In this conversation, Senthil Gopinath, the CEO of ICCA shares his reflections on the success of the incredible 63rd ICCA Congress, the innovative new model introduced, and the vital role of global leadership in shaping the future of the industry.

Senthil Gopinath is the Chief Executive Officer of International Congress and Convention Association ICCA. He has over two decades of experience and expertise in the meetings, association, and leisure industries. He has held a wide spectrum of positions in the meetings industry. Such as the CEO of the Convention Bureau of Sri Lanka, the Vice President of Kuoni. He moved to Dubai in 2006 and has been working for Congress Solutions International, the Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) arm of Emirates Group, eventually holding responsibility for wide-ranging business development, sales, and operations functions for some of the largest international meetings held in the UAE, including World Diabetes Congress, UITP, and World Economic Forum.

He has been involved in winning many Congress bids for Dubai, UAE, and the Region. Academically he holds a European Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration. Currently reading for PhD.

Senthil has been working with the global association fraternity for more than a decade and has in-depth knowledge of global association segment development. A passionate strategist. Being creative and adaptable to the constantly changing environment are his key strengths. Always aims at professionalism and focuses on achieving the organizational objectives and financial goals.

ICCA -the International Congress and Convention Association- is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.

My conversation today, is with advisory board member Essence of Africa Leanne Heigh. Our chat today will explore the inspiration behind this exciting project, what sets it apart from other travel shows, and the key factors driving its success. Leanne shares her insights on the gaps in the market, the unique African business environment, and why quality meetings and global buyers are at the heart of Essence of Africa.

Profile

I arrived in Africa in February 1994 as a young backpacker, I stayed on as a Tour Leader and within a frighteningly short period was managing the largest overland truck company on the continent.

In November of 2013, my husband James and I were asked to become joint CEOs of Tourvests operations in East Africa, Tourvest had just bought out the minority shareholders.

It also coincided with the worst trading period in the history of East African tourism as the industry reeled from terror attacks and then ebola outbreaks.

Tourvest emerged stronger from these events and restructured. I remained as CEO for the Lemala and Adrift brands which have since evolved into a group of 10 properties operating in Tanzania and Uganda, and an exciting activity brand offering exhilarating adventures on the River Nile. We are all incredibly proud of the team members that make up the #spiritoflemala and the positive impact that our tourism work has on our staff, their families and the communities from which they are drawn.

Lemala is a happy place and I am proud to play my part in its work.

In today’s episode my guest Clive Chinwada, President of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe discusses the exciting growth of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, with a spotlight on key destinations like Victoria Falls and how the country is evolving its offerings to appeal to a wider range of travelers.