The WTACH ‘Five in Five’
Global Leader Interviews Series.
Welcome to the WTACH ‘Five in Five’, our ‘Global Tourism Leader’ interviews series.
The Five in Five series is a program that shares the stories, insights and experiences of some amazing people around the world.
It’s simple… we ask ‘5 Questions in 5 Minutes’ to give you glimpse into their lives and unique environments to learn more about their plans, places and ideas now and into the future.
It’s five minutes that just might change or influence the way you do business.
Enjoy!
Geert Kroos - Founder & CEO, ResiRest, Netherlands
ResiRest a company that connects travellers with families all around the world through the sharing local food served at their own dinner tables. These true authentic experiences have caught the imagination of 1000’s of travellers creating a hugely positive social impact for local communities in some of the worlds’ more remote areas. In this warm, fun, and frank interview, Geert shares how it was his visit to Jamaica that set him on the path to creating ResiRest, and how the true value of cultural heritage tourism is the positive impact it can have if we do not try to interfere but keep things real.
Rana Saad, Founder & CEO of Tuzmo
Tuzmo is new innovative tourism business that connects tourists and travellers with local master artisans in a destination for the direct purchase of authentic souvenirs and crafts.
In this warm and passionate interview Rana explains that by empowering the artisans and creators of local artefacts, they now have an opportunity to improve and take ownership of their lives and livelihoods.
He also explains how the travel Industry is able to support initiatives like Tuzmo
Dr. Jens Thraenhart - CEO, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Barbados is a tropical island country located the south-eastern Caribbean Sea. Situated approx. 100 miles (160 km) east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the island is blessed with crystal clear waters, soft white sandy beaches, luscious tropical gardens, and a rich cultural heritage that stem from West African and British influences. Plus it has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! In this insightful and detailed interview, Jens explains the true essence of Barbados and what really make it such a unique destination for travellers.
Emily Edenshaw - President and CEO, The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC)
The ANHC preserves and strengthens the traditions, languages, and art, of Alaska’s Native People through statewide collaboration, celebration, and education. In this compelling and insightful interview, Emily shares how ANHC provides economic opportunities grounded in both culture both and heritage, and how living and upholding the traditional native ways of life is the foundation on which the center was founded. This is especially important for the native youth who get to learn, understands, and appreciate and true values of who they are and what they represent.
Gracen Chungath - Snr Vice President Destination Development Destination Canada Part 2
In Part 2 of this compelling and detailed interview, Gracen shares what makes Canada so unique from a Cultural Heritage perspective and what measures our industry can take to prevent issues such as overtourism from happening again.Destination Canada is the official marketing organisation dedicated to promoting the growth and profitability of the Canadian tourism industry
Sebastian Reddeker, CEO of Luxembourg for Tourism GIE (Visit Luxembourg)
Luxembourg is a small European country, surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany. It’s mostly rural, with dense Ardennes forest and nature parks in the north, rocky gorges of the Mullerthal region in the east and the Moselle river valley in the southeast. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is steeped in history and is especially famed for its fortified medieval old town perched on sheer cliffs. In this insightful and intuitive interview, Sebastian shares his thought on the true value of Cultural Heritage tourism an how it engages and supports local communities and businesses.
Jeroen Roppe - Official Spokesperson - Visit Brussels - Part 2
For many the capital of the Europe is best know best for the stunning Grand Place, its wonderful cuisine and gastronomic delights, more types of beer than you can imagine, that cheeky little statue ‘Manneken Pis’ a giant representation of an iron crystal know as the Atomium, and of course….chocolate. But with all of that said…. you’re only just getting started.
Michael Golding - CEO of Visit Inverness Loch Ness
Known for being one of the most beautiful areas of the Scottish Highlands, the region is most notably famed for the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. A mysterious ancient creature that is said to inhabit the Loch. In this compelling interview Michael shares what makes this Inverness Loch Ness so unique, and how sustainability plays such a significant part in the ongoing tourism development of the region. Michael also explains the significance of tourism on local communities and the positive impact it has when done right
Tim Cossar, CEO, Te Puia, Rotorua, New Zealand
As Cultural Tourism was founded in Rotorua, New Zealand, we thought this would be an excellent place to begin the WTACH Five in Five Global Leaders Interview Series, In our first episode we hear from Tim Cossar, CEO, Te Puia who gives a frank and honest insight into how the legendary Mãori arts and craft academy has managed during the the impact of COVID19
Vagelis Vlachos, CEO of the Athens Development & Destination Management Agency, Athens, Greece
In this episode Vagelis shares his vision for the city to celebrate its local community and living culture. As he rightly says, 'A good place to live is a good place to visit’.
