PANEL DISCUSSIONS

The future of tourism takes the stage

Experience a world-class live panel discussion at KARIBU-KILIFAIR, where industry experts and professionals come together to share ideas, real-world experiences, and bold visions shaping the future of tourism in East Africa. Join leading voices in the tourism & hospitality industry for powerful and open discussions on sustainability, technology, and the evolving landscape of East African hospitality. Be part of the conversation, Be part of the future!

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Panel Discussions Schedule

11:00 | Waste Management by OKOTA

INTERVIEWEE

Faith Frank

Salam Africa

Andrew R.W. Wallace

Co-Founder & CEO - OKTOA

FOCUS – A personal conversation with Andrew Okota.
This interview highlights the importance of clean environments fortourism and everyday life. Andrew Wallace, the leader of KARIBU‑KILIFAIR’s waste management partner, outlines how waste is responsibly collected, recycled, and managed. Effective practices ensure cities and tourist destinations remain attractive, while safeguarding nature and promoting sustainable development. By prioritizing cleanliness and accountability, communities enjoy healthier surroundings and visitors experience welcoming spaces, reinforcing the vital connection between responsible waste management and long‑term growth in the tourism industry.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Lizanne du Plessis

Eco Africa Digital

Robyn de Villiers

Eco Africa Digital

FOCUS – Performance Ads + AI Transformation/Agentic AI.

This workshop will show tourism businesses how to improve discoverability in the age of AI search. We will explore how smart video, storytelling, reviews, transcripts, schema, SEO and GEO content clusters can help tourism brands become easier for both travellers and AI platforms to find, understand and recommend, while strengthening visibility, building trust, driving bookings, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring long-term resilience through innovative strategies that align with evolving.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Lizanne du Plessis

Eco Africa Digital

Robyn de Villiers

Eco Africa Digital

FOCUS – Performance Ads + AI Transformation/Agentic AI.

This workshop will help tourism businesses understand how to convert digital visibility into measurable bookings. We will cover performance ads, audience building, retargeting, KPI tracking, AI agents and the future of Agentic AI – where integrated systems will become essential for tourism brands that want to be bookable, not just visible, while strengthening competitiveness, optimizing conversion strategies, enhancing customer trust, driving sustainable growth, and technological innovation across global markets.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Melissa Foley

All About Africa Sustainability Consulting

Jules Knocker

The Map’s Edge Ltd.

Mary Njuguna

African Scenic Safaris

Samantha Smits

Smits SusTour Consultancy

The new EU green rules can feel hard, especially for small and medium businesses. We will explore what the new directives are and why they are important. Also to show what international buyers are looking for. Participants will get practical advice, tools, and solutions. This helps businesses prepare early, improve transparency, and meet global standards, so they do not lose access to important international markets.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Faith Frank

Salam Africa

Kenneth K. Komu

Global Rescue LLC

Dr. Joseph Lelo

AMREF

Jacek Rejman

Arusha Medivac LTD

Dr Anushka Reddy

Vivari Collection

Tourist safety is very important for Tanzania’s tourism industry. Fast first-aid services and emergency evacuation can save lives and build traveler confidence. Tanzania is improving healthcare support for tourists through better training, medical services, and emergency response systems. Strong health and safety solutions help visitors feel secure and support the growth of sustainable tourism.
11:00 | The skills gap in hospitality: Are we preparing the right talents?

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Faith Frank

Salam Africa

Roy Mushobozi

Serengeti Balloon Safaris

Dr. Maswet Crescent Masinda

National College of Tourism

Cornelia Wallner-Friese

Africa Amini Life

The hospitality industry needs skilled workers who can offer good service, use technology, and communicate well. Many businesses struggle to find trained staff. Schools and training programs must better prepare young people for real hotel and tourism jobs. Closing the skills gap is important for
improving customer experience and supporting the future growth of hospitality.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS​

Lizanne du Plessis

Eco Africa Digital

Robyn de Villiers

Eco Africa Digital

Tourism businesses feel anxious as algorithms, OTAs, AI search, Google, Meta and booking platforms dominate visibility. The solution is aligning strategy, content, website, booking engine, CRM, data, guest communication and direct booking into one connected digital ecosystem.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Faith Frank

