Responsible sustainable tourism is at the heart of what we do.
Our safaris tread lightly on the environment and create local opportunity.
Alexandra has a BSc. Hons. degree in Zoology/Marine Biology and Oceanography, an MSc in Technology Management and more recently obtained a Certificate in Sustainable Tourism awarded by theGlobal Sustainable Tourism Council. She is currently involved in Sustainable Tourism research at the University of Winchester. She is an active member of Toastmasters International, and an experienced public speaker.
Alexandra has spent 40 years exploring southern Africa. She grew up in South Africa and Botswana, studied zoology and marine biology at Cape Town University and worked in conservation in Namibia before pursuing a 25 year career in IT transformation consulting, working internationally, gaining experience as an IT Solution Architect and Programme Director with PwC, IBM and Oracle, and finally Head of IT for an Irish Utility – leading teams of up to 100 people.
She set up Alexandra’s Africa in 2012 and now works with local suppliers and guides to showcase this beautiful region in a responsible way. The company vision is local social upliftment. The mission – to create opportunities through Safaris for guests to experience the best of what rural, off-the-beaten-track areas of Southern Africa have to offer, whilst contributing respectfully – through interest, experience sharing and through the direct support of local artists, craftsman, game reserves and conservation – to achieving the vision.
Alexandra is a keen photographer, ex-marathon runner and an experienced public speaker – she is an active member of Toastmasters International. As a speaker, she presents factual and interesting talks on her love for Africa, it’s culture, eco tourism and sustainability – bringing to life the global goals for sustainability from the United Nations, offering insights on sustainable business model design and on greening supply chains. She has been invited to be a guest speaker at many functions, talking on topics relating to Sustainability in Tourism and more generally in business.
Alexandra’s talks are listed below.
If you are interested in booking Alexandra as a speaker at an event, – please click here to contact us or use the enquiry form below.
Talk 1:
Safari Photography: Tips & Tricks
Talk 2:
Sustainability: The 300 year emergence of the concept & what it means for the future
Talk 3:
African Safaris and the Story of a Safari Entrepreneur
Talk 4:
Safaris in Southern Africa: The Tour Operator’s Dilemma
Talk 5:
Wildlife & Cultural Tourism – Who Benefits?
Talk 6:
What is happening to Our Wildlife?
A focus on endangered species of Southern Africa.
Alexandra’s Africa is committed to sustainable tourism in Africa
.
THE 4 PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
.
Effective Sustainability Planning
Maximising Social and Economic Benefit for local communities
Enhancing Cultural Heritage
Conserving Resources, Biodiversity and Landscapes.
——————–
Alexandra’s Africa has begun the journey towards full certification under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. As an individual, Alexandra was awarded the Council’s Certificate in Sustainable Tourism in 2018. She intends to complete certification for the company as a whole by the end of 2020.
——————–
Alexandra’s Africa adheres to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria which were created to provide a common understanding throughout the world of “sustainable tourism”, and are the minimum that any tourism business should aspire to reach. The criteria are organized around four main pillars above. They have applicability to the entire tourism industry.
——————–
Alexandra’s Africa takes its sustainability responsibilities very seriously. We…:
.
Contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of quality education, decent work and economic growth, and conservation.
Keep ground travel to a minimum to limit CO2 emissions and reduce time spent travelling for our guests.
Work with local suppliers and experienced guides.
Support local artists and musicians.
Pay fair prices.
