eden held its first major conference in February 2022, which was a significant success despite initial uncertainties about border openings. The event highlighted the industry's resilience and the importance of face-to-face interactions. Jillian emphasised the need to break down silos within the tourism industry, including those between regions, business practices, and sectors such as aviation and tourism. Collaboration across these areas is essential for sustainable growth and development.

Africa's Eden aims to expand its reach by including new countries like Mozambique, Malawi, and Angola. The organisation continues to promote in-destination events to provide immersive experiences and foster deeper relationships between buyers and the destinations.

Tune in to hear Jillian Blackbeard share her insights on the importance of regional collaboration, sustainable tourism, and the evolving landscape of the travel industry. For more information on Africa's Eden, log onto https://africaseden.travel.

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In this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson sits down with Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, the CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA). Tshifhiwa shares his extensive journey in the tourism industry, from his studies at the University of Johannesburg to his diverse roles in travel marketing and tourism management across the globe, including stints in Los Angeles and New York.

The discussion delves into the significant changes in the tourism industry over the past 25 years, highlighting the pivotal role of technology and the rise of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Tshifhiwa reflects on the industry's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, detailing the collaborative efforts between the industry and government to develop safety protocols and support measures like the UIF TERS program.

Listeners will gain insights into the challenges faced by the tourism sector during the pandemic, including disputes over cancellations and the complexities of business interruption insurance. Tshifhiwa also discusses the ongoing efforts to streamline visa processes and the importance of balancing domestic and international tourism.

Looking ahead, Tshifhiwa expresses optimism about the recovery of the tourism industry, emphasising the potential of unlocking key markets like China and India and the anticipated growth in investments and travel activities.

Join us for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the resilience and future prospects of the tourism industry in South Africa.

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In this episode of Kusa Cast, we have a conversation with Brad Glenn, Managing Director of The Inside Edge, a DMC specialising in incentives in South Africa. Hosted by Graeme Watson, the episode delves into the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) industry in Southern Africa.

Brad shared his journey from working in the hotel industry, including stints at Sun International and Southern Sun, to leading The Inside Edge. He highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as a brutal period that necessitated a complete business reinvention. Despite the challenges, Brad noted positive outcomes such as remote working, cost savings, and improved quality of life for employees.

The conversation also touched on the increased emphasis on responsible and sustainable tourism. Brad emphasised the importance of authenticity in sustainable practices and shared examples of incentive programs that include conservation efforts, such as marine research and rhino conservation.

Regarding the recovery of the MICE industry, Brad observed that while the market has rebounded, client expectations have shifted towards experiences in nature and wilderness areas. He highlighted the unique selling points of Southern Africa, including safaris, Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the Kalahari, which offer open spaces and outdoor dining.

Brad also discussed the challenges posed by bureaucratic obstacles, such as visa requirements, which can hinder the smooth execution of incentive programs. He stressed the importance of making it easier for clients to access and enjoy South Africa's offerings.

The episode concluded with Brad expressing his excitement about new developments and the potential for increased tourism and economic benefits. He encouraged listeners to consider South Africa for their next incentive or conference, citing the country's diverse experiences and warm hospitality.

For those interested in contacting Brad Glenn for more information or to plan an incentive program, he can be reached at bradg@ie.co.za.

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In this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson interviews David Frost, the CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA). The discussion revolves around the current state of tourism in South Africa, the challenges faced by the industry, and the efforts made to overcome these obstacles.

About The Guest:

David Frost is the Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA). He has a rich background in economics and extensive experience in the tourism sector. His significant contributions focus on job creation through tourism. Before joining SATSA, Frost worked on various tourism strategies in Namibia and other parts of Africa. He has been leading SATSA since 2013, advocating for the tourism industry and addressing challenges to enhance South Africa's tourism competitiveness.

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Holly Budge is an adventurer and the founder of How Many Elephants, a nonprofit organisation that raises awareness about the African elephant crisis. Through her travels and expeditions, Holly realised the power of adventure to raise funds and bring attention to environmental and social issues.

