Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Radisson Academy launches in Nigeria to strengthen hospitality skills
- WTM Africa 2025 honors excellence in African travel journalism
- FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup unveils full squad line-ups for Seychelles 2025
- Nigeria urges Rivers State to back Port Harcourt-Aba rail project
Radisson Academy Launches in Nigeria: Empowering Hospitality Talent
Radisson Hotel Group has launched its first Radisson Academy Live in Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to the development of talent within the local hospitality industry. This marks a milestone in the company’s broader strategy to invest in people as the driving force behind service excellence and future leadership. The move comes as part of Radisson’s ongoing mission to nurture skills and elevate standards within its expanding African operations.
Since its inception six years ago, Radisson Academy has recorded over 517,000 course completions, providing structured learning through more than 2,500 online and in-person courses. Nigerian employees have embraced the platform, now averaging nearly 15 completed courses per person and contributing over 80,000 combined learning hours in 2024 alone. Satisfaction levels have remained high, with an average course rating of 4.8 out of 5, underlining strong engagement and relevance across training offerings.
Nigeria is also central to “Project Accelerate,” launched in 2022, aimed at shaping the next generation of General Managers from within the company. Several Nigerian team members have already been identified for advancement. Radisson Hotel Group extends appreciation to its dedicated trainers, local partners, and hotel owners, and continues to encourage Nigerian colleagues to seize learning opportunities and inspire others in their professional journeys.
WTM Africa 2025 Honors Top African Travel Storytellers
The WTM Africa 2025 Media Awards have honored five outstanding journalists for their impactful storytelling across the African tourism sector. Held during Africa Travel Week, these awards recognize the essential role of media in shaping perceptions and spotlighting the continent’s rich travel narratives. Judges from renowned outlets like CNN Travel and National Geographic Traveller UK applauded the depth, creativity, and insight demonstrated by this year’s winners.
Mike Unwin took the Destination Feature award for his article on Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills. Summer Rylander was recognized for her work on Botswana’s balancing act between tourism and conservation with the Sustainability award. Ryan Enslin’s wildlife photo essay in Cape Town claimed the Visual Tourism award, while Shanna Jacobsen shed light on staffing woes in South Africa’s incentive travel sector, earning the Tourism News title. Newly emerging voice Qaqamba Matundu was celebrated with the Young Talent award for her story on South Africa’s elusive golden mole.
These awards not only celebrate journalistic excellence but also reaffirm the importance of authentic narratives in connecting global audiences with Africa’s dynamic tourism landscape. Each story brings awareness and admiration to destinations and issues often overlooked, reinforcing why responsible storytelling matters.
Seychelles 2025 Beach Soccer World Cup: Star-Studded Squads Revealed
The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025™ kicks off on Thursday, May 1st, with squads now officially confirmed. The tournament features elite talent from across the globe, setting the stage for intense, high-stakes matches played out on the sands of the Indian Ocean. Veteran names and rising stars alike are preparing to make their mark in what is expected to be a standout year for the sport.
Portugal fields a formidable trio with Be Martins, Jordan Santos, and Leo Martins—all key players to watch. Italy returns nine of its 2023 runner-up squad members, banking on consistency under coach Emiliano Del Duca. Brazil sees a shift with coach Marco Octavio selecting Antonio, Lucao, and Benjamin Jr., while leaving out long-time staples Alisson, Ze Lucas, and notably, veteran Bruno Xavier who will miss his first World Cup since 2011.
Other players to watch include Ihar Bryshtsel of Belarus, Emirati sensation Ozu Moreira, Senegal’s Raoul Mendy, Spain’s Chiky, Japan’s Takuya Akaguma, and Tahiti’s Heimanu Taiarui. With teams from all over the world bringing heat to Seychelles, this edition promises thrilling action, competitive spirit, and a unique showcase of global beach soccer culture.
Nigeria Seeks Rivers State Partnership for Port Harcourt-Aba Rail Line
Nigeria’s Federal Government is calling on Rivers State to enhance its commitment to the development of the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), led by Dr. Kayode Opeifa, emphasizes that deeper collaboration is essential for upgrading the region’s transport infrastructure and improving economic connectivity. Opeifa made this appeal during an inspection of Port Harcourt’s railway station as part of a broader review of the Eastern corridor.
Opeifa stressed that contributions from both state governments and private investors are critical to positioning rail as a reliable component of the national transport system. Citing Plateau State’s successful partnership on the Jos-Kuru rail line, he encouraged similar models for other states. He also highlighted the need for private investment in extra coaches and locomotives to boost capacity across the lines.
The good news is that the Port Harcourt-Aba segment is already operational and performing well. Work is set to begin on the Enugu-Maiduguri section, extending the Eastern corridor. Looking further, the NRC is studying ways to connect Eastern and Western rail lines through inland waterways, which could significantly streamline Nigeria’s logistical and transport capabilities.
That’s it for today.