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Welcome to Kusa Cast, where we interview some of the most influential people in tourism from around the world. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Carlyle and Christen Puckett, two travelers from the USA who have embarked on an incredible journey to explore the world. Their social media following, under the handle @wheretonextyall,” has allowed them to document their experiences and inspire others to follow their dreams. In this thought-provoking article, we will delve into the main themes discussed in our conversation with Jordan and Christen, exploring the challenges and triumphs of their journey, the power of social media, and the impact of their travels on their own lives and the tourism industry as a whole.

The Journey Begins: Leaving the White Collar Dream

Jordan and Christen’s decision to leave their stable jobs and embark on a journey around the world was not an easy one. However, their shared passion for travel and the desire to experience new cultures ultimately led them to take the leap. As Jordan explains, “We both put our mind to it. We both were like, we want to do this, but a lot of people want to travel the world, right? But then we started with the Notes app and we started writing down the places that each of us wanted to go.” This initial step of creating a shared list of destinations set the stage for their grand adventure.

The Power of TikTok: From Novices to Influencers

While Jordan and Christen initially had limited experience with TikTok, the platform quickly became a central part of their journey. As they began posting videos of their travels, their following grew rapidly, with one video reaching an impressive 5 million views. Reflecting on their TikTok success, Jordan notes, “TikTok is such a quick, speed-to-market sort of platform… You can scroll for hours. You have that person who comes up and says, ‘Stop, take a break. You need to get off TikTok.'” The platform’s ability to captivate viewers with short, engaging videos allowed Jordan and Christen to share their experiences and connect with a global audience.

The Challenges of Full-Time Travel

While their journey may seem like a dream come true, Jordan and Christen have faced their fair share of challenges along the way. One of the most significant hurdles has been the lack of rest days. Constantly on the move and focused on creating content, they have neglected to prioritize self-care. Kristen admits, “We push our bodies to an extreme… We forget that we’re doing this full time and we need to allow ourselves to have two days off.” This lack of rest has taken a toll on their physical and mental well-being, highlighting the importance of balance and self-care in the world of full-time travel.

Embracing Cultural Experiences

One of the most rewarding aspects of Jordan and Christen’s journey has been the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures. They have made a conscious effort to connect with locals and learn from their experiences. As Jordan explains, “We try our best to ask questions. We try our best to learn from the actual locals there… getting out and experiencing new cultures, new people, talking to local citizens, it’s honestly just really eye-opening.” By embracing cultural experiences, they have gained a deeper understanding of the world and formed meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

The Impact of Influencer Travelers

As influencers in the travel industry, Jordan and Christen have the power to shape the perceptions and decisions of their followers. Their ability to tell compelling stories and make their audience feel like they are part of the journey has resonated with many. Jordan shares, “We’re really good at storytelling, and that’s what people want to hear… A lot of people don’t like to travel, but they like to see it.” By sharing their experiences and offering practical advice, they have inspired others to pursue their own travel dreams.

The Future of Travel and Tourism

Jordan and Christen’s journey is a testament to the changing landscape of travel and tourism. The rise of influencer travellers like them has opened up new possibilities for both travelers and the industry as a whole. Their ability to connect with a global audience and share their experiences in real-time has the potential to shape the future of travel. As they continue their journey and explore new destinations, they are paving the way for a new era of travel, one that is driven by personal connections, storytelling, and the power of social media.

In conclusion, Jordan Carlyle and Christen Puckett’s journey around the world as influencer travelers has shed light on the transformative power of travel and the role of social media in shaping the tourism industry. Their ability to connect with a global audience, share their experiences, and inspire others has made them influential figures in the travel community. As they continue their journey, they will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the way we perceive and engage with travel. The rise of influencer travelers like Jordan and Christen marks a new dawn in tourism, one that is driven by personal connections, storytelling, and the power of social media.

Mark Young, co-founder of the Perfections Group, discusses his journey in the travel industry, from backpacking to starting a representation company.

