CONFERENCE PROGRAM
(Program Subject to Change)
22 JULY 2019
RESCHEDULED |
Due to Facilitator VISA issues, SME sessions moved to 25 July 2019 |
23 JULY 2019
8:30 am |
Registration/African Marketplace Pop-Up |
9:00 am |
Welcome & Opening Moderator, Maggie Mutesi |
9:30 am |
Policy Makers - Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potential Ministerial discussion will address the challenges and opportunities to unlock the sector’s economic potential and highlight best practices. Session will explore how tourism can be used to drive inclusive growth and sustainable economic development; Encourage and support regional cooperation versus competition. Provide insight into the intersection between tourism and other sectors of the economy. Address challenges including visa constraints, air access, negative global perceptions. Munesushe Munodawafa, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Republic of Zimbabwe Joe Okudu, Principle Secretary, State Department at Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Republic of Kenya Victor Tharage, Director General, National Department of Tourism, Republic of South Africa Moderator: Judi Nwokedi, COO, Tourvest |
11:00 am |
Break |
11:30 am |
Real Talk - Beyond the Disruption Fireside chat sessions addressing key issues impacting the industry. Velma Corcoran, Sub-Saharan Africa Country Manager, Airbnb Interviewer: Lee Kasumba, Radio & TV Presenter |
12:00 pm |
Technology Trends: What’s Next? What technology trends are shaping the industry and where should we direct focus - blockchain, AI, VR, IoT? How can destinations embrace innovation and emerging tech to create resilient and competitive tourism industries? How can we ensure, collectively and individually, that the technology revolution creates benefits for all? How do companies and destinations market to today's digital consumer given how they discover and book experiences/travel; what are the best channels, formats and technologies? How is online booking changing tourism and trends in the region? How can companies adapt and take advantage of the rise in online booking, mobile payments etc.? Charles Murito, Country Director, Google Kenya Cherae Robinson, Founder, Tastemakers Africa Moderator: Lee Kasumba, Radio & TV Presenter |
1:00 pm |
Lunch |
2:00 pm |
Mass Appeal How do destinations maximize tourism opportunities around events? What are the social, cultural, economic benefits derived from hosting international events? How are events with global interest marketed to drive tourism? How do destinations attract niche, cultural and international sporting and cultural events? What are the opportunities in the MICE sector? How do destinations prepare themselves to meet demanding needs of global business travelers especially as it pertains to infrastructure and connectivity? Hon. Cynthia Blandford, Honorary Consul General, Republic of Liberia | President & CEO, Global Strategies for Good Mollie Q. Coleman, Founder, High Caliber Events Mark De Leiburne, Head of Partnerships & Business Development, National Basketball Association Moderator: Paula Fontana, Vice President, Strategic Programming Initiatives, National Black MBA Association |
3:00 pm |
The Business of Tourism: How are African Nation’s Financing Tourism Development? What are the various investment opportunities Africa has to offer, not just in the travel and tourism sector, but also in lateral sectors that contribute to the industry? How do countries create demand from institutional investors as well as major tourism and hospitality brands that see expansion into the region as a source of future growth? How do African nations position and promote themselves as attractive investments destinations to attract private sector investment? How can companies and governments harness funding for human resource development, transportation infrastructure, real estate development and more? Moderator: Michael Sudarkasa, CEO, Africa Business Group Jillian Blackbeard, Regional Director for Africa, WTTC Moseketsi Mpeta, Head: Light Manufacturing & Tourism, Industrial Development Corporation Hermione Nevill, Senior Tourism Specialist, Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice, World Bank Group |
3:45 pm |
Real Talk - The Journey from Housekeeper to Award-Winning Entrepreneur TED-talk style and fireside chat sessions addressing key issues impacting the industry. Francine Zana, Founder, Exclusive Hospitality Concepts |
4:15 pm |
