Routes World 2024

Kingdom of Bahrain
• 6 – 8 October 2024

Routes World 2024

Routes World 2024 will bring together airline, airport, and destination decision-makers to define the world’s route networks.

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Tourism Seasonality Summit Speakers

Joseph Boschulte

Commissioner, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

Commissioner Boschulte brings over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and government to the tourism department. The Commissioner has held high-level positions in transportation, utilities, telecommunications, finance, government development and investment banking with a proven track record of improving organizational performance and growth.

Boschulte formerly served as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), Chief Financial Officer of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and the Government of the Virgin Islands Employees’ Retirement System, and chair of the VI Public Services Commission.  

Additionally, Boschulte serves as the former Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Executive Director for UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance with Wachovia Securities in Atlanta, and Vice President of Banc of America Securities in Charlotte and New York City.

Boschulte currently serves on the Board of Directors of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO) and the Virgin Islands Port Authority. He is also a member of the US Travel Association.

As Commissioner of Tourism, Boschulte has progressively led the Department of Tourism to expansive heights, rebuilding the territory’s brand, expanding the market reach, and increasing consumer visitation. Named the 2023 Caribbean Executive of the Year by Caribbean Journal, Commissioner Boschulte’s leadership in the US Virgin Islands expanded the depths of traditional destination branding, elevating the territory as a leading destination in the region.

Commissioner Boschulte earned his BBA from William and Mary and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

A family man first, Commissioner Boschulte is a husband to his wife Aisha and the proud parent of children Jaeden and Janae.

Participating Talks and Sessions

Yrjötapio ”Y.t.” Kivisaari

President and CEO, Visit Oulu

Yrjötapio “Y.T.” Kivisaari is a distinguished leader in the tourism and hospitality sector, currently serving as President and CEO of Visit Oulu, a leading Destination Management Organization in Finland. He holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Sustainability, along with a Master Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University programme.

Mr. Kivisaari serves in several positions of trust, including the Chamber of Commerce and Destinations International. As a passionate advocate for community engagement, sustainability, year-round tourism development, and social inclusion, he excels in leadership and promoting hospitality. Known for his storytelling skills and expertise in navigating change, Mr. Kivisaari is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field. His work emphasizes creating inclusive, accessible, and accountable tourism practices, reflecting his deep commitment to social sustainability.

Participating Talks and Sessions

Petra Roach

CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority

A driving force in the tourism industry, Petra Roach brings a wealth of travel experience and
expertise to her role as CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, which she took up in 2021.
Previously she held several key senior management roles with Barbados Tourism Authority,
including Head of Global Markets and Interim CEO during the transition period in the
restructuring of Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) to the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
(BTMI) and the Covid pandemic.


Her success as a tourism practitioner is well documented and acknowledged, having been the
recipient of three high level awards in the United Kingdom including the coveted British Travel
Awards Personality of the year, Caribbean World – Caribbean Personality of the Year and she
was also recognized as one of the ‘Top 60 women travel executives in the last 60 years’ by the
Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE). She was recognized at the 30th Annual
Virtuoso Travel Week conference and named the 2018 Ambassador of the Year – the first
individual from the Caribbean to receive this prestigious award and received the Chairman’s
Award for Excellence from Sandals International. In 2023 she was named Caribbean Tourism
Director of the year by Carib Journal and most recently was awarded the 2024 Director of
Tourism award by the Caribbean Tourism Organization.


Under her leadership, her team has also received several accolades in the UK including Best
Tourist Office at the TTG Travel Awards, the Travel Weekly Travel Awards and Selling Long
Haul. In the USA, her team was awarded Best Tourism Board Overall at the 2019 Travvy
Awards – as well as two Silver Awards in Best Destination Overall and Best Honeymoon
Destination in the Caribbean/Bahamas.


She has successfully elevated the brands with which she has worked and overseen some of the
most successful campaigns.

Roach successfully led Grenada through its pandemic recovery process, placing an emphasis
on innovative and competitive marketing campaigns and under her leadership, Grenada has
recorded its highest long stay visitation numbers ever in 2023 and increased airlift capacity
significantly.

Roach is internationally lauded for her marketing prowess, and strong relationships within the
tourism and airline industries.

She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, a Fellow of the Institute of Travel and
Tourism, and has sat on several boards including the board of the Branson Centre for
Entrepreneurship, Sport for Life UK and the Caribbean Tourism Organization, UK Chapter.
Overall, Petra Roach continues to be a game-changer and a force to be reckoned with in
Caribbean tourism. Travel inspires her and she is focused on ensuring that it continues to play
its role in improving tolerance of other people’s cultures and differences

Participating Talks and Sessions

Bronwen Auret

Chief Quality Assurance Officer, South African Tourism

Bronwen Auret is the Chief Quality Assurance Officer for South African Tourism and leads the quality assurance team for South African Tourism. Ensuring quality assurance is key to delivering on traveller’s expectations and enhancing the customer experience.  The Quality Assurance team at SA Tourism is responsible for the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) and Visitor Experience.