He shares his experience of being made redundant before COVID and how he adapted by taking on different jobs. Mark also talks about the resilience and camaraderie in the tourism industry, the changing habits of UK travellers, and the future of the Perfections Group. He emphasises the importance of collaboration and open-mindedness in the industry. Overall, Mark’s story highlights the strength and determination of those in the travel industry to thrive in the face of challenges.

Mark’s journey in the travel industry began with his love for travel and backpacking. After working various jobs, he decided to pursue a career in travel and started at a well known travel company. However, he soon realised that product management was his true passion. Mark worked his way up and eventually co-founded the Perfections Group with Ryan Ashton. The company initially focused on representing African lodges but has now expanded to include Latin America and other destinations.

Mark’s resilience was put to the test when he was made redundant a year before the pandemic hit. However, he used this time to explore different opportunities. These experiences taught him the importance of perseverance and helped him develop a stronger mindset.

Mark and I discuss the importance of collaboration and supporting one another, even among competitors. We both believe that there is enough business to go around and that working together can benefit everyone. Mark shares his experience of referring clients to other representatives and receiving referrals in return. This collaborative approach not only strengthens relationships but also opens doors to new opportunities.

The pandemic has brought about significant changes in the travel industry. Mark notes that there is currently no clear pattern in travel trends, as people are eager to explore various destinations. Flight availability and cost also play a role in travellers’ choices. However, Mark believes that it will take time to fully understand the new normal, as many people are still catching up on missed trips and family visits.

The Perfections Group has diversified its portfolio to include representation for destinations beyond Africa. Mark and his team are open to working with any product that aligns with their expertise and values. They aim to be a one-stop-shop for travel companies, offering services such as revenue management, social media management, and booking offices. The focus remains on building strong relationships and providing personalised support to their clients.

In this episode of Kusa Cast, Graeme Watson interviews Priscilla Plummer, the founder of Global Sojourns, a responsible travel company that focuses on uplifting communities around wildlife areas. Priscilla shares her journey from working in small and startup businesses in the US to traveling to Africa to better understand the situation that girls and women face in the region. She talks about her passion for travel and culture and how it led her to start Global Sojourns and the Global Sojourns Giving Circle, which focuses on empowering girls and being locally led.

Global Sojourns is a responsible travel company that provides clients with a deeper and more meaningful safari experience by setting them up with local guides who understand the culture and the environment. The company’s arm for community upliftment, the Global Sojourns Giving Circle, is locally led and focuses on empowering girls. The Giving Circle provides donor education to ensure that good intentions are aligned with effective action.

The podcast features the wonderful Gloria and Ndlelende, mentors for youth in Livingstone, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, respectively. They share their experiences of how tourism and community upliftment are interwoven, and how the support of tourists has helped improve the lives of locals. The girls clubs run by Gloria provide psychosocial life skills for girls, hygiene management, and a mini library. The Global Sojourns Giving Circle has been the main source of funding for these clubs, and the demand for the clubs is high.

The organisation also mentors young boys and girls in the tourism sector to provide them with skills and guide them on their career path towards conservation. The company’s focus is on mentorship and helping youth get on a path of a life of opportunity versus dependency. The clubs have been successful in reducing teenage pregnancy rates, and the company is looking for more support to expand their impact. To support their work, travellers can visit the Global Sojourns website or the Global Sojourns Giving Circle website, details below.

Priscilla Plummer’s passion for responsible tourism and uplifting communities around wildlife areas is evident in this episode of Kusa Cast. From empowering girls through the Giving Circle to investing in local people and mentorship, Priscilla and her team at Global Sojourns are making a difference in the world.

Contact Priscilla on priscilla@globalsojourns.com and the website is https://www.gsgivingcircle.org/.

In the latest episode of Kusa Cast, Graeme Watson sits down with Melissa Foley, the passionate founder of All About Africa Consulting.