Samantha Bray, Managing Director of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), Washington DC, USA
In this episode Samantha shares her thoughts and insights on the significant part Cultural Heritage Tourism will play in the post COVID19 world and how tourism needs to become the protector of the worlds increasing fragile cultural assets.
Clare Jenkinson, Head of Sustainability ABTA – The Travel Association, London, UK
Having recently release the ABTA 'Tourism for Good' Report, a roadmap for rebuilding Travel & Tourism, Clare explains what a successful destination should look like in today’s environment and the significance of Cultural Heritage to the UK travel market.
Carolina Canto Herrera, Lecturer & Senior Consultant specialising in Community Tourism. Yukatán, Mexico
Based in Yucatan, Mexico, Carolina shares with us her insights, experience and considerations in responsibly developing this increasingly important sector of our industry and the critical role communities play in the tourism landscape.
Juma Mkwela, Founder of Juma Art Tours, Cape Town, South Africa
In this episode we visit Cape Town, South Africa to meet with Juma Mkwela, Founder of Juma Art Tours he explains how his love of Art, History and Culture inspired him to develop a creative platform as a way to embraced local communities and assist them to become self sufficient through tourism.
Jennifer Tombaugh, President, Tauck, Wilton, Connecticut, USA
As Americas first ever licensed tour operator and having been in business since 1925, Tauck has an unprecedented history.
In this fascinating interview Jennifer shares her own personal cultural adventures plus her own insights on how to emerge from COVID19 better and stronger.
Dr Paul Rogers, Co-Founder and Director, Planet Happiness, Seattle, Washington. USA
In this captivating interview Paul shares his own journey and how it shaped his realisation that destinations of the future need to better serve their host-communities.
Diving deep into his vast experience, Paul explains how tourism can improve the lives and livelihoods of local communities and is the perfect vehicle to better protect and preserve the worlds’ cultural heritage assets.
Sarah Botaake Teetu, Marketing & Promotions Manager, Tourism Authority of Kiribati, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati
In this episode we travel to Kiribati, one of the worlds most beautiful and unspoiled islands and people.
Comprising of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) has a total land area of 811 square kilometres. However, this is spread over a total area of 3.5 million Km² !
Giving us a rare glimpse into this remote and intriguing island and community, Sarah shares some of the secrets of this magical place.
Bruce Haxton, Founder & CEO of the Tuk Tuk Club, Chiang Mai, Thailand
In this episode we venture to tropical Northern Thailand to chat with Bruce Haxton, Founder & CEO of the Tuk Tuk Club.
Described by the Sunday Times as 'The Best Driving Holiday in the World,’ The Tuk Tuk Club takes travellers to see the Thailand few ever get to experience. Think winding mountain roads, towering forests, elephants, pristine waterfalls, jungle cookery, Hill Tribe stays, authentic Thai food, and that's the Tuk Tuk Club experience.
This is truly exciting stuff, so watch, listen and enjoy.
Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, United Arab Emirates
In this episode we hear from Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
As the northern most region of the Emirates, RAK, as it’s affectionately known, has a culture and history dating back more than 7000years
With four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, RAK is considered one of the most authentic destinations in the Middle East.
In this compelling interview Raki shares what make Ras Al Khaimah so unique from a cultural heritage perspective, and why community, sustainability and the preservation of local culture and traditions is so important for the destination.
Vickie Oldham - President & CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
Black History Week
What began as an idea to save 100 years of Newtown’s untold stories of courage, dignity and determination, quickly morphed into a Cultural Heritage Tourism initiative that continues to transform an African American community.
Starting out as a research report following a proposal submitted to local authorities by Vickie, this award winning project has since grown to include an oral history of interviews, a book, historic markers, a documentary, guided walking and trolley tours a traveling exhibition, a mobile app, a podcast series and an education programs in schools.
In this powerful ‘Five in Five’ interview, Vickie shares her thoughts, insights and what makes Newtown and Sarasota so unique from a cultural heritage perspective.
Maurice Foley, Founder & CEO, Black Travel Expo
Black History Week
In an era when you think just about everything has been achieved and there's nothing left to help drive growth and success it takes a very special person to recognise critical gaps, especially those that have the potential to benefit and support a people, sector or community.
