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Sustainable Tourism Expert and Professor of Marketing and Tourism, University of Nottingham (UK).
Marina is Professor of Marketing and Tourism. She joined the Nottingham University Business School in October 2023. She is a geographer with a background in economics, and over 20 years' experience of high-quality research, consultancy, knowledge exchange, PhD supervision, teaching and curriculum development and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research. She is an internationally renowned policy, planning and sustainable development expert and has advised on numerous international cooperation and research assignments funded by International Development Organisations (IDOs) including The World Bank, the European Union, The UN (UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO), the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Millennium Challenge Corporation as well as National Ministries, Tourism Boards, Regional Development Agencies and NGOs. She is known globally for her excellence in leading and collaborating with multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder and multi-cultural teams and for her commitment to generating new knowledge on ways in which tourism can play a key role in sustainable development by stimulating local economies, conserving the environment, developing people and changing lives.
Senior lecturer for Management, Business Leadership, and Entrepreneurship subjects in the Department of Tourism Management, Tshwane University of Technology
Portia Pearl Siyanda Sifolo has a wealth of experience and prodigious knowledge in the tourism sector. She is currently a senior lecturer for Management, Business Leadership, and Entrepreneurship subjects in the Department of Tourism Management at the Tshwane University of Technology. She is a Y2 National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher. She is a candidate in the 21/23 Future Professors Program by the Department of Higher Education & Training. Portia completed her Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) which focused on the nexus between supply chain management and stakeholder management for the balanced and optimal growth of the tourism sector. She has a passion for leadership in tourism and digitalisation within the tourism supply networks in the SADC region as economic development initiatives. Her scientific interests include digital procurement of tourism establishments in Africa. She has co-authored in different books, published research papers in academic journals, and participated in both domestic and international conferences.
Founder and Lead Consultant, Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda
Judy Kepher Gona is a global sustainable tourism leader from Kenya. As the founder of Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda, Judy has been instrumental in advancing responsible tourism practices in the continent. Her efforts have been recognized globally, and she continues to be a leading voice for equity, inclusion, diversity and consciousness in tourism.
Journalist, Tourism and Conservation
Harriet Owalla is a Kenyan journalist who's been reporting on tourism and conservation for the past seven years. Her work has been published in various publications both local and international like the Skift, Afar, Fodor not to mention but a few. She has also featured on BBC Travel Kenya edition and the New York times talking on the same. On top of that, she has worked with various tourism boards like Magical Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Seychelles, Morocco, Zimbabwe to market their destinations.
The Director General, National Museums of Kenya
Prof. Gikungu is the Director General of the National Museums of Kenya. As the CEO of NMK, a State Corporation, Prof Gikungu is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the management of Kenya’s Cultural and Natural Heritage includes over 300 Sites and Monuments and a multidisciplinary research portfolio. The Director General also chairs and supervises the Directors Management Board of NMK.
Prof. Gikungu was born on 28th November 1965. She holds a PhD in Natural
Science and Mathematics (University of Bonn, Germany), M.Sc. in Conservation Biology (University of Nairobi) and B.Sc. in Botany and Zoology (University of Nairobi). She has published over 55 papers in peer-reviewed journals. She is a renowned Bee Specialist and a Conservation Biologist with wide experience and research focus in ecosystem services, climate change, environmental health and food security.
She was a Lead Author in the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services (IPBES), a member of the Platform for Agricultural Research (PAR) under FAO and a Mentor in African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD). In addition, she has been a Council Member of Kibabii University.
Sustainability Content and Support Practitioner, Weeva
Nwabisa Mjoli is a Sustainability Content and Support Practitioner at Weeva, actively involved in developing content creation and best practice guides for the Weeva Sustainability Software as a Service (SaaS) product. Nwabisa provides leadership and guidance to client teams, driving organizational change and embedding sustainability across all business aspects through educational workshops on goal setting and impact strategies.
Before joining Weeva, Nwabisa served as an Environmental and Sustainability Officer at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, an award-winning leader in responsible travel. There, she championed the monitoring, and interpretation of energy consumption, water footprint and waste management data. She also focused on community-based learning projects aimed at strengthening sustainable livelihoods. Nwabisa holds a Masters degree in Environmental Science, specializing in social and resource valuation perspectives on biological resource use and its impact on local livelihoods in rural Eastern Cape communities, South Africa.
Outside of work, Nwabisa enjoys exploring local food markets, baking, and engaging in DIY projects with family and friends.
