CEO, African Albida Tourism, Ross Kennedy

Careers are sometimes ignited by position fashions and it was no completely different for Ross Kennedy, who was mentored by Jan de Haast on the Jameson Hotel in Harare: “I instinctively do things in my professional life today that Jan taught me 47 years ago, and there have been other hoteliers like Clive Bennett and Nick Martin who guided me to better practices.”

And Ross himself has turn out to be a mentor to so many younger Zimbabweans progressing their very own careers. One of his key motivations is to recruit, develop and information a brand new technology of hoteliers and to see them develop into first-class hospitality professionals.

“It is through tourism that both the nation and visitors can identify with an identity of a country,” he says, “and that enhances the overall perception of it. Tourism has an even greater role in providing employment and human resource development. In Zimbabwe our human resources are one of our finest assets!”

Success in making a trusted model doesn’t occur in a single day, nevertheless. For Ross, consistency, honesty and integrity have been important in rising and sustaining robust, revered and honest relationships with the commerce, media and the authorities. “It is through the tough times that these relationships can assist, advise and offer a supportive role,” he says.

Operating in a difficult surroundings in Zimbabwe over a few years has not been straightforward: “Perseverance and maintaining standards, quality and service despite stretched resources has been key, but there have also been times when tough decisions have had to be made, be it with cost controls, staff reductions or wage cuts.”

On the optimistic facet, these challenges have typically been overcome by adaptive and modern pondering and planning: “Adversity usually leads to collective thinking and cooperation, such as with the destination campaign we launched in the early 2000s, GotoVictoriaFalls.com, which was a major success in lifting arrivals against the odds.”

Ever optimistic, centered and motivated, Ross sees the tourism sector in Zimbabwe stabilising for just a few years as operators and buyers take inventory of the political and financial local weather, domestically, regionally and certainly globally.
“There are opportunities of course,” he says, “but cautious research and investment is the wise way. I foresee slow but steady growth for the next five years. As a sector, we are indefatigable, ambitious, proud and innovative. Ours is a fluid operating environment and that requires creative management styles.”

Ross has tried to instil key ideas to drive success at every Africa Albida property: professionalism; worth for cash; status constructing; delivering experiences and reminiscences; contribution to group and conservation, and creating accountable, worthwhile operations.

He believes that Zimbabwe’s tourism sector has efficiently managed to take care of these ideas even by means of the hardest of occasions and can contribute to optimistic change within the area: “It is a country of such rich natural resources, remarkable people, a diversity of landscapes and destinations, all of which offer experiences and engagements that can alter the lives of visitors and residents alike. It’s sheer beauty, it’s remarkable features and its range of accommodation options, all make Zimbabwe an attractive option for those visiting Africa.”

Of course, iconic locations do have the potential for overcrowding. “Whilst Zimbabwe is a long way from that threat, it is important that responsible parties – including government (national and local), Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the private sector – all plan, act and behave ethically and in concern to protect the proverbial golden goose,” he states.

By Shelley Cox

Everyone has a narrative
From the house owners to camp employees, Africa’s journey corporations and lodges are run and staffed by some nice characters. In this sequence, we meet a range from throughout the continent to supply perception to the individuals behind your safari expertise.