She created How Many Elephants as a travelling exhibition that visualises the poaching data, showcasing elephants on a wall to represent the annual poaching rate in Africa. Holly also created a necklace made of vegetable ivory, which represents the daily poaching rate of 96 elephants. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the impacts of the elephant ivory trade in a non-gruesome and non-political way.

In addition to her work with How Many Elephants, Holly is passionate about supporting female rangers in conservation. She has spent time on the front lines with all-female and mixed ranger teams across Africa and was inspired by their dedication and impact. This led her to create World Female Ranger Week, an annual event that highlights the challenges and achievements of female rangers. Holly is also planning to organise trips for small groups to meet and patrol with the female rangers, providing a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience while raising funds for their work.

As a way to raise funds, Holly offers her services to speak at events. Holly can be reached at info@hollybudge.com, and please take a look at the websites for the charitable causes for How Many Elephants and World Female Ranger Week.

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Claire Minchin, co-founder of Vumbua Africa, joins Graeme Watson on Kusa Cast to discuss accessible travel in Africa. The podcast also feature input from Keith Johnston, co-founder of Vumbua Africa.

Claire shares her personal experiences as a social worker and as a traveler with a daughter who required a wheelchair. She highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities or limited mobility when it comes to planning and enjoying a holiday. Claire and Keith have developed Vumbua Africa to address these challenges and provide inclusive travel experiences in Africa.

They work closely with their clients to understand their specific needs and match them with suitable accommodations, itineraries, and transportation options. Claire emphasises the importance of clear communication and avoiding the term "accessible" in favour of describing the specific features and services available. She also discusses the adaptations made to safari vehicles and the need for continuous improvement in making travel more accessible for all.

Vumbua Africa is leading the way in making travel accessible for all individuals. Through their focus on inclusivity and their partnerships with accessible accommodations and transportation providers, they are ensuring that everyone can experience the wonders of Africa. While progress has been slow, there is a growing recognition of the need for accessibility in the travel industry. With continued efforts and a commitment to inclusivity, the future of accessible travel looks promising. Let us work together to create a world where everyone can explore and enjoy the beauty of our planet.

To get in touch with Claire, log onto www.vumbuaafrica.com or email africa@vumbuaafrica.com.

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In this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson had the privilege of interviewing Alexis Cronin, the co-founder of Dunia Designs. Dunia Designs is a remarkable company driven by a powerful mission inspired by the global plastic crisis.

The company was born out of a shared concern between Alexis and Evanna Cronin, who were deeply troubled by the sight of their community's streets and rivers being increasingly polluted by plastic waste. Dunia Designs uses recycled plastic and creates furniture and building materials.

They aimed to clean up not just their own community but also contribute to global environmental efforts. Their team grew to include Elaine and Julia, forming a well-balanced dream team dedicated to taking Dunia Designs to new heights.

Since its inception in 2016, Dunia Designs has recycled an impressive 900 tonnes of plastic waste. By purchasing furniture from Dunia Designs, customers actively participate in cleaning up the planet and supporting local initiatives while embracing sustainable shopping practices. At the heart of Dunia Designs is an unwavering commitment to providing consumers with honest and truly impactful products. Each beautiful piece is crafted from recycled waste plastic, effectively contributing to the planet's cleanup efforts and the preservation of trees.

For more information on Dunia Designs, click here. You can also email the team on info@duniadesigns.co.tz

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Heather Markel, a full-time travel coach, joins the Kusa Cast to discuss her journey to becoming a digital nomad. She shares her experiences of leaving her corporate job and embracing a life of travel. Heather provides insights into the mindset, money, and mastery needed for a successful nomadic lifestyle.

She also emphasizes the importance of community and finding support among fellow travellers. Heather offers advice on generating income while travelling and highlights the personal growth and cultural understanding that can be gained through this lifestyle.

Heather is the founder of the Facebook group Full Time Travelers and Nomads and can be reached on heather@heathermarkel.com.

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