Virtual travel trade show, OurAfrica.Travel 2025 has introduced a new feature, Story Series, which will run from 11 to 14 February. The series will celebrate notable individuals making a meaningful impact in the tourism sector through conservation, innovation, and sustainable practices. Hosted by industry veteran Colin Bell, the Story Series will feature in-depth discussions on pressing challenges and opportunities in the sector. The lineup includes live webinars with industry experts, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of African tourism.
Bell, a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Africa, began his career as a safari guide in Botswana in the 1970s. His experiences across the continent exposed him to thriving ecosystems and severe conservation crises. These encounters led him to champion the ‘Green Safari’ model well before eco-tourism became a mainstream movement. Over the years, Bell has co-founded several influential companies, including Wilderness Safaris, Great Plains Conservation, and Natural Selection Safaris.
Co-founder Allie Hunt explained that the Story Series originated as a way to highlight trade suppliers making a difference. “Jonathan Robinson from Bean There Coffee Company and Emma Borg from Painted Wolf Wines sprung to mind. One conversation with Colin Bell later, and we had a Story Series concept. Shortly thereafter, Colin had a line-up of 10 people to interview,” she said. Guests will include Dave Wilson from African Parks, Dr Andrew Baxter, Dr Ross Harvey from Good Governance Africa, Craig Spencer of Transfrontier Africa (who started the Black Mambas) and Dr Colleen Begg from Woman for the Environment in Africa, based at the Nyassa Lion Project in Northern Mozambique.
Rod Cassidy will join from probably the most remote camp in all of Africa, Sangha Lodge in the Central African Republic, as well as Simon Byron from Beagle Expeditions in Botswana. Jackson Looseyia, a well-known Maasai guide, camp owner, and former co-host of the popular wildlife television series Big Cat Diary, will also be talking about Overtourism vs Fair Tourism.
In addition to the interviews, the Story Series will feature live webinars on AI in tourism, hosted by David Ryan, CEO and founder of Rhino Africa, and Natalia Rosa, founder of Big Ambitions. Sammy Kelly, Head of Product Development at The Travel Hub Collection, will conduct daily webinars.
Story Series registration opens on Friday, 7 February, and is available to show participants only. While exhibitor registration has closed, buyers and media can still register until 14 February via the OurAfrica.Travel website.
