Afleveringen
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In this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson sits down with Steve Byrne, CEO of Travel Counsellors, to discuss the company's remarkable achievement of reaching £1 billion in revenue and their vision for the future. With over 20 years at the company, Steve shares the journey of how Travel Counsellors has grown into a community of 2,000+ travel entrepreneurs while maintaining its core values of personalised service and human connection.
Key highlights include:
The evolution of Travel Counsellors over its 30-year historyInsights from their recent record-breaking conferenceLessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the travel industryThe power of community and resilience in challenging timesThe balance between high-tech solutions and human touch in modern travel consultingTheir ambitious plans to double the company's size in the next 5-10 yearsWhether you're a travel industry professional or simply interested in entrepreneurship and business leadership, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a successful, values-driven organisation in the travel sector.
Join us for an engaging discussion about the past, present, and future of one of travel's most respected brands.
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In this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson sits down with Kgomotso Ramothea, CEO of Memberships at ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association). After an impressive tenure at South African Tourism where she served as Acting Head and Marketing Communications Manager for the UK and Ireland markets, Kgomotso brings fresh perspectives to her new role at ATTA.
Kgomotso shares her vision for ATTA memberships, comparing it to a gym membership - it's all about active participation and making the most of available resources. Just two months into her role, she's already implementing a "listening roadshow," engaging with members to understand their needs and expectations.
The conversation delves into her extensive experience at South African Tourism, where she was instrumental in analysing market trends, driving tourist arrivals, and developing strategic marketing campaigns. She discusses her approach to understanding travel trends, particularly highlighting the growing importance of multi-generational travel and how past data can inform future strategies.
Drawing from her experience working across European markets, Kgomotso offers valuable insights into market analysis, tourism growth strategies, and the importance of delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time.
Key Topics:
ATTA's membership value propositionTourism market trends and analysisStrategic marketing in tourismMulti-generational travel insightsUK and Irish tourism marketsAfrican tourism developmentWhether you're a tourism professional, marketing specialist, or interested in African travel market dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of African tourism.
For more information and to get in touch with Kgomotso directly, you can reach out at [email protected].
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of Kusa Cast, host Graeme Watson sits down with Dan Pearce, CEO of TTG Media, for an insightful journey through the world of travel journalism and industry resilience.
Dan shares his fascinating career path, from aspiring actor to English teacher in Italy, before finding his true calling in journalism. His story of acquiring TTG and steering it through the tumultuous waters of the COVID-19 pandemic is both inspiring and enlightening.
Listeners will be intrigued by Dan's perspectives on:
The enduring value of travel agents in the digital ageTTG's evolution and commitment to promoting "smarter, better, fairer travel"The importance of accessibility and inclusivity in the travel industryDan's reflections on resilience and risk-taking post-COVID offer valuable insights for anyone in the travel industry or beyond. His passion for connecting people and fostering human relationships in the travel sector shines through, making this episode a must-listen for travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the future of travel media.
Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends personal anecdotes, industry expertise, and forward-thinking insights on the ever-evolving world of travel. For more information, log onto www.ttgmedia.com.
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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 [email protected].
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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 [email protected], 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 [email protected].
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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 [email protected]
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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 [email protected].
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Jordan Carlyle and Christen Puckett, travellers from the USA, share their journey of quitting their stable jobs and buying a one-way ticket to travel the world. They discuss how they started their trip by creating a shared Notes app to list the places they wanted to visit. They also talk about their unexpected success on TikTok, where they now have over 25,000 followers.
The travellers emphasise the importance of storytelling and engaging with their followers. They also discuss the challenges of constant travel and the need for rest days. Despite the challenges, they find joy in experiencing different cultures and meeting new people along the way.
They offer advice to young travellers, encouraging them to trust their gut and be open to learning as they go. They also share their plans for future destinations, including Australia and back to Africa.
As influencers in the travel industry, Jordan and Christen have the power to shape the perceptions and decisions of their followers. Their ability to tell compelling stories and make their audience feel like they are part of the journey has resonated with many. By sharing their experiences and offering practical advice, they have inspired others to pursue their own travel dreams.
To follow the journey, use the handle @wheretonextyall on TikTok and Instagram.
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Mark Young, co-founder of the Perfections Group, discusses his journey in the travel industry, from backpacking to starting a representation company.
He shares his experience of being made redundant before COVID and how he adapted by taking on different jobs. Mark also talks about the resilience and camaraderie in the tourism industry, the changing habits of UK travellers, and the future of the Perfections Group. He emphasises the importance of collaboration and open-mindedness in the industry. Overall, Mark's story highlights the strength and determination of those in the travel industry to thrive in the face of challenges.