The   Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) was established in 2000. Operating as a business unit of South African Tourism, the TGCSA is still the only recognised and globally credible quality assurance body for tourism products in South Africa

There are seven main categories of establishments that travelers can choose from such as Formal Accommodation (Hotel, Apartment Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Small Hotel), Guest Accommodation (Bed & Breakfasts, Country Houses, Guest Houses), Self-Catering Accommodation (Exclusive, Shared), Game Lodge, Nature Lodge, Backpackers & Hostels, Caravan & Camping Sites and Venues. These establishments are graded by our Accredited Assessors and display the TGCSA Star insignia. If  the product bears the TGCSA star plaque and certificate, the consumer can expect outstanding quality and service excellence.

 

Bronwen has been with South African Tourism since 2018 and previously held the position of GM: Brand & Marketing.  She is a seasoned business leader and is obsessed with business problems and finding smart strategic business solutions.

Participating Talks and Sessions

Christophe Decloux

COO, Choose Paris Region

As the current COO of the Paris Region economic attractiveness agency, Choose Paris Region, and Managing Director of Visit Paris Region, his expertise spans strategic planning, business development, and marketing, with a strong track record of increasing revenue and fostering key partnerships across the global tourism sector.

Previously, Christophe held key leadership positions at Panasonic Europe and Pioneer France, where he successfully managed international teams and developed impactful marketing and communication strategies. Fluent in French, English, and Italian, he is passionate about leveraging innovation and data-driven insights to drive sustainable growth and is dedicated to promoting tourism in ways that benefit both visitors and local communities.

Participating Talks and Sessions

Paul van den Brink

Aviation Lead, Cape Town Air Access

Paul is an economic development and aviation specialist with over 25 years’ experience and proven record of accomplishment in both the public and private sector.  

Paul studied Economics & Marketing at the University of Eindhoven in the Netherlands where he graduated in 1995. In 1996 he moved for the first time to South Africa, where he worked for the South African Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (SANEC) in Johannesburg to promote the bi-lateral trade relations. He joined as Project Manager and was promoted to General Manager in 1998.  

In 2001, Paul returned to the Netherlands and started his career in the airport and aviation industry. He worked for 13 years at the Schiphol Area Development Company (SADC) in Amsterdam as International Marketing Director. In this role, he was responsible to improve the competitive position of one of Europe’s leading airport regions with its airport city and aerotropolis model.  

At the end of 2013, Paul moved to Cape Town and worked for the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. 

Since its inception in 2015, Paul is working as Aviation Lead for Cape Town Air Access, a public private partnership based at Wesgro. Its key objective is to improve the global air network into Cape Town (CPT) International Airport and the region. For its strategy and results, the air access project won the Routes Africa Award in 2018 and 2019. In 2022 and 2023 it received global recognition, winning the global destination marketing award at the Routes World conference in Las Vegas and Istanbul. 

Participating Talks and Sessions

Stacy Cox

Chief Executive Officer, Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association

Stacy Cox, a prominent figure in Caribbean hospitality, has dedicate dover 30 years to advancing tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands. As CEO of The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA)since 2011, she has driven sustainable tourism initiatives, industry advocacy, and marketing campaigns. Her extensive experience includes key managerial roles at top resorts and active volunteerism in community projects.

Stacy's leadership extends to serving on executive boards, including the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's CSHAE, showcasing her strategic vision. She continually pursues professional development, with credentials from Cornell University and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Recently certified as a life coach, she also created the"Women in Tourism Caribbean" social page, with over 13K followers, highlighting her commitment to empowering women in the industry.

Guided by the motto, "Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable – think on these things," Stacy's values are reflected inher work and life. She enjoys reading, dining, travelling, and mentoring aspiring young women in hospitality.

Participating Talks and Sessions

Rolando Aedo

Chief Operating Officer, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Rolando Aedo has been a senior member of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) since 1994 and was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in December 2017. He works closely with the President and CEO in the day-to-day operation of all aspects of the organization and helps maintain and strengthen external stakeholder relationships. He leads GMCVB’s high-priority initiatives and establishes strategic programs to ensure the organization continues to remain at the forefront of the Destination Marketing Organization industry. Additionally, he leads the GMCVB’s overall brand and marketing strategy with programs to drive consumer and business demand for Greater Miami as a global destination for vacation, meetings, conventions, and major events.