Well Maurice Foley is one such person.
Maurice identified the need for a dedicated event catering specifically for the Black Travel industry and travelling public. After all, the value of Black Travel market is worth nearly USD110 billion (MMGY Global Report Jan 2021)
Astonished at the sheer size and economic value of this previously unrecognised and untapped travel sector and in an effort to bring travellers and industry closer together - Black Travel Expo was born.
Dr. Adyasha Das, Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management
An award winning Professor and Author, Adyasha has a passion for Indian history, with a special interest in India's ancient temples.
In her book: 'The Sacred World of Temples', Adyasha documents her travels to different temples and temple towns in India, Sri lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Egypt, as a way to better understand these ancient spiritual places form a cultural tourism perspective.
In this insightful interview, Dr Das shares some of her own special cultural experiences. We also learn more about the state of Odisha and the positive impact responsible tourism has on communities and how this in itself can serve towards protecting cultural heritage assets.
Bryce Albright - Executive Director, Dude Ranchers Association, Wyoming
From humble beginnings back in 1926, today the association represents more than 90 Dude Ranches in 10 U.S. westerns states and one Canadian province.
The Association was established to protect and preserve the special way of life and the spectacular Wyoming environment in which Dude Ranching takes place. In this warm and inviting interview Bryce shares her own love of history and some of the own cultural ambitions.
She also explains why Culture and Heritage is so important to DRA and how it plays a significant part in how they market and promote the various experiences to their customers.
Issoufou Adamou Hassane, President and Co-founder of TOLD-Niger - Part Two
TOLD-Niger is a specialist organisation that promotes tourism as way to protect, preserve and promote the unique Niger culture and environment. With a focus on supporting local communities, especially those in more remote or rural areas, Issoufou provide training and professional support as a means of improving their socio-economic conditions through responsible and sustainable tourism development. In this the 2nd of our ‘Two Part’ interview, Issoufou explains more about his work and how tourism is changing the lives of local communities for the better
Carolyn Mwenda - Head of Marketing, National Museum of Kenya
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) showcase Kenya's rich heritage with four distinct themes representing the country's culture, Nature, history, and art. In this compelling yet delightful interview, Carolyn explains how Kenya is the true cradle of mankind. It is this unique aspect of Kenya’s cultural history that has positioned (NMK) as a global leader in heritage research, preservation, and innovation.
Mercy Sombo - Senior Tourism Officer, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Nigeria
The culture of Nigeria is rich and varied boasting more than 250 ethnic groups spread throughout the country. Speaking 527 languages with an estimated 1150 dialects, it is these local communities coupled with the Nigeria’s rich natural resources that is driving the visitor economy today. In this insightful interview Mercy shares just how important Culture and Heritage Tourism is for the local communities of Nigeria. From the development of local economies that support the lives and livelihoods of local people, to driving increased attention on environmental and other sustainability issue.
Gracen Chungath -Snr Vice President Destination Development - Destination Canada Part 1
In Part 1 of this compelling and detailed 'Two Part Series', Gracen shares her mostly significant Cultural Heritage Tourism (CHT) experiences and the impact this made on her personally. She also explains the positive impact responsible CHT can have on local communities when done right and done well. Destination Canada is the official marketing organisation dedicated to promoting the growth and profitability of the Canadian tourism industry.
Yrjötapio (YT) Kivisaari - CEO - Visit Oulu.
Oulu is a city in central Finland, where the Oulujoki River meets the Bay of Bothnia. A mix of northern nature, urban city culture, and original local flavour, oulu is a vibrant city that hosts events throughout the year, especially during the darkest months when the city is illumined with festive lights and from time to time the auroraborealis. In this warm and insightful interview ‘YT” explains what makes Oulu so unique and how seasonality plays such an important part in their marketing plan to attract visitors.
Brent Hill - CEO, Tourism Fiji
Bula! In this video we head to the warm oceans and tropical climate of Polynesia in the South Pacific to hear from Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, The most popular tourist destination in the South Pacific, Brent share more about what makes Fiji so unique, and how visitors are now seeking to discover not just its pristine waters and sandy beaches, but the true authentic culture and traditional way of life of the island people. In this wonderful interview Brent covers much, much more about Fiji and how responsible tourism is helping support local communities
Stephanie M Jones, Founder & CEO, Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance & National Blacks in Travel & Tourism Collaborative, USA
Internationally recognised as a tourism leader and innovator, Stephanie shares the unique cultural history of the US and how 400 years of African America influence continues to shape society and communities throughout the country
Melanie Chervalier, CEO, Creative Culture, London, UK
As Melanie quite rightly says, culture is made by people for people.