Former Chief Executive Officer for a Pan African Tourism trade association
Jon Danks is a senior tourism leader with a track record of developing high performing teams to drive commercial growth and brand engagement. Jon has worked for some of the world’s largest global brands, and has brought this experience into smaller organisations, gaining him a strong reputation across the Travel, Media, Technology, Financial Services & Government sectors. A strategic thinker, with vision and diplomacy and with several volunteer non-Exec roles under his belt, his most recent experience as Chief Executive Officer for a Pan African tourism trade association heralded a period of phenomenal global growth, accompanied with a focus on sustainable tourism.
Head of Sales, Weeva
Gulam Sawant is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning journalism, health, fitness, and now sustainability management. With a career fuelled by a desire to serve others and add value, Gulam transitioned from a successful tenure in the health and fitness industry to join Weeva as Head of Sales in December 2023.
Drawing upon 20 years of experience in commercial development, Gulam brings strategic acumen and leadership to Weeva. His role involves forging strategic partnerships, leading the Sales team, and representing Weeva at key industry events.
Gulam's journey began with a qualification in journalism, which laid the foundation for his communication skills and passion for storytelling. Over the years, he honed his expertise through various professional development programs, including a distinguished Global Executive Development program at Gordon Institute of Business Science.
With a proven track record of success and a relentless drive to make a positive difference, Gulam Sawant embodies leadership, excellence, and a commitment to sustainable practices.
CEO, Tourism Research Institute, Kenya
David G. Gitonga holds a master's degree in Tourism Management, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and a Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship. He has over 25 years of experience in the tourism public sector. Prior to joining Tourism Research Institute (TRI), he served in the Ministry of Tourism taking leadership in the areas of policy and strategic planning, sector regulation and innovation. He is particularly credited for his role in delivering the National Tourism Blueprint 2030 where he was the National Co-ordinator. The Blueprint offers an overarching strategic focus for the development of Kenya’s tourism and enhancing its contribution to the economy.
At TRI, Gitonga has been leading the process of setting up the operational structures and the strategies for the Institute to deliver on its mandate from infancy. This work started by developing a Strategic Plan that gave clarity of vision and focus to the Board and staff. This enabled the Institute to adopt innovative ways of data management and research as well as for dissemination of findings. The Institute has thus taken its place as the principal source of research information and data for Kenya’s tourism sector advising both the Government and private sector on areas of improvement for destination Kenya’s competitiveness.
Under his leadership, the Institute has forged global collaborations that have benefited the entire Kenya tourism sector. His services have been extended beyond Kenya’s borders and he has been invited as a resource person to support tourism research and statistics programs across the continent. This has so far taken him to Namibia, Zanzibar, Seychelles, Ethiopia and Djibouti and he has had other virtual engagements on the same. These missions help reinforce Kenya’s position as a leader in tourism within the continent and support the government’s policy of economic diplomacy.
CEO, Ewaffe Cultural Village, Uganda
Aisha Nabwanika is the founder and CEO of Ewaffe Cultural Village an Eco Cultural Tourism centre located in Naggalama Mukono, just an hour’s drive from Kampala, the village is a gateway to a world where food tourism and cultural immersion unite. From farm tours to cooking lessons, fishing experience, pottery workshops to mesmerizing storytelling sessions, we offer an unforgettable experience that will transport you to the heart of Uganda’s cultural essence.
Aisha holds a bachelor’s degree of Commerce and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Administration (MBA) from Makerere University Business School with a certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management by UNWTO.
She has served as an Administrator, at Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), an apex body bringing together all tourism Associations in Uganda for a period of 7 years.
Her Passion lies in Women Empowerment, Rural development and Cultural Tourism Development.
Join a community of the most influential sustainable tourism leaders in policy, business and practice showcasing to more than 100 delegates. Conference fee waived for speakers
The most influential sustainable tourism leaders in policy, business and practice
Sustainable Tourism Expert and Professor of Marketing and Tourism, University of Nottingham (UK).
Marina is Professor of Marketing and Tourism. She joined the Nottingham University Business School in October 2023. She is a geographer with a background in economics, and over 20 years' experience of high-quality research, consultancy, knowledge exchange, PhD supervision, teaching and curriculum development and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research. She is an internationally renowned policy, planning and sustainable development expert and has advised on numerous international cooperation and research assignments funded by International Development Organisations (IDOs) including The World Bank, the European Union, The UN (UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO), the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Millennium Challenge Corporation as well as National Ministries, Tourism Boards, Regional Development Agencies and NGOs. She is known globally for her excellence in leading and collaborating with multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder and multi-cultural teams and for her commitment to generating new knowledge on ways in which tourism can play a key role in sustainable development by stimulating local economies, conserving the environment, developing people and changing lives.
