Our purpose

Opening Africa to the advisors ready to discover it.

Africa FAM Trips was created to bridge a gap: talented travel professionals wanted to sell Africa, but many had never been given the opportunity to experience it.

Why we began

Access creates confidence.

Traditional FAM opportunities often go to people who already sell Africa. We saw an enormous missed opportunity among advisors who were interested and capable, but lacked the firsthand knowledge required to begin.

Our answer was to create a more inclusive and useful kind of educational journey—one that introduces travel professionals to Africa’s diversity while connecting them directly with the suppliers who want to build new international business.

These are not holidays disguised as education. They are immersive programmes built around experience, understanding, professional connection and responsible growth.

Our leadership

Meet the team

Lorraine Simpson

Lorraine is an international tourism development strategist and award-winning travel professional with more than 30 years in the industry and firsthand experience of more than 100 countries.

A television travel contributor and travel columnist, Lorraine has designed and delivered destination campaigns, travel-trade education, FAM programmes and experiential events across North America and Africa. Through Nia Global Strategies and Africa FAM Trips, she connects African tourism partners with international travel advisors through practical market knowledge, media visibility and trusted industry relationships.

Keith Gallinger

Keith launched Africa FAM Trips alongside Lorraine, bringing 10 years of travel-industry experience and a practical understanding of what turns a promising itinerary into a successful journey.

His calm, hands-on approach helps transform ambitious ideas into well-organized, personal experiences. From programme planning and partner coordination to supporting advisors on the ground, Keith plays an important role in ensuring each FAM runs smoothly and that every participant feels welcomed, supported and able to concentrate on learning about the destination.

30+ years in travel100+ countries experienced16,800 advisor network10 years of Keith’s industry experience

Africa Excellence Awards

Familiarization Trip Specialist of the Year 2026

This recognition reflects our commitment to creating meaningful two-way exchange: advisors learn how to sell Africa with confidence, while African partners gain valuable access to new markets and relationships.

Leadership recognition

One of 100 Outstanding Global Innovative Leaders 2026

Lorraine Simpson was selected by the Global Center for Innovative Leaders for its 2026 list, recognizing vision, leadership and innovation with global impact.

The honour reflects a career built around connecting people, destinations and markets—using tourism education, media and international partnerships to create opportunities that extend far beyond a single journey.

Purpose

Every itinerary must create genuine professional and destination value.

Respect

Africa is presented through local expertise, not outside assumptions.

Connection

Real relationships are the foundation of confident, sustainable sales.

Your African story starts here

Ready to experience what you want your clients to feel?

Apply or register interest ↗