It’s about ideas, customs and behaviours.
It is constantly evolving, and it does so in real time, everywhere.
In this video Melanie shares her wisdom, insights and experience on why Corporate Business from all sectors needs to "Get Culture Right".
Ged Brown, Founder & CEO, Low Season Traveller, Manchester, UK
Founder of the worlds’ FIRST and ONLY company dedicated to the promotion of off-peak travel, Ged explores and explains the new direction/s our industry must take to ensure we don’t make the catastrophic mistakes of the past.
Hon Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Government of Belize,
In this interview Minister Mahler shares what makes his country so unique. We also learn how Cultural Heritage Tourism is improving the socio-economic conditions and the livelihoods of local communities and people
Greg ‘Gug’ Girard, Canadian Travel & Media Legend, British Columbia, Canada
In this episode we hear from Co-Bro Founder of multi award winning eh Canada Travel Gug share his appreciation of Canadian Culture and the increasingly important role Tourism needs to play to help better protect and preserve it for future generations.
Tolene van der Merwe, Director UK & Ireland. Malta Tourism Authority, London
In this compelling interview Tolene shares with us her own discovery of Malta and the many surprises she discovered along the way in this amazingly rich cultural destination.
Hjörtur Smárason, CEO of Visit Greenland, Reykjavík, Iceland
Covering more than 2m km² but with a population of just 57,000, Greenland is a fascinating but little known country.
In this truly fascinating interview Hjortur shares incredible details about his country and the important part cultural tourism plays, especially for local communities.
Geoff Manchester, Co-Founder, Intrepid Travel, Melbourne, Australia
Established 32years ago, Intrepid Travel is now the largest B-Corp and 'Adventure Travel' Tour Operator in the world.
In this insightful and honest interview, Geoff shares his own travel experiences and how changing the way people see the world is central to the Intrepid culture.
With COVID19 continuing to change traveller intentions and attitudes, Geoff gives his views on why we need to improve how we do business and why tourism should seek to better embrace and support local cultures and communities.
Dimitris Palaiogiannis, Founder & CEO Zorbabook, Athens, Greece
In this episode we journey to Greece to hear from Founder and CEO of Zorbabook, Dimitris Palaiogiannis.
Dimitris is the creator of a unique booking, communication platform specialising in authentic local Greek food and traditional cultural and nature based experiences.
In this interview Dimitris shares his passion of working to empower and support local communities through the development of responsible and sustainable tourism products and experiences.
There is still so much about Greece we just don’t know, so we’re sure you’ll enjoy and appreciate this insightful and thoughtful interview.
Alexa Pham, Founder, Chai Lai Orchid, Chiang Mai, Thailand
In this episode we continue our exploration of Northern Thailand as we hear from Alexa Pham, Founder of Chai Lai Orchid, a unique jungle hideaway and ethical elephant sanctuary.
In this truly inspiring interview, Alexa shares her thoughts, experiences and the wonderful work she does with her dedicated team of local Pga k’ nyau indigenous people and their family of elephants.
Located in foothills of the Himalayas, Chai Lai Orchid is all about people, place, planet and community.
Enjoy…
Gregory Bakunzi, Founder & CEO, Red Rocks Rwanda, Nyakinama, Rwanda
If you've ever questioned whether an individual can really make a positive difference to society then this WTACH 'Five in Five’ interview will put any doubts you may have had to bed. That’s because we are sharing the incredible work being done by Greg Bakunzi, CEO & Founder of Red Rocks Rwanda to protect and preserve his Cultural Heritage in ways that both financially support and build pride in local communities.
Red Rocks Rwanda is both an ecotourism company and social enterprise that is all about the community.
By developing community and conservation programs that promote responsible and sustainable tourism, Gregory is bringing under-served communities into the tourism supply chain by supporting development projects that help people help themselves It’s fantastic!