SMEs and Entrepreneurship for Productivity & Inclusive Growth The Future of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Tourism How does SME innovation foster a climate for job creation, economic growth and competitiveness among small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism and hospitality sectors whilst meeting demand? How can SMEs help address major trends and challenges in the economy and society? Can tourism- dependent SMEs help stimulate development in economic problem areas and if so, in what way? How do SMEs access funding to scale their enterprises and what are the challenges around raising capital? How are entrepreneurs' new business models shaping the future of tourism on the continent and worldwide? How are countries advancing entrepreneurship within the context of the 4th industrial revolution? Moderator: Labeeqah Schuurman, Phoenix 365 Gabriel Mothibedi, Co-Founder, Nako Timepieces Nhlanhla Lux, Founder, Native Airways Nomsa Dlamini, Founder, Merchantry Worldwide Saki Zamxaka, Director of Business Development, Zarx Khiuri Zucula, Co-Founder, Bahia Mar |
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Opening Cocktail Reception |
8:55 am |
Welcome & Call to Order Naledi K. Khabo, Executive Director, Africa Tourism Association Daniela Wagner, Group Business Development Director, Jacobs Media Group |
9:00 am |
Event Moderator Overview of the Day Beulah Mosupye, Managing Director, Hauweng Business Services (Pty) Ltd |
9:05 am |
Welcome Keynote African tourism can play a significant role in the economic development of countries on the continent, while also battling to save one of its most precious natural resources, wildlife. There are clear needs for the countries on the continent to embrace crisis preparedness, despite the frequency of events, countries must learn to systemically plan as well as develop long term strategies for destination diversification, ending wildlife crime and addressing the impacts of climate change to ensure sustainable economic growth. Today’s summit will surface issues for consideration and action, starting with understanding crisis management and preparedness, the value of tourism as an economic driver, the connection between tourism and conservation and finally addressing the “continental blur”. Not everything that happens on the continent, happens in each of the 54 countries. |
9:15 am |
Ministerial Roundtable: The Nexus Between Tourism and Government Tourism is an economic driver of the planet. One in five jobs are in the industry, the GDP’s of many nation states are tied to the performance of their tourism sector, which is also a driver for peace through education and social collaboration. These components are key to building resiliency yet is there a disconnect when governments look at crisis preparedness? Are governments supporting the sector robustly? What can be done to get more recognition and funding from government? Our Moderator will present concerns, followed by a discussion with Ministers from outside the sector discussing case studies of success. Discussion With: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Co-Chair, Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, Chairman, Resilience Council, former Secretary General, UNWTO Moderator: Gillian Saunders, Gillian Saunders Consultancy |
9:45 am |
Security and Risk Management – How to Plan for Resiliency What constitutes a crisis, how to prepare for it and what are the essential things to know? One thing everyone agrees upon when talking about preparedness is that planning is essential. Drafting a plan is the result of the exercise but the actual planning and training are the critical ingredients. With various types of crisis from man-made to natural disasters, what are the key elements to ensuring a country or a business are ready for when they are confronted by crisis? Are governments connecting the dots? Introduction: Dr. Lee Miles, Professor of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bournemouth University, UK A Conversation: H.E. Joe Okudo, CBS, Principal Secretary, Kenyan State Department for Tourism and Wildlife Simon Hardern, CEO, Kenyon International Emergency Services Alain St. Ange, St. Ange Consultancy and Monthly Tourism Newsletter, former Minister of Tourism and Culture, Seychelles Facilitator: Magcino Gule, Sr. Manager, Travel Sure, Old Mutual Limited |
10:30 am |
