Judges

Meet our Judges for the ATTA® for Action Awards!

Our judges have been chosen for their leadership and experience in eco-conscious travel, and their commitment to the growth of meaningful tourism impact in Africa. Drawing from vast experience across the continent, each brings a valuable world view that will assist them in the evaluation of the projects put forward

Jonathan Camm

Ecotourism Officer, Botswana Tourism (Key Sponsor: ATTA® for Action Awards)

Jonathan Camm is an Ecotourism Officer for Botswana Tourism, specialising in sustainability with a focus on environmental conservation, community participation, cultural resource management, and environmental monitoring. He holds a degree in Environmental Science and Archaeology from the University of Botswana and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Development Practice. Jonathan is a champion for meaningful tourism development in Botswana.

Charity Githinji

MICE Expert and Director at Tandaza Africa

Boasts over 27 years of invaluable expertise in the tourism industry, in tourism product development, green festivals, hotel pre-opening services, and marketing. With extensive networking among policy makers and stakeholders in the hospitality industry across East African partner states, Charity is a seasoned specialist dedicated to advancing eco-friendly practices and fostering growth in the tourism sector.

Anne de Jong

Co-founder of the Good Tourism Institute

A dedicated sustainable tourism consultant. Firmly believing in the synergy between success and sustainability, she works tirelessly to shape a futureproof tourism industry. Anne supports travel businesses and destinations in enhancing resilience and sustainability, prioritizing profitable businesses that at the same time benefit people and planet. Her mission is to mainstream and streamline sustainability practices: making sustainability more accessible and appealing, and using sustainability as leverage to run a successful business.

Angela Njehia

Co-Founder and Director of Tierranjani Africa Ltd since 2019

Dedicated to innovative solutions in responsible tourism and has contributed to projects in more than ten African countries. Angela serves on the Executive Committee of Ecotourism Kenya. With 17+ years in tourism, her expertise spans operations, product development, strategy, sustainability, and marketing. An accredited food waste management consultant with The Pledge for Food Waste and sustainability auditing with Travelife for Tour Operators and Green Destinations, Angela is committed to addressing crucial challenges in the tourism sector.

Mercy Onyango

Assistant Camp Manager (Operations) at Saruni Basecamp

With over five years in responsible tourism management, now directs hospitality operations with a focus on community development and conservation and is based at Saruni Basecamp. Formerly managing donor-funded projects in Kenya’s tourism industry, she champions sustainable practices through her volunteer work and professional engagements. Skilled in project management, training, and stakeholder coordination, Mercy is passionate about environmental conservation, community engagement and youth leadership for transformation.

Debbie Flynn

Managing Partner and Global Travel Practice

Leader of Finn Partners is a PR and travel and tourism expert with over 35 years of experience. Debbie founded Brighter Group in 1995, which under her leadership, grew into a leading UK travel PR and marketing firm before joining with Finn Partners in 2018. Debbie specializes in luxury travel, tourist boards, aviation, business travel, lifestyle brands, responsible tourism, sustainability, global tourism strategy, and digital marketing.

Meet our Mentee Judges:

These talented up-and-coming changemakers have been offered the opportunity to shadow our ATTA® for Action Award judges. Their current roles and passion for eco-conscious travel stood out to us and we look forward to watching them grow further. We wish them much success in making their own meaningful impact in tourism and hope they enjoy the learning curve this opportunity provides.

Zintle Mtsi

Product & Communications Co-ordinator at WESGRO

She studied Tourism at the University of the Western Cape and has a background in Geography and Environmental Studies. Zintle is passionate about South Africa and her people and is inspired by the vibrant cultures and beautiful landscapes of the country and had has a belief that by using tourism as a positive driver for change, we can build sustainable livelihoods for local communities while also sharing the unique stories of these communities with the world.

Leah Mulenga

Conservation Leadership Project Coordinator

Leah Mulenga works for Nature Connect as a Conservation Leadership Project Coordinator. Leah is a dynamic advocate for environmental education and youth development, known for her inspiring mentorship and impactful project coordination. As a keynote speaker, she captivates audiences with her insights on nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

Kelvin Salla

Kilimanjaro Porter's Assistant Project

Graduate in International Development and Politics and works in the hospitality industry. He is part of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and has experience in sales, corporate training, tourism and hospitality, and research. He has a deep interest in responsible tourism, believing that travel should benefit both the visitor and the host community in promoting cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and economic equity, as well as preserving cultural heritage.

Kalinda Zimba Muyembe

Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at Global Sojourns Giving Circle

Five years of insights into tourism and community development at the Time and Tide Foundation, starting as a Program Officer and later becoming a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager – a role she plays at Global Sojourns Giving Circle. Kalinda draws on her South Luangwa National Park experiences and champions responsible tourism’s transformative impact believing in preserving natural and cultural resources for future generations. Holding degrees in Special Education, Clinical Neuropsychology, and a master’s certificate in Business Administration, Kalinda’s advocacy extends to girls’ education.