NY Nathiri - Executive Director, Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community
Black History Week
In this Black History Week 'Five in Five' interview we shed light on how the ‘Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community’ (P.E.C.) under the leadership of Executive Director, N.Y. Nathiri, has transformed Eatonville, Florida, the community literary icon Zora Neale Hurston has made famous as "the first incorporated African-American community in the United States,"
A mecca for the arts and culture, and a world-class destination for Cultural Heritage Tourism. P.E.C. is also producer of the award-winning Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities (The ZORA!™ ) In this compelling interview,
NY shares her personal thoughts and experience on how and why Cultural Heritage Tourism when done well has the power to transform communities for the better.
Stephanie M. Jones, MBA, Founder & CEO, Blacks in Travel & Tourism Collaborative
Black History Week
In our final WTACH ‘Five in Five’ interview celebrating 'Black History Week', we feature Stephanie M. Jones, MBA, Founder & CEO of Washington DC based Blacks in Travel & Tourism Collaborative.
Internationally recognised as a tourism leader and innovator, Stephanie details why the unique cultural history of the US and 400 years of African America influence continues to shape society and communities throughout the country.
In this insightful interview Stephanie also shares her own favourite cultural heritage tourism experience and some of the crucial steps we need to take as we learn to live and travel with COVID virus.
Chavunga Lungu - A/CEO Zambia Tourism Agency
The home of the famous Victoria Falls, or ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ in the local indigenous language, a name meaning ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, Zambia also boasts the planet's largest mammal migration, extraordinarily beautiful landscapes and a rich and diverse ancient culture.
In this intriguing and insightful interview, Chavunga shares what’s uniquely special about Zambia and how the emergence of responsible Cultural Tourism is having a positive impact on local communities.
With more than 70 different ethnic tribes, he also explains how their many traditions and festivals makes Zambia a 365day destination.
Max Lloyd - Head of Sales and Marketing, Manea Footprints of Kupe, Opononi, New Zealand.
Manea Footprints of Kupe is a unique #cultural encounter that journeys into te ao Māori, or Māori world.
Located on the shores of the spectacular Hokianga Harbour, the experience tells the story of Kupe the legendary Polynesian who legend tells was the first human to discover Aotearoa New Zealand.
In this compelling interview Mark shares more details of the legendary Kupe and how this unique experience has and continues to benefit the local community who are his true ancestors .
Daphne Spencer, Vice Chair of the African Association of Women in Tourism & Hospitality. (AAWTH)
AAWTH was formed to empower, promote and develop women in Africa’s tourism industry, by building a community of professional female professionals and change-makers.
The association is made up of female African and African descent tourism professionals who have come together to assist and support African tourism and hospitality develop and grow.
In this enlightening interview Daphne shares more about AAWTH and how culture will play such a significant part in African tourism from both an industry and community perspective.
Sebastian Reddeker, CEO of Luxembourg for Tourism GIE (Visit Luxembourg)
Luxembourg is a small European country, surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany. It’s mostly rural, with dense Ardennes forest and nature parks in the north, rocky gorges of the Mullerthal region in the east and the Moselle river valley in the southeast.
Its capital, Luxembourg City, is steeped in history and is especially famed for its fortified medieval old town perched on sheer cliffs.
In this insightful and intuitive interview, Sebastian shares his thought on the true value of Cultural Heritage tourism an how it engages and supports local communities and businesses.
Gregory Bakunzi, Founder & CEO, Red Rocks Rwanda, Nyakinama, Rwanda
If you've ever questioned whether an individual can really make a positive difference to society then this WTACH 'Five in Five’ interview will put any doubts you may have had to bed. That’s because we are sharing the incredible work being done by Greg Bakunzi, CEO & Founder of Red Rocks Rwanda to protect and preserve his Cultural Heritage in ways that both financially support and build pride in local communities.
Red Rocks Rwanda is both an ecotourism company and social enterprise that is all about the community.
By developing community and conservation programs that promote responsible and sustainable tourism, Gregory is bringing under-served communities into the tourism supply chain by supporting development projects that help people help themselves It’s fantastic!
Melissa Tilling - Charitable Travel
Charitable Travel is an independent travel agent and not-for-private-profit social enterprise, that sacrifices part of their commissions to allow customers to donate to support causes they care about. As Melissa says, “Every penny of profit earned by Charitable Travel, everything we do, and everything we offer our customers, supports charity fundraising and good causes.” This is an inspiring venture that strives to supports those who have the least but need the most.
Jeroen Roppe, Official Spokesperson for Visit Brussels - Part 1
In Part 1 of this compelling interview, Jeroen shares many of the wonderous offerings that makes Brussels truly unique. And the city manages to spread visitations throughout the whole years copes with potential overtourism