Melissa’s mission is to promote social and environmental sustainability in the tourism industry throughout Africa, with a particular focus on ethical climbing on Kilimanjaro. As a board member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), based in Moshi and Arusha, she works tirelessly to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by mountain crew members.

KPAP, an organization with a 20-year history, has created a monitoring program to ensure that local climbing companies in Tanzania adhere to best practices and provide fair wages, adequate meals, and suitable living conditions for their crew members. Out of approximately 160 properly licensed climbing companies in Tanzania, about 50 have chosen to participate in the KPAP program. This initiative has proven highly beneficial for these local companies, giving them a competitive edge in a saturated market.

What’s remarkable about KPAP is that it’s completely free to join, offering advantages to operations in terms of best practices and marketing. Despite its limited resources, KPAP provides educational classes and raises awareness about ethical climbing practices. In fact, due to increasing encouragement from consumers and agents, there has been a significant 30% rise in new local companies joining the program. The organisation relies on donations to sustain its operations and continue its crucial work.

One of the key objectives of Kiliporters.org is to prevent exploitation of porters and eliminate the practice of bribes being paid to guides for selection on climbs. Additionally, the organization ensures that porters receive proper tips from clients at the end of the climb, further promoting fair treatment within the industry.

If you’re passionate about promoting social and environmental sustainability within Africa’s tourism industry and want to learn more about ethical climbing on Kilimanjaro, this is an episode of Kusa Cast you don’t want to miss!

Tune in to the podcast now to listen to Graeme Watson’s engaging interview with Melissa Foley, and discover the inspiring work of KPAP and log onto www.kiliporters.org. Join the conversation and be part of the movement for positive change!

In this episode of Kusa Cast, Graeme Watson interviews Robyn Whaley, the director of Off The Track Expeditions, a Zimbabwe-based tour operator specialising in tailor made and adventure travel to Zimbabwe. Robyn shares her experience and insights on how her business started and how it has grown over the years.

Robyn begins by discussing her journey in the tourism industry, highlighting her previous roles at Wilderness Safaris. She emphasises the importance of her personal experiences in visiting and exploring the camps, lodges, and safari destinations that Off The Track offers. Robyn’s deep knowledge and firsthand encounters allow her to match clients with the perfect properties and activities.

Taking ownership of Off The Track in May 2015, Robyn saw the tremendous potential to promote the beauty of Zimbabwe. As a born and bred Zimbabwean, she brings a unique perspective and passion for showcasing her country. Robyn shares her dedication to ensuring the highest level of service and expertise for her clients.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by the business and the tourism industry in general during the Covid pandemic. Robyn highlights how she navigated the uncertainties and adapted to the changing circumstances. Despite the difficulties, Off The Track managed to maintain its commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences.

Throughout the interview, Robyn emphasises her personal connection to the destinations she offers. Her firsthand experiences contribute to her expert knowledge and the quality of the tours provided by Off The Track Expeditions.

To get in touch with Robyn, email robyn@offthetrack.co.zw.

Today’s guest on Kusa Cast is Katy Lee, Senior Business Development at Feefo, a consumer insight business, who through their ratings and reviews technology help businesses collect, verified customer reviews and insights, allowing you to improve your products and customer experiences.

Katy discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism industry in the wake of the pandemic. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Katy shares her insights on the importance of personal responsibility, strong foundations, and inspiring leadership in the industry. She also talks about Feefo’s innovative subscription model, which helps businesses collect customer sentiment and improve their reviews.

The tourism industry has faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, with travel restrictions and lockdowns impacting businesses around the world. However, there are signs of hope as the industry slowly comes back to life, with events like World Travel Market seeing high attendance.

Katy believes that the industry needs leaders to inspire people to travel and explore. She also stresses the importance of having strong foundations in life, which allow individuals to rebuild even when they get knocked down.