Crisis of Confidence: The Importance of Crisis Communications The Ethiopian 302 disaster in March 2019, took 157 souls, Boeing share prices dropped 25-35% and the FAA sat on its hands before grounding the 737 MAX. New equipment issues have surfaced and no trust or brand credit is available for Boeing. What role do the associations or authorities play and what trust has remained in these institutions? Crises are not only born out of natural disasters or terrorism. When these events happen how should companies respond? How are crisis communications handled and what are the lessons learned and still being learned relative to the Ethiopian event? Moderator: Will Jordan, Investigative Journalist, Al Jazeera Discussion: Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and CEO, Brand Leadership Group/Founder and Chairman, Brand Africa Sandile Chipunza, Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Relations, Africa, IATA |
11:00 am |
Break |
11:30 am |
Cape Town's Water Crisis, Extreme Measures for Extreme Success Interviewer: Jane Madden, Managing Partner, Global Sustainability and Social Impact, FINN Partners Interviewee: Tim Harris, CEO, WESGRO, (Cape Town and Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment) |
12:00 pm |
Data Driving Change For the 5th year in a row, Johannesburg has been identified by Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Report as the number one city in Africa, wherein 162 cities are ranked in terms of visitor volume and spend. What does the data say from Euromonitor or from the City itself? How has Johannesburg had such success? Does the city’s success help to distinguish South Africa from Africa? How does data help cities to differentiate and how can it be applied on the continent to build brand diversity for the countries and bust the “continental blur’? What data is available and do tourist boards, tour operators and DMO’s maximize the value of published data? Can travel businesses learn to use data for developing their business strategy? Presentation: David Klippenstein, Government Data and Services Lead, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard Christelle Chikosa, Analyst, Euromonitor International Discussion: Hermann Mashaba, Executive Mayor, City of Johannesburg |
12:45 pm |
Lunch |
1:45 pm |
Afternoon Keynote African Biodiversity and Sustainable Development: Tourism and Wildlife Absolute to Africa’s brand is her natural beauty and wildlife. But poaching, climate change and man have threatened natural habitats. Over 1 million animal species are set to go extinct. How can the countries of Africa unite in conservation or sustainable programs to protect the animals as well as the natural beauty? The key is working within local communities by establishing job and educational opportunities. What partnerships are available and how to bridge the divide in opposing viewpoints? How can tourism help in this complex debate? Speakers: Beks Ndlovu, Founder, African Bush Camps Craig Spencer, Founder/Manager, Black Mambas, Anti-Poaching Unit Felicia Letang Mogakane, Sargent and Media Liaison Officer, Black Mambas APU Lewyn Maefla, Educator and teacher, Bush Babies Field Unit Reps: Belinda Cute Mzimba, Sargent and Media Liaison Officer, Black Mambas APU Leitah Mkhabela, Field Officer, Black Mambas APU Nocry Mzimba, Field Officer, K9 Mamba Unit |
2:15 pm |
Alternate Development and Marketing Strategies for Long Term Sustainability How can destinations ensure long term sustainable tourism and build in resiliency in case of crisis? The strategic development of community lands brings together the engagement of local communities, tourism and education with resiliency by creating a cycle of success that benefits all. Likewise, affinity marketing, technology and social media platforms feed into these projects through positive narratives which build differentiation amongst destinations. Done correctly, these combinations minimize the negative impact of any crisis. Interviewer: Franck Olivier Kra, Editor in Chief, E-Biz Africa Review Speakers: Jerry Mabena, CEO, Thebes Group Mariette Du Tot-helmbold, Chief Destineer, Destinate Jennifer Tombaugh, President, TAUCK |
3:00 pm |
Break |
3:20 pm |
Outlook: South Africa Addresses Challenges in Tourism Challenging times call for leadership and focus. South Africa is synonymous with wine and safari, while operators overlook the rich diversity of the culture, its heritage and its people. What leadership is South African Tourism providing to lead the industry toward product diversification and what should operators be focusing on as they build their programs for 2020 and beyond? Is the connection between sustainable planning and resiliency recognized and incorporated? What guidance does the SAT provide the trade toward crisis management planning and ensuring long term resiliency? We will hear about product diversification but how is the industry looking at employment practices, capacity building and property development? Training? Unions? |
3:40 pm |