Mark's journey in the travel industry began with his love for travel and backpacking. After working various jobs, he decided to pursue a career in travel and started at a well known travel company. However, he soon realised that product management was his true passion. Mark worked his way up and eventually co-founded the Perfections Group with Ryan Ashton. The company initially focused on representing African lodges but has now expanded to include Latin America and other destinations.
Mark's resilience was put to the test when he was made redundant a year before the pandemic hit. However, he used this time to explore different opportunities. These experiences taught him the importance of perseverance and helped him develop a stronger mindset.
Mark and I discuss the importance of collaboration and supporting one another, even among competitors. We both believe that there is enough business to go around and that working together can benefit everyone. Mark shares his experience of referring clients to other representatives and receiving referrals in return. This collaborative approach not only strengthens relationships but also opens doors to new opportunities.
The pandemic has brought about significant changes in the travel industry. Mark notes that there is currently no clear pattern in travel trends, as people are eager to explore various destinations. Flight availability and cost also play a role in travellers' choices. However, Mark believes that it will take time to fully understand the new normal, as many people are still catching up on missed trips and family visits.
The Perfections Group has diversified its portfolio to include representation for destinations beyond Africa. Mark and his team are open to working with any product that aligns with their expertise and values. They aim to be a one-stop-shop for travel companies, offering services such as revenue management, social media management, and booking offices. The focus remains on building strong relationships and providing personalised support to their clients.
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In this episode of Kusa Cast, Graeme Watson interviews Priscilla Plummer, the founder of Global Sojourns, a responsible travel company that focuses on uplifting communities around wildlife areas. Priscilla shares her journey from working in small and startup businesses in the US to traveling to Africa to better understand the situation that girls and women face in the region. She talks about her passion for travel and culture and how it led her to start Global Sojourns and the Global Sojourns Giving Circle, which focuses on empowering girls and being locally led.
Global Sojourns is a responsible travel company that provides clients with a deeper and more meaningful safari experience by setting them up with local guides who understand the culture and the environment. The company's arm for community upliftment, the Global Sojourns Giving Circle, is locally led and focuses on empowering girls. The Giving Circle provides donor education to ensure that good intentions are aligned with effective action.
The podcast features the wonderful Gloria and Ndlelende, mentors for youth in Livingstone, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, respectively. They share their experiences of how tourism and community upliftment are interwoven, and how the support of tourists has helped improve the lives of locals. The girls clubs run by Gloria provide psychosocial life skills for girls, hygiene management, and a mini library. The Global Sojourns Giving Circle has been the main source of funding for these clubs, and the demand for the clubs is high.
The organisation also mentors young boys and girls in the tourism sector to provide them with skills and guide them on their career path towards conservation. The company's focus is on mentorship and helping youth get on a path of a life of opportunity versus dependency. The clubs have been successful in reducing teenage pregnancy rates, and the company is looking for more support to expand their impact. To support their work, travellers can visit the Global Sojourns website or the Global Sojourns Giving Circle website, details below.
Priscilla Plummer's passion for responsible tourism and uplifting communities around wildlife areas is evident in this episode of Kusa Cast. From empowering girls through the Giving Circle to investing in local people and mentorship, Priscilla and her team at Global Sojourns are making a difference in the world.
Contact Priscilla on [email protected] and the website is https://www.gsgivingcircle.org/.
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In the latest episode of Kusa Cast, Graeme Watson sits down with Melissa Foley, the passionate founder of All About Africa Consulting.
Melissa's mission is to promote social and environmental sustainability in the tourism industry throughout Africa, with a particular focus on ethical climbing on Kilimanjaro. As a board member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), based in Moshi and Arusha, she works tirelessly to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by mountain crew members.
KPAP, an organization with a 20-year history, has created a monitoring program to ensure that local climbing companies in Tanzania adhere to best practices and provide fair wages, adequate meals, and suitable living conditions for their crew members. Out of approximately 160 properly licensed climbing companies in Tanzania, about 50 have chosen to participate in the KPAP program. This initiative has proven highly beneficial for these local companies, giving them a competitive edge in a saturated market.
What's remarkable about KPAP is that it's completely free to join, offering advantages to operations in terms of best practices and marketing. Despite its limited resources, KPAP provides educational classes and raises awareness about ethical climbing practices. In fact, due to increasing encouragement from consumers and agents, there has been a significant 30% rise in new local companies joining the program. The organisation relies on donations to sustain its operations and continue its crucial work.
