KUSA CAST:
Kusa Cast is an insightful and inspiring podcast for anyone in the tourism industry, hosted by Graeme Watson.
Our episodes feature interviews with top leaders from around the world as we discuss the challenges faced during Covid and the innovative ways businesses are bouncing back. From business leaders to tour operators, we explore the diverse roles within the tourism industry and highlight the importance of positivity and collaboration in overcoming obstacles.
Tune in to Kusa Cast to stay informed, motivated and equipped to navigate the tourism industry in this new era.
ABOUT THE HOST:
Graeme Watson is the founder of a UK-based tourism representation company, Kusa Connect, which helps tourism businesses around the world showcase their experiences to the UK travel trade. Graeme is a seasoned professional in the tourism industry with 15 years of experience in the field and has lived and worked in the UK, South Africa, and the USA, where he has developed a deep understanding of the international tourism market and what the expectations are from a trip to Africa.
His extensive travel experience, having visited over 65 countries, has also given him a unique perspective on the diverse offerings of destinations across the globe.
Graeme holds a BA Degree in Media and Communications, which has been a valuable asset in his career to effectively communicate and market tourism products and services. He has sat on the Board of Directors of SATSA and served as the Chapter Chair of the KZN Chapter of SATSA which has provided him with valuable industry connections and insight, as well as a platform to contribute to the development and growth of the tourism sector.
With his diverse range of skills and experience, he is well-equipped to help tourism businesses succeed in this competitive market. Graeme is eager to use his knowledge and expertise to help promote and grow tourism businesses.
Graeme can be reached on gw@kusaglobal.com and his website is www.kusaglobal.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
KUSA CAST:
Kusa Cast is an insightful and inspiring podcast for anyone in the tourism industry, hosted by Graeme Watson.
Our episodes feature interviews with top leaders from around the world as we discuss the challenges faced during Covid and the innovative ways businesses are bouncing back. From business leaders to tour operators, we explore the diverse roles within the tourism industry and highlight the importance of positivity and collaboration in overcoming obstacles.
Tune in to Kusa Cast to stay informed, motivated and equipped to navigate the tourism industry in this new era.
ABOUT THE HOST:
Graeme Watson is the founder of a UK-based tourism representation company, Kusa Connect, which helps tourism businesses around the world showcase their experiences to the UK travel trade. Graeme is a seasoned professional in the tourism industry with 15 years of experience in the field and has lived and worked in the UK, South Africa, and the USA, where he has developed a deep understanding of the international tourism market and what the expectations are from a trip to Africa.
His extensive travel experience, having visited over 65 countries, has also given him a unique perspective on the diverse offerings of destinations across the globe.
Graeme holds a BA Degree in Media and Communications, which has been a valuable asset in his career to effectively communicate and market tourism products and services. He has sat on the Board of Directors of SATSA and served as the Chapter Chair of the KZN Chapter of SATSA which has provided him with valuable industry connections and insight, as well as a platform to contribute to the development and growth of the tourism sector.
With his diverse range of skills and experience, he is well-equipped to help tourism businesses succeed in this competitive market. Graeme is eager to use his knowledge and expertise to help promote and grow tourism businesses.
Graeme can be reached on gw@kusaglobal.com and his website is www.kusaglobal.com.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.