Katy’s experience in the industry spans over 30 years, starting with her absolute love of travel from a young age. She worked at Virgin Holidays and British Airways Holidays, selling the virtues of travel to agents and operators. Now, she helps businesses collect customer sentiment and data to improve customer experience and drive sales.

Feefo’s subscription model is based on the number of transactions or interactions a business processes a month. Their technology gives you visibility over issues that are impacting your Feefo rating and the ability to prioritise changes to improve your customer experience. Feefo also has a team of account directors and customer service managers to provide guidance and best practices based on industry experience

Join us as we explore the future of tourism and the role of technology in shaping it.

The tourism industry in South Africa has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited help assistance to support struggling businesses. Despite the challenges, there is still a strong desire for travel to South Africa, particularly for wine tourism and safaris.

In a recent episode of the Kusa Cast, “A Conversation with Cathy Entwistle and Nick Fox,” the challenges facing the tourism industry in South Africa were discussed, along with potential solutions to revive the industry.

Cathy Entwistle, owner of Val du Charron Wine and Leisure estate in Wellington, shared her experience of buying a wine farm and expanding to four and five-star accommodation with plans to add more family rooms. Nick Fox, who owns Sibuya Game Reserve highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.

To revive the tourism industry, the government needs to prioritise tourism and work with banks to provide financing for businesses in the industry. The revival of South African Airways (SAA) is seen as crucial for the tourism industry, as it would help bring more flights into the country and promote the national flag.

Starting a tourism or winemaking business in South Africa is challenging and requires significant investment and infrastructure, but it is important for job creation and the growth of the economy. The advice given is to have a dream, believe in oneself, and seek mentorship from experienced individuals in the industry.

Despite the challenges, there is still a strong desire for travel to South Africa. t is important for the government and banks to provide support to struggling businesses in the tourism industry to help revive the economy and create jobs. The potential for tourism to drive economic growth and job creation is significant, and it is vital that the government and industry work together to overcome the challenges faced by the industry.

Tune in to hear how Cathy and Nick have managed to survive and come out stronger on the other side, and get inspired to pursue your dreams in the tourism and winemaking industry!

Learn more about Val du Charron here, and more about Sibuya Game Reserve here.

Zile de Kock, executive marketing manager of Marine Dynamics, shares insights on how the tourism industry can adapt and survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on Marine Dynamics and how they have cut costs, expanded to Saudi Arabia, and offered specials for locals to sustain their business. Zile also emphasises the importance of conservation efforts, particularly in protecting the declining great white shark population, and urges the industry to prioritise it. Through attending tourism shows and making people aware of the significance of marine wildlife, Zile believes that companies can help protect the ocean ecosystem for generations to come. Join Zile as she shares her experiences and insights on the future of tourism in this engaging and informative podcast.

During the pandemic, Marine Dynamics had to cut costs, expand to Saudi Arabia and offer specials for locals. The tourism industry in South Africa, and globally, has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, but industry professionals have come together to support each other through the tough times. The friendships formed during the pandemic have strengthened the industry and made professionals more loyal to each other. They have also learned to prioritise each other’s health and well-being, checking in regularly and offering support.

One of the biggest challenges facing Marine Dynamics, a shark cage diving company, is the decline in marine wildlife, particularly the great white shark population. This is due to overfishing, pollution, and the hunting of sharks by orcas. Marine Dynamics has tried to protect the shores of South Africa through court cases and lobbying the government, but financial support is needed to continue these efforts.

Zile de Kock, a representative from Marine Dynamics, has traveled extensively to experience different whale watching and marine wildlife tours around the world to stay on top of the industry and offer the best experiences to customers. She believes that the main thing that needs to change in the world of tourism is more focus on conservation.

Zile will be attending various tourism shows, including WTM Africa and Indaba, and hopes to attend WTM in London and other shows. She believes that attending these shows is the only way to make people aware of sharks and what amazing species they are, and that we should protect them and look after the ocean and the sharks because it’s really important for the ecosystem.

