A Global Honour That Means More Than Words
This week I received an honour that truly stopped me in my tracks. I was recognised as one of the top one hundred global innovative leaders for my work in tourism and travel media. It feels incredible to see years of teaching, storytelling, and destination development celebrated on an international stage.
New Foundation to Deliver Clean Water to Uganda’s Batwa, Where Life Expectancy is Just 28
Echoes of Ubuntu, co-founded by Ugandan-born U.S. travel professional Amarjit Keshav and Canadian journalist Lorraine Simpson, breaks ground in November on its first water project.
Echoes of Ubuntu is a new charitable foundation co-founded by Canadian travel journalist Lorraine Simpson and U.S.-based, Ugandan-born travel professional Amarjit Keshav. Inspired during the Pearl of Africa Tourism Conference, the foundation is dedicated to supporting Uganda’s marginalised communities, beginning with the Batwa of Bwindi — where life expectancy is just 28 years.
Our first project will break ground in November 2025, delivering clean-water facilities to Batwa families. Unlike many charities, 100% of donations go directly to community projects, as all start-up costs are personally covered by the founders.
✨ You can help by donating, fundraising in your community, or joining us on a fundraising trip to Uganda. Together, we can turn compassion into action.
Travel with me on an adventure
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The Ultimate Tanzania & Zanzibar Escape
Join me for an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s wild heart and the paradise shores of Zanzibar. This safe and spectacular country is home to incredible wildlife and rich culture in stunning landscapes. Track the Big Five across the Serengeti, descend into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, and connect with local tribes and community projects. Then relax in Zanzibar swim in turquoise waters, stroll white-sand beaches, and take in its vibrant heritage.
Two guaranteed departure dates: November 11, 2025 & January 10, 2026 (13 nights)
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March Break Uganda Adventure
Welcome to the wild heart of East Africa—Uganda, where the legendary Big Seven await. This once-in-a-lifetime journey takes you deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas, then on to the treetops of Kibale to track playful chimpanzees. Spot elephants, lions, and elusive leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and immerse yourself in vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming communities.
Uganda stole my heart—and I promise, it will steal yours too. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
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Scenes and Screens England
Step into the world of Britain’s most beloved television and film locations on this 8-night, 9-day small group journeythrough London, Berkshire, Bath, and the Cotswolds.
Enjoy afternoon tea on a vintage double-decker bus, explore foodie delights at Spitalfields Market, and walk in the footsteps of the Crawleys with a visit to Highclere Castle and the village of Bampton from Downton Abbey. In Bath, a Bridgerton expert will guide us through elegant Georgian streets and filming locations, before we continue to the Cotswolds, & Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm and pub.
Meet Lorraine
Lorraine Simpson – Award Winning Travel Expert and Global Tourism Strategist
Lorraine Simpson is an internationally recognised leader in tourism, celebrated across Canada, the USA, the United Kingdom, and East Africa for her work in shaping the way destinations connect with global travellers. A familiar face on City TV, CTV, Breakfast Television, FOX, and Village Media platforms, she shares trusted insight and thoughtful storytelling that inspire confidence in travellers and industry professionals alike. This year she was honoured as one of the top one hundred global innovative leaders for her contribution to tourism and travel media.
Through NIA Global Strategies, Lorraine partners with tourism boards, airlines, and government ministries to strengthen their presence in the North American and UK markets. Her work includes high impact marketing strategies, creative media campaigns, and transformative training programs that empower tourism providers to grow with clarity and confidence.
Lorraine enjoys leading a select number of hosted journeys each year, choosing destinations that offer depth, culture, and meaningful connection. These experiences allow her to stay closely engaged with travellers while continuing to support responsible tourism and community centred initiatives.
She is supported by a dedicated team of certified and well trained travel agents based in Canada who provide exceptional service and expert guidance for all travel enquiries.
As a writer, speaker, and educator, Lorraine encourages travel professionals to think far beyond the expected and embrace innovative approaches that elevate the entire travel experience. She believes that travel has the power to change perspectives and create opportunity, and her work reflects that belief with purpose and heart.
This site reflects her ongoing commitment to travel media, destination training, creative strategy, and her passion for opening the world to travellers in a way that feels thoughtful, informed, and full of possibility.
Some of my Videos
This is my Cityline segment about the origins of halloween - Ireland. It was the time I fell in love with Ireland to later buy a home there.
This is just funny, watch as you see what kind of scary stuff they make me do filming around the world. I almost lost my arm!
Services Offered - It’s all about Communication
Television, Radio and Print Features
Thoughtful commentary for major media outlets, sharing insight on global travel trends, destination developments, and the changing needs of international travellers.
Marketing and Brand Partnerships
Creative campaigns and destination representation designed to strengthen visibility in the North American and UK markets through authentic storytelling and strategic messaging.
Cross Border Communication Strategy and Training
Specialist guidance for tour operators, lodges, and tourism providers who aim to attract North American and UK travellers. Lorraine teaches market ready communication, sales language, content structure, and brand positioning that align with the expectations of international buyers and travel advisors. Her training helps local providers present their products clearly, confidently, and in a way that resonates with the partners they seek.
FAM Trip Strategy and Select Hosting
Design and leadership of a small number of meaningful industry trips each year, created to enhance product knowledge, build trust, and support responsible tourism growth.
Speaking Engagements
Inspirational keynotes and hands on workshops that focus on industry growth, global communication, and the evolving expectations of modern travellers.
Lorraine helps destinations speak the language of the markets they want to reach, bringing tourism providers, media, and travellers together through powerful communication and purpose driven storytelling.
Watch Lorraine on Cityline
Bedbugs and Tips - Click here
Watch lorraine on BT talking to Syd about dreaded bedbugs
Lorraine and Keith’s Irish Cottages
In the midst of the pandemic's turmoil, Keith and Lorraine embarked on an audacious journey, transforming five neglected Irish cottages into a beacon of hope and renewal. With their travel business in shambles and financial pressures mounting, the couple sold their Canadian home to navigate through the crisis, investing in a future they had yet to see. Armed with Keith's extensive building experience and Lorraine's design flair, aided by friends like Shai Deluca, they navigated unexpected challenges—from hidden adult toys to spider communities and a forgotten fountain in the overgrown yard. Despite obstacles like a major flood, their unwavering commitment turned dilapidated structures into beautiful short-term rentals. This narrative isn't just a renovation story; it's a testament to resilience, community support, and the transformative power of love and hard work, offering a new beginning in the face of adversity. To read more about their story click here. To book click here www.lemonadecottages.com
This week I received an honour that truly stopped me in my tracks. I was recognised as one of the top one hundred global innovative leaders for my work in tourism and travel media. It feels incredible to see years of teaching, storytelling, and destination development celebrated on an international stage.