Senior lecturer for Management, Business Leadership, and Entrepreneurship subjects in the Department of Tourism Management, Tshwane University of Technology
Portia Pearl Siyanda Sifolo has a wealth of experience and prodigious knowledge in the tourism sector. She is currently a senior lecturer for Management, Business Leadership, and Entrepreneurship subjects in the Department of Tourism Management at the Tshwane University of Technology. She is a Y2 National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher. She is a candidate in the 21/23 Future Professors Program by the Department of Higher Education & Training. Portia completed her Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) which focused on the nexus between supply chain management and stakeholder management for the balanced and optimal growth of the tourism sector. She has a passion for leadership in tourism and digitalisation within the tourism supply networks in the SADC region as economic development initiatives. Her scientific interests include digital procurement of tourism establishments in Africa. She has co-authored in different books, published research papers in academic journals, and participated in both domestic and international conferences.
Founder and former CEO, Tour2.0
Mr. Adidwa is a leader who is passionate about entrepreneurship and technology. He takes pleasure in channelling this passion through sourcing innovative solutions, that address current problems within the African continent and taking these solutions to market.
Daniel has attained his BA Degree in Integrated Marketing Communication and a Diploma in Account Management from the AAA School of Advertising, a certificate in Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies and A certificate in CS50 Computer Science from Harvard, and has completed a course in User Experience (Ultimate Guide to Usability and UX) from Udemy. He has worked for various communications agencies, where he worked on various local and international blue-chip accounts, consulted for various state and private companies, and is involved in other high impact projects.
He is passionate about the African continent, its people and the stories behind African communities. He believes that technology can play a large role in getting the world to experience real African communities. He has been a Vice-Chairman of the youth steering committee of the Regional Tourism Association of Southern Africa (RETOSA) and held the role of founder and former CEO of Tour2.0 (the leading provider of unique urban, cultural and community tourism experiences in South Africa). During tenure at Tour2.0, his team has managed to stimulate the cultural and community tourism sector within South Africa, by building a unique product base of over 70 unique urban, cultural and community tourism experiences, and was in the process of expanding to 5 territories on the African continent before the pandemic hit.
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Accounting & Administration Manager, Painted Wolves Limited
Mary Njoroge works as Accounting & Administration Manager at Painted Wolves Limited. Following previous roles within the accounting and administration sector in Kenya, Mary has risen through the ranks at Painted Wolves Limited. Mary was awarded for being the best candidate in the Certified Public Accountant exams. Mary shares her expertise and experience with other Kenyan women via a women empowerment group that supports young mothers who survived violence to continue their education.
Founding Member and Managing Director, Weeva and Executive Sustainability, Nianova, Oppenheimer Generations
Julie is a skilled sustainability consultant with experience spanning over 20 years. Her focus lies in sustainable development and business transformation.
Learnings over the course of her career led Julie to be part of the initial group of thought leaders who found Weeva – a SaaS platform that will enable the travel industry to adopt a measurable and holistic sustainability practice that goes beyond pledges and marketing ploys and recalibrates operations for improved performance and positive impact - in 2021. Weeva launched to market in January 2023.
Prior to this Julie advised a diverse range of clients on their sustainability journey, including the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Wolwedans, The Long Run, National Geographic, Tswalu Kalahari, Fireblade Aviation, and Oppenheimer Generations. However, she has also worked on transformation and sustainability at well-known corporate institutions such as Standard Bank, Distell, BMGi, the National Australia Bank, and National Geographic.
Julie holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (NMMU) coupled with a post-graduate certificate in Executive Development (GIBS), Six Sigma (Black Belt), and Program Management Certifications. She is a member of NOW Partners - a global partnership of over 100 senior business leaders united to accelerate the economic evolution of business for good.
Founder and Lead Consultant, Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda
Judy Kepher Gona is a global sustainable tourism leader from Kenya. As the founder of Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda, Judy has been instrumental in advancing responsible tourism practices in the continent. Her efforts have been recognized globally, and she continues to be a leading voice for equity, inclusion, diversity and consciousness in tourism.
Journalist, Tourism and Conservation
Harriet Owalla is a Kenyan journalist who's been reporting on tourism and conservation for the past seven years. Her work has been published in various publications both local and international like the Skift, Afar, Fodor not to mention but a few. She has also featured on BBC Travel Kenya edition and the New York times talking on the same. On top of that, she has worked with various tourism boards like Magical Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Seychelles, Morocco, Zimbabwe to market their destinations.
