Rwanda Development Board appoints new CEO
Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, has appointed Jean-Guy Afrika as Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) – effective January 13. Afrika replaces Francis Gatare who now serves as Senior Economic Adviser to the President.
Afrika brings extensive experience in public policy, regional integration and export promotion to his new role. Having previously held senior positions at the African Development Bank and the East African Community, he is expected to lead RDB’s efforts in bolstering Rwanda’s investment climate, tourism infrastructure and economic competitiveness.
His appointment comes as Rwanda continues to position itself as a top destination for business and leisure travel. Afrika’s expertise in policy reform and economic development is seen as key to advancing RDB’s mission to attract investment and support the country’s economic growth.
Sun International’s new sales head to drive market growth
Sun International has appointed Andrew Camp as its new Head of Sales at the Central Office – effective January 1. Camp, who joined the company in 2018 as Head of International Sales, brings over 30 years of sales and marketing experience, including 14 years in hospitality sales.
He will report to Helen Stewart, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, and oversee the integration of international and national sales, sales administration and the sports, events and entertainment division. His role involves shaping sales strategies to maximise revenue, acquire and retain key business and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
“During the pandemic, Andrew demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding the International Sales team through one of the industry’s most challenging periods. Under his direction, the team achieved significant growth while maintaining operational efficiency. We look forward to his contributions in his expanded role,” said Stewart.
Camp aims to drive revenue growth across various portfolios with particular focus on the MICE market, international leisure groups and major events. His strategy includes partnerships with local and international stakeholders to deliver high-profile events such as music concerts, comedy shows and festivals alongside Sun International’s signature offerings like the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
In 2024, Camp joined the Tourism Marketing South Africa Board and led a task team under the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association addressing visa challenges for Chinese travellers.
Prior to his tenure at Sun International, Camp served as International Sales Manager for Thompsons Africa for seven years.
Horn to lead Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof
Mercia Horn has been named General Manager of Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, marking her second appointment in a general management role. With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Horn’s career spans key leadership roles and the successful opening of several prominent properties.
As a Cape Town native, Horn is uniquely positioned to bring local expertise to the hotel located in the city’s Longkloof precinct. Her leadership style aims to blend Hilton’s global standards with Cape Town’s cultural essence.
Horn’s appointment comes ahead of the opening of Hilton’s first Canopy-branded hotel in South Africa. The hotel is expected to combine modern design with locally inspired experiences, targeting leisure and business travellers.
Lanseria appoints Faure to lead commercial growth
Lanseria International Airport has announced the appointment of Christian Faure as Executive: Commercial and Business Development – effective January 2025.
Faure, with an MBA from the University of South Africa, brings extensive experience in corporate strategy, compliance and business development. His previous roles include senior positions at Menzies Aviation, Namibian Ports Authority and, most recently, Executive: Commercial Services and Strategy at Namibia Airports Company.
Faure’s leadership is expected to drive Lanseria International Airport’s commercial growth and create new opportunities in the aviation and tourism sectors.
Hospitality Association of Namibia welcomes Shikemeni to leadership team
The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) has announced the appointment of Ndinelao Shikemeni as its new Tourism Executive Officer. Shikemeni, with a masters degree in tourism and hospitality management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Her career includes positions at Gondwana Collection Namibia where she held roles in marketing and diversity management while serving as an external moderator for the Namibia University of Science and Technology’s tourism programme. Shikemeni will work closely with HAN’s leadership to advance Namibia’s tourism sector and promote the organisation’s mission to foster innovation and growth in the industry.
Pace joins The Royal Portfolio as sales head
The Royal Portfolio has appointed Nigel Pace as its Executive Head of Sales. With nearly three decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Pace has held senior roles at prominent properties including Cape Grace, Singita Kruger National Park and Niyama Private Islands in the Maldives.
Most recently, Pace served as Head of Hospitality at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. His new role at The Royal Portfolio will focus on strengthening relationships with trade partners and driving the brand’s sales strategy across African and international markets.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nigel and we are confident that his expertise will further strengthen our sales division and relationships with our trade partners,” says Simon Mandy, Managing Director of The Royal Portfolio. “His extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience will be instrumental in driving our sales strategy and supporting our continued growth.”