South Africa's Uniqueness: It's Not Just About Wine and Safari South Africa has a well established reputation for wine and safari but new and exciting offerings are enhancing her image with innovative programs such as “the Indigenous Experience”, “Good Times in a Box” or “I Do Tourism” – are these initiatives driving a “new South African image” ? Improving acceptance amongst locals? Countering global concerns about crime? Since safaris are such a large part of African tourism, how can they contribute differently? Speaker: Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO, TBSCA Moderator: Gail Moaney, Founding/Managing Partner, FINN Group Panel: Wayde Davy, Dep. Dir., Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg Lelanie Cajiao, Managing Director, Nalah Africa Safaris Bheki Dube, Founder, Curiocity Hostels |
4:30 pm |
The Media's Perspective: Don't Shoot The Messenger Everyone in the travel industry wants to work better with the media. Tourism offices suffer from time and budgetary constraints. This session will give the media’s perspective on the job they are trying to do and how members of the travel sector can work more effectively with them, particularly in times of crisis. Moderator: Jillian Blackbeard, Regional Director, Africa, WTTC Panel: Maggie Mutesi, Presenter, BBC Africa Will Jordan, Investigative Journalist, Al Jazeera Abiola Oke, CEO, OkayAfrica Ishay Govender-Ypma, journalist |
5:20 pm |
Close |
6:00 pm |
IIPT DESTINATION RESILIENCY AWARDS IIPT Destination Awards (International Institute for Peace Through Tourism) presented to nominees furthering resiliency through travel and tourism in South Africa and across the Continent. Emcee: Ajay Prakash, President, IIPT |
25 JULY 2019
8:30 am |
Registration/African Marketplace Pop-Up |
9:00 am |
Real Talk - A Journey Through Africa TED-talk style and fireside chat sessions addressing key issues impacting the industry. Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman, Brand Africa |
9:45 am |
Marketing Africa How do we market Brand Africa and still differentiate between diverse country offerings? What are some best practices on how to promote African products to foreign markets? What are domestic tourism opportunities and are Africans being targeted for intra-Africa travel? How are marketing efforts funded? Are regional bodies collaborating in marketing efforts to drive cross-border traffic? How do DMOs develop marketing content to attract diverse audiences in an authentic manner? Are insights and data from digital platforms being effectively used to make informed marketing decisions? Moderator: Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman, Brand Africa Dr. Betty Addero Radier, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Tourism Board Linda Balme, Senior Commercial Manager, Travelstart Givemore Chidzidzi, Chief Operating Officer, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority |
10:45 am |
Real Talk TED-talk style and fireside chat sessions addressing key issues impacting the industry. |
11:15 am |
Break |
11:30 am |
Euromonitor Data Workshop Session Description: Euromonitor International is a global market research company supporting strategic decisions on how, when and where your business will grow. Our Passport solution is tailored to your business and gives you a complete view of the industries, channels, consumer behaviours and economic changes that will have the biggest impact on your strategy. In this session we delve deeper into the Euromonitor Passport platform, showcasing solutions and other capabilities related to the tourism industry. Instructors: Helena Pikirayi, Business Development Executive, Euromonitor Christele Chikosa, Analyst, Euromonitor |
11:45 pm |
Real Talk TED-talk style and fireside chat sessions addressing key issues impacting the industry. |
12:30 pm |
Lunch |
1:30 pm |
Let’s Talk Fashion African fashion has ‘gone global’. How are designers on the continent supported in their efforts to appeal to African markets as part of their larger plans to build global brands? How is African fashion showcased to appeal to travelers? With shopping as a key spend category, how can destinations use unique fashion experiences to tap into the African diaspora? Collaboration versus exploitation? What role does the private sector play in providing platform to raise the visibility of African designers? How does fashion serve as an agent of change to empower designers and drive economic development?Lunch / Destination Spotlight. Moderator: Mariette Du Tot-helmbold, Chief Destineer, Destinate Bibi Ahmed, Founder, Moyo by Bibi Samel Mensah, Founder, Kisua Fezile Mdletshe, Managing Director and Founder, Fezile Fashion Skills Academy | Fezile Mdletshe Fashion Agency Ifeanyi Nwune - Founder/Creative Director, I.N Official |