CEO, Climate Friendly Club
Ged is the CEO of the new Climate Friendly Travel Club - a part of the SUNx Malta Community promoting Paris 1.5 and supporting tourism transformation as part of our “Plan For Our Kids” and the world’s poorest countries.
A highly regarded travel industry leader with over 20 years senior management experience, Ged has held senior positions with leading global travel organisations such as; Thomas Cook, Travel Weekly, MyTravel, TUI and Kuoni. He sat on the Executive Leadership Board at Routes Aviation Events for 10 years, during which time he pioneered and promoted the role of tourism authorities in the air service development process.
A passionate advocate of the advantages of tourism, Ged is dedicated to ensuring that there is a sustainable tourism offering for future generations which protects and nurtures destinations and their cultures. As such Ged is also the Founder & Chairman of Low Season Traveller; the world's first organisation completely dedicated to the promotion of travel during the non peak seasons and also is one of the Founding Directors on the Executive Board of The World Tourism Association of Culture and Heritage.
Additionally, Ged regularly writes articles for industry publications within the tourism sector and is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate speaker at several travel sector events throughout the year and is regularly called upon to commentate on travel industry issues of overtourism and responsible tourism in media interviews on radio and TV.
Senior Lecturer and Dean of School of Tourism and Hospitality, Strathmore University
David is an Ecologist, a Senior Lecturer and Dean of School of Tourism and Hospitality, Strathmore University. Holds a PhD in zoology (Conservation Ecology). His skills and expertise span teaching, research, conservation, public policy and sustainable development. He has experience in development, and evaluation of projects on biodiversity and ecosystem services, wildlife conservation and management, sustainable land use management, natural resource policy, climate change resilience and enhancing local livelihoods through conservation enterprise. He developed a training manual for green destination guidelines for Kenya under African Wildlife Foundation Project and trained conservancies in Southern and Northern Kenya on conservation and sustainability approaches. His aim is to promote biodiversity conservation while enhancing meaningful gains to local communities at tourism destinations and protected areas, and to mainstream conservation best practices in Kenyan tourism destinations. Research supervisor at Strathmore Business School for public policy and sustainability projects. A member of British Ecological Society, International Network for Next Generation Ecologists. A former EARTHWATCH and Tropical Biology Association fellow and current chair of International Foundation for Science (Kenya chapter).
Dr. Chiawo holds a PhD PhD in Zoology (Conservation). Rhodes University, MSc. (Ecology); Kenyatta University and Bachelor of Education Science (Second class Honours-Upper Division), Kenyatta University
Ph.D (Doctorate), Research Student, University of Brighton
Clive Allanso is a Doctoral candidate at the University of Brighton whose research is looking at developing a critical understanding of the “value of arts” beyond the commercial meaning of the term, and the role of art champions in the development of the creative sector SMEs (i.e. galleries, fairs, museums, studios) and value chain connection with the tourism sector in West-Africa. The study aims to identify innovative, socially responsible, sustainable and ethical pathways to contemporary arts and community-based tourism development and productivity in West-Africa.
The Head of Research, Innovation & Business,Boma International Hospitality College.
Billy Wadongo is The Head of Research, Innovation & Business at Boma International Hospitality College. He holds a Ph.D. in performance management and evaluation from University of Bedfordshire, UK, M.Sc. (Hospitality management) and a B.Sc. (Hotel & Institution Management) from Maseno University, Kenya as well as a Diploma in Community Development and Project Planning & Management.
He previously worked a chair of academic department, Maseno University, research assistant at Lord Ashcroft
International Business School, Anglia Ruskin University, UK, and a graduate research assistant at Maseno University. During his career as he have delivered program leadership, teaching, and examination of Undergraduate/postgraduate courses.
He is an experienced TVET skills development expert & training consultant in strategic technical guidance on market-driven workforce development methodologies involving public and private sector partnerships through development and delivery of TVET Competency Based Education Training (CBET) curriculum, short courses, professional development programs (PDPs), Dual Vocational apprentice Approach (DVAA) programs, Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) programs, blended learning programs, and masterclass programs. He is an experienced program and curriculum leader, curriculum developer and peer reviewer. In addition he has invaluable postgraduate dissertation supervision & examination.
Over the years, he has gained relevant and practical experience in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research designs, systematic literature reviews, data analysis, technical proposal writing and report writing. He has worked with private, public, and non-profit organisations as a researcher, and consultant in performance management, skills expert groups, innovation, documentation, capacity building, quality assurance project design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. He has published 17 papers in refereed journals, co-authored two peer reviewed book and book chapters.
