My conversation today looks at the expectations of Africa’s tourism industry players ahead of the maiden Essence of Africa travel show scheduled for 2-4 December 2024 in Nairobi,Kenya. In this chat, Rosemary Muthoni Director of sales at Sopa lodges tells me the track record of Onshow Solutions and ATTA, organisers of the show makes her confident of meeting the right buyers from the key source markets.

Rosemary Muthoni brings vast experience and expertise to the Sopa Lodges team, having worked with renowned hotel brands in Kenya and across the East African hospitality industry. As the Director of Sales, Rosemary leverages her extensive knowledge to drive business growth and build strong trade partner relations.

Her leadership skills and innovative approach ensure that the Sales team delivers efficient and personalized services, while contributing to the company's growth. Rosemary’s passion for hospitality and her commitment to excellence align perfectly with the Core Values of Sopa Lodges, ensuring that guests continue to enjoy unforgettable experiences at all Sopa properties.

A visionary leader, Rosemary holds a degree/master’s in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, and Business Administration from KCA University and the Kenya Institute of Management, respectively. She also holds a qualification in Strategic Management from the European Business University of Luxembourg and remains continuously committed to staying ahead of industry trends and innovations. Her expertise in the hospitality industry makes her a vital part of the Sopa Lodges' leadership team.

In today’s episode, the owner of SA based White Shark Projects 'Jessica Smit' shares her expectation of the maiden Essence of Africa Travel show scheduled to take place from 2-4 December in Nairobi, Kenya.

The owner of White Shark Projects 'Jessica Smit' is a conservationist focusing on the behaviour and welfare of the marine life that we have the pleasure of working with daily. In her own words ''To have the ability to observe our wild marine life free swimming in their natural environment is an honour that we shall never exploit, or harm only observe with respect and admiration''.

White Shark Projects is a renowned global research organisation founded in 1989. It is dedicated to the conservation of South Africa’s shark species and our oceans. Shark cage diving and viewing not only provides a unique opportunity to witness the wonder of our beautiful sharks in a safe and professional environment, but also serves as a conservation education platform to help protect these vulnerable animals. Through our shark cage diving excursions, volunteer programme and vital community outreach projects, we aim to give people the knowledge to help conserve sharks and the environment to create a more sustainable future.

Today’s episode takes a deep dive into the Associations' Business as part of the MICE ecosystem. My guest, Jeffers Miruka the Founding President of the African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE)highlights the crucial role of the Association sub-sector in the development of MICE in Africa. Jeffers says associations provide significant value to members including skills enhancements and networking opportunities among others. He rounds up the chat on the upcoming 2024 Africa Associations Summit to be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 29th – 30th October.

Mr. Jeffers Miruka is the founding president of the African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE). He is also the Managing Director of the African Associations Management Company (AFAMCO) and the Secretary General of the Association for Kenya Business Events (AKBE). With a career dedicated to advancing Association Management as a profession in Africa, Jeffers is a respected global leader and mentor in the field.