Unpacking the works of Africa’s Eden Tourism Association :Exclusive Chat with CEO Jillian Blackbeard

My conversation today is an exclusive chat with the CEO of Africa's Eden Tourism Association, Jillian Blackbeard. She tells me the main objective of Africa’s Eden is to drive travel and tourism that positively contribute to society and the local/regional economy. Africa’s Eden is a private sector-driven organisation representing Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, undertaking an ambitious destination marketing strategy and campaign at all levels of the tourism supply chain.

 

Jillian's passion lies in African tourism and Conservation, she has been leading the industry for over 10 years specifically in marketing, first for a Southern African hotel and resort chain, followed by 5 years as 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 Africa's Eden Tourism Association, the first purely private sector driven organisation representing Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, undertaking an ambitious 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.