One of the key objectives of Kiliporters.org is to prevent exploitation of porters and eliminate the practice of bribes being paid to guides for selection on climbs. Additionally, the organisation ensures that porters receive proper tips from clients at the end of the climb, further promoting fair treatment within the industry.
If you're passionate about promoting social and environmental sustainability within Africa's tourism industry and want to learn more about ethical climbing on Kilimanjaro, this is an episode of Kusa Cast you don't want to miss! Tune in to the podcast now to listen to Graeme Watson's engaging interview with Melissa Foley, and discover the inspiring work of KPAP and log onto www.kiliporters.org. Join the conversation and be part of the movement for positive change!
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In this episode of Kusa Cast, Graeme Watson interviews Robyn Whaley, the director of Off The Track Expeditions, a Zimbabwe-based tour operator specialising in tailor made and adventure travel to Zimbabwe. Robyn shares her experience and insights on how her business started and how it has grown over the years.
Robyn begins by discussing her journey in the tourism industry, highlighting her previous roles at Wilderness Safaris. She emphasises the importance of her personal experiences in visiting and exploring the camps, lodges, and safari destinations that Off The Track offers. Robyn's deep knowledge and firsthand encounters allow her to match clients with the perfect properties and activities.
Taking ownership of Off The Track in May 2015, Robyn saw the tremendous potential to promote the beauty of Zimbabwe. As a born and bred Zimbabwean, she brings a unique perspective and passion for showcasing her country. Robyn shares her dedication to ensuring the highest level of service and expertise for her clients.
The conversation delves into the challenges faced by the business and the tourism industry in general during the Covid pandemic. Robyn highlights how she navigated the uncertainties and adapted to the changing circumstances. Despite the difficulties, Off The Track managed to maintain its commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences.
Throughout the interview, Robyn emphasises her personal connection to the destinations she offers. Her firsthand experiences contribute to her expert knowledge and the quality of the tours provided by Off The Track Expeditions.
To get in touch with Robyn, email [email protected].
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In this podcast episode, Graeme Watson speaks with Stanley Edwards, director of Platypus Digital, about how virtual reality (VR) can be used as a marketing tool for tourism businesses.
They stress the importance of focusing on content objectives when using VR, rather than just admiring the technology. They discuss the different ways VR can be used, such as 360 images and videos, virtual guided tours, and interactive and immersive experiences. They highlight how VR has changed the way people view and experience travel and real estate, and how it can be an ideal tool for selling destinations and providing users with an interactive tour.
During the podcast, Graeme and Stanley discuss how VR technology has evolved to become more accessible and cost-effective. In the past, VR was associated with expensive gear and complex production processes, but now it is easier to shoot and produce, and can be shared and embedded on multiple platforms. This accessibility has opened up opportunities for small businesses in the tourism industry to use VR as a marketing tool and reach a wider audience.
Stanley also emphasises the importance of storytelling when using VR for marketing. VR can be used to create immersive experiences that engage viewers and allow them to explore a destination or property at their own pace. This can create a stronger emotional connection with the viewer and increase the chances of them choosing that destination or property for their next trip or purchase.
The conversation also touches on the potential for VR to be used in other industries, such as real estate. Virtual walkthroughs of properties can give potential buyers a realistic sense of the space and help them make informed decisions without the need for in-person visits. This can be especially useful for international buyers who may not be able to physically visit the property.
Stanley can be reached at [email protected]. Tune into Kusa Cast to learn more.
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Today's guest on Kusa Cast is Katy Lee, Senior Business Development at Feefo, a consumer insight business, who through their ratings and reviews technology help businesses collect, verified customer reviews and insights, allowing you to improve your products and customer experiences.
Katy discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism industry in the wake of the pandemic. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Katy shares her insights on the importance of personal responsibility, strong foundations, and inspiring leadership in the industry. She also talks about Feefo's innovative subscription model, which helps businesses collect customer sentiment and improve their reviews.
The tourism industry has faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, with travel restrictions and lockdowns impacting businesses around the world. However, there are signs of hope as the industry slowly comes back to life, with events like World Travel Market seeing high attendance.
Katy believes that the industry needs leaders to inspire people to travel and explore. She also stresses the importance of having strong foundations in life, which allow individuals to rebuild even when they get knocked down.
Katy's experience in the industry spans over 30 years, starting with her absolute love of travel from a young age. She worked at Virgin Holidays and British Airways Holidays, selling the virtues of travel to agents and operators. Now, she helps businesses collect customer sentiment and data to improve customer experience and drive sales.