To learn more about the conservation efforts of Marine Dynamics, click here.

Ross Kennedy, CEO of Africa Albida Tourism, discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Victoria Falls region’s tourism industry. Kennedy shares the tough business decisions that were necessary for survival, but also highlights the community outreach programs and focus on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices that emerged during this difficult time. With a commitment to its long-standing employees and a vision for a more cooperative and efficient border system, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of tourism in southern Africa.

The Victoria Falls region in southern Africa has been a central hub for tourism for over 50 years, with the flagship Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show being just a few of the many offerings provided by Africa Albida Tourism. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the tourism industry to re-evaluate its priorities and adapt to the new normal.

In a recent episode of Kusa Cast, “A Conversation with Ross Kennedy”, the CEO of Africa Albida Tourism discussed the impact of the pandemic on the region’s tourism industry. He noted that tough business decisions, such as cost-cutting measures and putting the estate into a care and security status, were necessary to survive. However, the community came together to provide outreach programs, feeding programs, and care for children.

The pandemic also brought about a new focus on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, with the industry implementing measures to make borders more user-friendly and efficient. Ross emphasised the importance of getting bureaucracy right and making borders quick, efficient, and clean ports of entry. The goal is to create a culture of cooperation with competitors and make the region a desirable destination for visitors.

The Victoria Falls region is made up of four countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia, and is part of the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area. Ross believes that the lasting difference from the pandemic will be a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, as well as community outreach and training programs.

Africa Albida Tourism has a strong commitment to its employees, with many team members having been with the company for 20-30 years. They recently held a long service award ceremony, with three people receiving their 30-year awards and six receiving their 25-year awards. During the pandemic, businesses in the region were judged on how they treated their staff, and history will likely continue to judge them based on this.

Kennedy believes that the pandemic has taught important lessons that will continue to shape the future of the tourism industry in the region. Cost-cutting, efficiencies, and productivity will be critical in the post-pandemic world, but so will sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. The Victoria Falls region has always been a beautiful and unique destination, but with the right priorities and focus, it can become an even more desirable place to visit for years to come.

To learn more about the beautiful experiences of Africa Albida Tourism, click here.

We hear from Andre du Toit, a consultant to tourism players across Africa, about his two exciting projects that aim to provide peace of mind to travellers and minimise liability risk. He discusses the SECURA traveller app, which aggregates emergency response services for security or medical incidents and the inbound travel insurance that includes access to Africa’s leading critical incident management service.

Andre also talks about the importance of resilience and collaboration in the tourism industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of African tourism and how technology can play a vital role in enhancing guest safety.

Andre is also working on an inbound travel insurance owned by South African tour operators that includes a buy-up option for cancellation for any reason. The product includes access to Africa’s leading critical incident management service, which sets it apart from other travel insurance products. While there is currently no product that insures against a pandemic from an operator’s perspective, travel insurance products that include cancellation for any reason are becoming more requested by travellers. Andre acknowledges the challenge of marketing and selling products that address safety and security concerns in Africa. Still, he believes in being honest with travellers and providing them with peace of mind through services like the SATSA supported SECURA traveler app.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught the tourism industry the importance of resilience and the need to surround oneself with credible and trustworthy partners. It has also brought the industry together and forced it to take a step back to push forward with lasting changes in the future. People have realised how much their health, well-being, and mental health depend on travel, and tourism is here to stay and will be bigger and stronger than ever.

Tourism relies on partnerships and collaboration, and newcomers should build relationships and collaborate with individuals who have integrity and sustainability in mind. African governments need to understand the critical point of preserving wilderness landscapes across Africa, securing wilderness landscapes that work with communities to create healthy wildlife economies, and integrating wilderness safaris or other models to ensure biodiversity is at the centre of sustainable and regenerative practices around wilderness areas.

To learn more about the services Andre can assist your business with, please email andre@firstequity.co.za.