 

Mr. Aedo is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and has degrees from Miami-Dade College, Florida International University, and an MBA in International Business from the University of Miami. He is also a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and was recognized as one of the top 25 “extraordinary minds” in sales and marketing by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International.

 

He serves on the Miami Bayside Foundation which provides minority scholarships and loans, the Education Fund for Excellence in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, several other community and civic groups and has served as a Destination Internationals Foundation Board Member and Grants Committee Chair.

Participating Talks and Sessions

Sthembiso Dlamini

CEO, Gauteng Tourism Authority

Sthembiso Dlamini is an accomplished leader with a track record of driving innovation, growth, and strategic excellence. She is a Board Committee Member at the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) and currently holds the position of CEO at the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA), that is responsible for marketing and positioning Gauteng as a tourist destination of choice and a competitive global city region across Africa and the World.

Before joining the GTA, Sthembiso was a Chief Operating Officer at South Africa Tourism (SAT), managing a portfolio of R700 million and over 80 employees and was later asked to act as the CEO. Prior to this, Sthembiso was employed as the COO, a role she had occupied since August 2012, and has worked for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as acting director of corporate affairs from 2007 to 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project and Programme Management. She also recently completed her Master of Commerce in Programme ManagemenT

Participating Talks and Sessions

Andrew Hogg

Executive General Manager, Eastern Markets and Aviation, Tourism Australia

Andrew Hogg joined Tourism Australia in June 2015 as Regional General Manager Greater China, promoted to Executive General Manager Eastern Markets and Aviation in April 2020. Andrew works closely with colleagues across Asian Market and leads international aviation restoration. 

As the Executive General Manager for Eastern Markets and Aviation, Andrew is responsible for driving Tourism Australia’s strategies to grow demand from Australia’s fast-growing tourism markets for international visitors. With over 20 years working experience in aviation industry, Andrew’s strong aviation background will help Tourism Australia develop and maintain long-standing relationships with key airline partners. Andrew is based in Sydney since 2024 January.

Before the current role, Andrew was the Regional General Manager North Asia and successfully led North Asia team across China, Japan and Korea to build great milestones and deep relationship with key stakeholders in the region. 

Andrew’s career has included a number of senior roles in a career spanning more than 26 years with Australia’s national carrier, Qantas Airways, across finance, sales, marketing and operations.

Participating Talks and Sessions

Sara Ahmed Buhiji

Chief Executive Officer, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)

Sara Ahmed Buhiji is the Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing comprehensive tourism strategies that drive the Kingdom’s vision forward.

Working closely with the Government Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as the Prime Minister’s office, Sara is instrumental in elevating Bahrain’s tourism sector and supporting national growth initiatives. Under her leadership, BTEA oversees the development of tourism infrastructure and fosters partnerships with local and international stakeholders to enhance Bahrain’s tourism offerings and experiences. Sara also leads in the development and execution of marketing campaigns to position Bahrain as a top travel destination, enhancing Bahrain’s reputation in the worldwide tourism industry.

As Chairman of Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), winner of the World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023 and the Middle East's Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue 2024, Buhiji plays a crucial role in shaping the future of business tourism and the MICE industry in the Kingdom through defining and steering the strategic vision for EWB, ensuring it aligns with Bahrain’s broader goals for tourism and economic development.

Sara oversees the effective management of EWB’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that the venue meets international standards, integrates innovative approaches, and attracts high-profile events to make it a leading venue regionally and globally. With a distinguished career in communications, Sara has orchestrated a wide range of high-profile events and programs, including the Government Forum, the Government Innovation Competition (Fikra), Gateway Gulf, and the Prime Minister’s Fellowship Program.

Sara has broad experience across government and the private sector. She served as the Assistant Undersecretary for Media and Communication in the Prime Minister’s Office in 2021, General Coordinator for Media and Communication in 2020, and Director of the Communications Department in the Office of the First Deputy Prime Minister from 2017 to 2023.

Prior to this, Sara was the Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the Global Banking Corporation. Her board memberships, which include those of Al Dana Amphitheatre and the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, further demonstrate Sara's commitment to public service. She has also recently joined the Board of Directors for Gulf Air Group Holding. Buhiji’s memberships on these boards, combined with her roles as CEO of BTEA and Chairman of EWB, enable her to effectively align diverse entities in tourism, entertainment, and sports with the ultimate goal of supporting Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy (2022-2026). Her leadership ensures that their initiatives and visions support sustainable tourism and development, thus accelerating the tourism boom in the Kingdom.

Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Lebanon. Sha has won several prestigious awards, such as the National Action Pioneers Medal from His Majesty the King of Bahrain and the Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medial Merit, in recognition of her outstanding achievments

Participating Talks and Sessions

Steven Small

Director, Events, Routes

Participating Talks and Sessions