Speakers
James Wilson, Desert & Delta Safaris, Botswana
Living in Botswana as Director of Sales & Marketing for Desert & Delta Safaris, James has lived in the country for 10-years with a strong passion for birding and wildlife photography in Africa. He’s served over seventeen years in the tourism industry and in his spare time co-founded a regional destination campaign called #ThisIsChobe and runs Inspiring African Travel, a podcast and digital platform promoting responsible travel in Africa.
Lisa Roos, O&L Leisure Hotels and Lodges, Namibia
The RSA Sales Manager at O&L Leisure Hotels and Lodges, Lisa started her career in hospitality in 2003 and has loved absolutely every minute of it. Her journey with O&L Leisure started 6 years ago.
Chris Tett, Bushtracks Africa, Zambia
Christopher Tett is currently the Managing Director of Bushtracks Africa and its Group of Companies that are based in the Victoria Falls Region being, Livingstone, Kasane Victoria Falls. Graduated from Sandhurst in 1986 he enlisted to the Irish Guards, finishing as a Captain in 1992. Christopher immediately embarked upon a tourism career in Zimbabwe, managing safari camps and tour leading American nonprofit educational groups throughout Southern Africa. In 1996 Christopher moved to Zambia and set up Bushtracks Africa with his wife Samantha. Twenty years later the group now employ over 150 staff, operate over 40 vehicles including electric vehicles and two 5 Star Steam Trains! Community minded, Christopher latest adventure took him 1,000km across Zambia on a bicycle to raise awareness against Gender Based Violence. He lives on the banks of the Zambezi River, outside Livingstone with Samantha and their two children, Venetia and Sebastian enjoying any free time guiding in the bush.
Michelle Keefe, Africa Addict, Zimbabwe
Africa Addict is a dream come true and a proudly Zimbabwean, home grown product! The owner and fun “factotum” Michelle Keefe, is passionate about Africa, her country, its people and the precious wildlife.
Located in cozy offices in Victoria Falls, the epi-centre of the Adventure Capital of Africa – Michelle can see the “smoke that thunders” from her office! Africa Addict is a result of Michelle combining, molding and tweaking all the knowledge and experience she has gained in the industry and perfecting a dream product. Africa Addict offers Safaris and Holidays that are personally attended to from start to finish. Tailor made to suit your bucket list experience, your budget and your expectations.
Family travel is a favourite of Michelle’s as she is a Mom herself whilst Special Occasions will have all those special touches that will tug at your heart. First time safari guests are in good hands as Michelle ticks every box ensuring an exciting and incredibly memorable safari.
There is something for everyone with Africa Addict. Guests will always leave as friends and become an important chapter in the Africa Addict story.
Jillian Blackbeard, Chief Executive Officer, The Victoria Falls Regional Tourism Association
Jillian's passion lies in Africa Tourism and Conservation, she has been leading the industry for over 10 years specifically marketing, first for a Southern African hotel and resort chain, followed by 5 years at director for marketing and product development at Botswana Tourism Organisation, followed by Director for Africa for The World Travel and Tourism Association. She is now the CEO of The Victoria Falls Regional Tourism Association, the first purely private sector driven organisation representing the entire KAZA region (Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe) which is undertaking an ambition destination marketing strategy and campaign at all levels of the tourism supply chain. Jillian's passions extend to conversation, managing the Tlhokomela Endangered Wildlife Trust for 5 years and continues to support projects that link tourism with conservation. Over the past years she has spoken at international conferences and events on the importance of Intra-African Travel and opportunities and challenges for the sector across the African continent.