Feefo's subscription model is based on the number of transactions or interactions a business processes a month. Their technology gives you visibility over issues that are impacting your Feefo rating and the ability to prioritise changes to improve your customer experience. Feefo also has a team of account directors and customer service managers to provide guidance and best practices based on industry experience
Join us as we explore the future of tourism and the role of technology in shaping it.
For more information, you can contact Katy on [email protected].
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The tourism industry in South Africa has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited help assistance to support struggling businesses. Despite the challenges, there is still a strong desire for travel to South Africa, particularly for wine tourism and safaris.
In a recent episode of the Kusa Cast, "A Conversation with Cathy Entwistle and Nick Fox," the challenges facing the tourism industry in South Africa were discussed, along with potential solutions to revive the industry.
Cathy Entwistle, owner of Val du Charron Wine and Leisure estate in Wellington, shared her experience of buying a wine farm and expanding to four and five-star accommodation with plans to add more family rooms. Nick Fox, who owns Sibuya Game Reserve highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.
To revive the tourism industry, the government needs to prioritise tourism and work with banks to provide financing for businesses in the industry. The revival of South African Airways (SAA) is seen as crucial for the tourism industry, as it would help bring more flights into the country and promote the national flag.
Starting a tourism or winemaking business in South Africa is challenging and requires significant investment and infrastructure, but it is important for job creation and the growth of the economy. The advice given is to have a dream, believe in oneself, and seek mentorship from experienced individuals in the industry.
Despite the challenges, there is still a strong desire for travel to South Africa. t is important for the government and banks to provide support to struggling businesses in the tourism industry to help revive the economy and create jobs. The potential for tourism to drive economic growth and job creation is significant, and it is vital that the government and industry work together to overcome the challenges faced by the industry.
Tune in to hear how Cathy and Nick have managed to survive and come out stronger on the other side, and get inspired to pursue your dreams in the tourism and winemaking industry!
Learn more about Val du Charron here, and more about Sibuya Game Reserve here.
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We hear from Grant Fowlds, a conservationist fighting to protect rhinos in Africa. He shares his experiences of both heart-wrenching losses and inspiring victories in the battle against poaching, and discusses the challenges faced by conservationists, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, Grant remains dedicated to preserving the ecosystem and saving endangered species, and his determination offers hope for the future of rhinos and Africa's tourism industry.
Rhinos have been a target of poaching for over a decade, resulting in a dramatic decline in their population worldwide. However, there are individuals, organisations, and even entire countries fighting to protect these majestic creatures, and it is through their hard work and dedication that progress is being made.
Grant Fowlds, who has been involved in marketing the Eastern Cape as a tourist destination, is one of those individuals. Project Rhino, a collaboration among landowners, was born out of the need to protect rhinos from poaching.
Grant has seen a decline in the price of illegal rhino horn trading, which he attributes to the fact that it has become just another commodity in the illegal trade of money, sex, drugs, contraband, and weapons. He believes that educating people about the cruelty involved in harvesting rhino horn and the lack of medicinal or aphrodisiac properties in it can change the belief that it is a byproduct of a natural process like a deer's antler falling off.
However, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, poaching rates have risen again after a temporary decline, posing a new challenge for conservationists. The tourism industry, crucial for conservation efforts and job creation in Africa, has been hit hard by the pandemic, leading to a loss of experienced staff in the industry.
Running a game reserve or ecosystem is expensive, with costs ranging from water for the animals to anti-poaching units. This cost is necessary to maintain the animals and their ecosystem, whether in a concession in a park in Central Africa or a private reserve with a fence and necessary equipment for protection. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of taking care of the Earth and preserving ecosystems. Every person on the planet is connected, and it is essential to plant trees, live responsibly, and re-wild to preserve the ecosystem.
Africa has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, with unique experiences such as mega herbivores, special places like Victoria Falls and Cape Town, gorillas in Central Africa, the migration in East Africa and rhinos in Southern Africa, and cultural experiences in places like Burundi. However, red tape and bureaucracy are significant stumbling blocks to making tourism easier in Africa, with endless forms to fill out and long queues at airports. Efforts are being made to make things easier for travellers, but there is still room for improvement.
Despite the many challenges faced by conservationists, their hard work is paying off, and rhino populations are slowly recovering. It is a long battle, but with the dedication and perseverance of people like Grant Fowlds, there is hope for the future of rhinos and other endangered species. Tune in to hear his inspiring story.
To learn more about Project Rhino, click here.
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