The Award That Strengthened My Mission in Travel

This week brought a special moment that I will treasure for a long time. I was honoured to be recognised as one of the top one hundred global innovative leaders for my work in tourism and travel media. It was an emotional moment for me, not simply because of the award itself, but because of what it represents.

Travel has shaped my life in ways I never expected when I first stepped into this industry. It has carried me through the most difficult chapters of my personal story and has lifted me into some of the most extraordinary experiences of my career. Every project, every classroom session, every story shared on TV or in print, and every remote village or luxury lodge I have stepped into has reinforced one belief. Travel can change lives. It changed mine.

I have always said that my work is about more than moving people from one place to another. My passion is to help people travel smarter, safer, and with more meaning. I feel most at home when I am teaching in East Africa, sharing ideas with tourism boards, guiding travel advisors through new destinations, or leading small groups on unforgettable journeys. The aim is always the same. To elevate the travel experience through knowledge, connection, and storytelling.

This recognition reminds me that there is value in showing up with intention. In raising standards. In challenging the industry to think differently. In inspiring travellers to explore with curiosity and care. And in supporting the regions that welcome us with such warmth, resilience, and beauty.

For me, this award is not an end goal. It is encouragement. A quiet reminder to keep going. To continue shaping the future of travel in positive, thoughtful, and sustainable ways. To give more people the confidence to explore the world. And to use every platform available to me to open doors for communities and destinations that deserve to be seen.

As I look ahead, my focus is on expanding education in East Africa, strengthening partnerships with tourism boards, championing responsible travel, and creating opportunities for travellers and industry professionals to learn, connect, and grow. The work is only getting started, and this recognition has added even more momentum.

Thank you to everyone who has travelled beside me, supported my ideas, shared my stories, or trusted me with their adventures. This honour belongs to all of us.

The future of travel is bright. And I am truly excited for all that is still to come.