CATCH-UP: Virtual Reality and Tourism

Caryll McDonald
Director: Business and Brand Development, Dream Hotel and Spa and Dream Beach Club in Phuket Thailand

Carryll believes that a culture of collaboration rather than silos are the way forward in business today.  While her passion is tourism development her expertise is primarily strategic management of sales and marketing teams and she has managed to merge the two for much of her career.  Caryll’s 20 year span in the hospitality industry has taken her to the Caribbean, the UK, and now Asia where she resides with her husband, two children and a dog.

Rudi van der Vyver
MD: EPH Events and
CEO for We Are Virtual

Bringing a wealth of management and eventing experience from the financial services, business consulting and hospitality industries as well as having played a crucial role in driving the business events sector forward in Southern Africa. Rudi is very passionate about event strategy, psychology and driving return on investment for clients through effective and creative event management.

A driven, innovative and creative individual with a comprehensive management and leadership background, Rudi brings to the table 20 years of extensive and diversified experience, a comprehensive training foundation and an exemplary career at leading international organisations.

Vladimir Varnavskii
Founder and CEO: VResorts.io

Vladimir is an entrepreneurial leader with 15+ years of experience in scaling businesses and building high-performing international teams.

Leveraging his background in management consulting and experience of start-ups at different stages, he creates value in fast-paced environments in a structured manner.

Having led teams across 20+ countries in Europe and Asia, he has put great emphasis on creating a collaborative culture and building strong partnerships across the globe. 

Barry Clemens
CEO: Hospitality EQ

Barry is a well renowned professional with extensive experience in the global Hospitality, Travel & Tourism trade.

For the last five years, he has be developing businesses in the technology start-up industry in the hospitality space and  has been a regular speaker at various International conferences relating to digitalisation and sustainable tourism.

Barry has been at the helm of multinational companies in his field of expertise and serves on various board as an advisory member. 

Barry’ entrepreneurial spirit that comes natural, combined with experience and sound business and financial acumen has accumulated to several success’ and achievements such as:

• Top 100 most influential leaders in Hospitality – Global MICE congress and awards 2019
• Lilizela Award judge for five consecutive years to date (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018)
• ATLF Awards commission member and Keynote speaker
• Winner and finalist of several international awards in hospitality for properties under his management
• Proven track record in successfully developing financially distressed business’ into profitable units, whilst improving service delivery.