Salam Africa

Victor Makere

Visa Country Manager East Africa

Chad Pollock

Visa Vice President, East Africa

This panel strengthens U.S.–Tanzania tourism by addressing travel, infrastructure, and market access challenges. With Visa East Africa, it highlights digital payments improving accessibility & enhancing traveler experiences.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Babbie Kabae

Media & PR Communication Specialist

Jackie Mbowe

Jambo Brainbox

Robyn de Villiers

Eco Africa Digital

Diana Pinta

Influencer / Travel Blogger

Arjav Vyas

Merit Concept

Travel bloggers and influencers grow tourism by sharing authentic experiences online. Their photos, videos and stories inspire travel, while social media helps businesses reach audiences, build trust and boost bookings. Strong content converts followers into visitors, making social media essential.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Faith Frank

Salam Africa

Apaikunda Mugur

TANAPA

Ernest Mwamwaja

TTB

Eward Athanas

Mabata Makali

The southern tourism corridor has great potential for future growth. It offers beautiful nature, wildlife, and less crowded destinations. Investing in the south can create jobs, improve infrastructure, and attract more visitors. With smart planning and sustainable tourism, the southern corridor can become an important part of the country’s tourism industry.
11:00 | Beyond Halal: Understanding the modern Muslim traveler

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Faith Frank

Salam Africa

Biubwa Omar

Safari Gateway Ltd.

Suleiman Mohammed

ZATI Chairman

Aisha Mussa

ZATO

The modern Muslim traveler looks for more than halal food. They value comfort, family-friendly services, privacy, cultural respect, and easy access to prayer facilities. Tourism businesses that understand these needs can attract more Muslim visitors. By offering inclusive and respectful experiences, destinations can create stronger connections and grow their tourism market successfully.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS​

Lizanne du Plessis

Eco Africa Digital

Robyn de Villiers

Eco Africa Digital

Ziada Hamisi Abeid

Crescendo Digital

Barry Clemens

Hospitality EQ

African tourism brands hold rich stories of landscapes, culture, conservation, and human connection. Yet many narratives lack structure for AI, search engines, or booking systems. The challenge is transforming storytelling into trusted, bookable content through GEO thinking, smart video, and conversion-focused design.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Faith Frank

Salam Africa

Sirili Akko

Visit East Africa / GIZ

Civy Tusiime

Uganda Tourist Board

Ernest Mwamwaja

Tanzania Tourism Board

Uganda & Tanzania together offer travelers one unforgettable East African journey. Visitors can enjoy wildlife safaris, mountain adventures, beautiful lakes, beaches, and rich cultures in both countries. Promoting the 2 destinations together creates more tourism opportunities, attracts international visitors, and encourages regional cooperation. One journey across East Africa gives travelers a richer and more exciting experience.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Robyn de Villiers

Eco Africa Digital

Barry Clemens

Hospitality EQ

This panel focuses on the heart of what many tourism businesses need: fewer lost enquiries, less OTA dependency, better conversion, cleaner data and a stronger direct booking strategy. Many African tourism businesses are visible, but still lose bookings because the journey breaks somewhere:
the mobile website is clumsy, the booking engine does not convert, enquiry forms disappear into inboxes, CRM data is not used, or marketing and reservations teams work in silos.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Faith Frank

Salam Africa

Andrew Wallace

OKOTA

Kelvin Nicholaus

Africraft

Clamian Kitesho

Masai Eco Boma

Melissa Foley

All about Africa

Responsible tourism means traveling in a way that protects nature, supports local communities, and respects culture. It is not only about ideas, but real actions like reducing waste, choosing local services, and conserving wildlife. When tourists and businesses act responsibly, tourism becomes more sustainable, benefits everyone, and helps preserve destinations for future generations.

PANELISTS / SPEAKERS

Babbie Kabae

Media & PR Communication Specialist

Hon. Paul Makonda

Minister of Cultural Arts & Sports

Simbu Alphonce

World Champion Marathon Runner

Tim Mdinka

Cape to Cairo Marathon

Simon Mtuy

Summit Expeditions & Nomadic Experience

Sports tourism is rising in Tanzania, drawing visitors for events, matches, and stadium experiences. It boosts hotels, transport, and local businesses. Hosting AFCON 2027 could enhance global visibility and investment, requiring strong infrastructure, organization, and safe, modern sports facilities
to succeed.

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