2:30 pm |
Real Talk TED-talk style and fireside chat sessions addressing key issues impacting the industry. |
3:00 pm |
For the Culture Creative sectors represent an untapped economy. How do we shift from traditional sectors such as mining and oil to also include music and other creative arts as a serious source of wealth? Where are the major economic and social benefits if governments more efficiently develop and promote their cultural activities? How can the creative sector be used to promote tourism, social inclusion and national identity? How can tourists have cultural experiences in a non-exploitative manner? How can creative industries change perceptions and impact a nation’s attractiveness for investment as well as tourism? Stanley Lumax, Founder, African Chophouse Cherae Robinson, Founder/CEO, Tastemakers Africa Abiola Oke, CEO, OkayAfrica Papama Mtwisha, Founder, Butter Pudding Moderator: Mimi Mmabatho Selemela |
4:00 pm |
Wrap-Up |
26 JULY 2019
8:30 am |
Registration/African Marketplace Pop-Up |
9:00 am |
Lights! Camera! Action Session features discussion with the ultimate storytellers, TV and film professionals. What are the opportunities and challenges to producing content in Africa? What makes a destination attractive to foreign filmmakers? What do destinations need to do to package/position themselves for location consideration? How important are international film festivals for destination marketing? How is content produced on the continent being distributed? What role does where content originates play in changing perceptions? Nico Dekker, CEO, Cape Town Film Studios Christian Epps, Founder/CEO, Lights, Camera, Diaspora! Marianne Grant, Motion Picture Association |
10:00 am |
Real Talk TED-talk style and fireside chat sessions addressing key issues impacting the industry. |
11:00 am |
The Return Regardless of the purpose of their travels, members of the global Africa diaspora are generally more likely to infuse money into the local economy when traveling to any African nation than most other international tourists. How can destinations build relationships to benefit from familial and heritage diaspora ties? How do you authentically build economies by embracing the Black travel movement? How do destinations create programs dedicated specifically to the diaspora audience?Are DMOs creating products and experiences tailored to areas of interest? How do DMOs increase the discovery of culturally relevant experiences? Nomsa Dlamini, Founder, Merchantry Worldwide Koshie Mills, Creator and Executive Producer, The Diaspora Dialogues Gina Paige, President & Co-Founder, African Ancestry Moderator: Bolanle Omisore, CEO, BOA |
12:00 pm |
Break |
12:30 pm |
Dine & Wine What are the challenges and opportunities in developing food & wine tourism products? How do destinations craft and implement an effective tourism plan that combines culinary and cultural experiences? Are diverse audiences being targeted for food and wine experiences? What type of marketing support is needed to ensure tourists are discovering authentic and local food? What role does technology play in raising awareness? Stanley Lumax, Founder, African Chophouse Ishay Govender-Ypma Coco Reinarhz, Epicure Restaurant Lesego Semenya, Founder & Executive Chef, LesDaChef Culinary Solutions Mogau Seshoene, Chef, The Lazy Makoti |
1:30 pm |
Sound Round What are the major music tourism trends? With African music growing in the global mainstream, how do destinations reach tourists willing to travel for music experiences? What are the opportunities to use music and artists to change the perception of Africa? How can governments support local artists gain global exposure? What’s the opportunity to link music tourism with heritage and cultural tourism? How do African destinations attract global music festivals and/or capitalize on local events to maximize exposure? Mollie Coleman, Founder, High Caliber Events Tracy Fraser, Managing Director, Warner Music South Africa Ifeanyi Nwune, Cofounder, Soundgod Music Group |
2:30 pm |
Hand-crafted How do destinations capitalize on the global popularity of African art and artifacts? What role do African governments play in the return of African Artifacts? How are African countries supporting their local artists? Are museums and cultural center experiences strategically integrated in packaged experiences? Are innovative interactive experiences and interactions with artists being explored? Tony Gum, Artist Alissa Jenkins, Founder, Nothing Neue Blessing Ngobeni, Artist Chief Oyenike Davies-Okundaye |