Kaushik Srinivasan is the co-founder and Senior Vice President at eMudhra, a leading global digital Identity and Transaction management company with headquarters in India. At eMudhra, he is responsible for corporate strategy and new initiatives such as Digital ID’s, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence where drives development of proprietary innovations used for trade facilitation. Kaushik is also a Domain Coordinator for eGovernment at the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business where he actively works on standards and processes for projects such as Blockchain, Internet of Things, cross border digital transaction recognition.

Kaushik is a serial entrepreneur having earlier founded an ecommerce venture which focussed on the party supplies industry with a large footprint in India. Prior to this, Kaushik has worked with Hedge Funds and Financial services companies in New York in both risk and technology leadership roles.

Kaushik is a CFA Charterholder and is a member of the Indian Association of Investment professionals. He is also a travel enthusiast having travelled to more than 105 countries.

In June this year I had the privilege to address the International Aviation Transport Association at the AGM in Sydney . This is the most important and significant meeting of airline and aviation industry leaders. This was in my capacity as an experienced airline CEO and IATF Council member.

In relation to the International Tourism & Investment Conference what may be of interest is my industry experience as a Board Director of one of the largest hotel groups in the Indian Ocean (Beachcomber Group based in Mauritius for 8 years), Seychelles Tourist Board Member for 20 years and Air Seychelles CEO for 14 years. Till date I am the Chairman of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority ( since 2011) and advisor to the Government of Seychelles on Air Transport Policy.

I have also worked on a number of national committees pertaining to liberalization of air access, sustainable tourism development and initiatives to attract FDI in bolstering Seychelles tourism carrying capacity. Tourism earnings is by far the largest economic driver and GDP contributor to the economy. Seychelles takes top spot in tourism earnings per capita globally. Destination branding and destination positioning is something Seychelles has excelled in and an exercise I have been closely associated with.

I am a strong advocate of liberalising air access as it is a proven recipe in growing tourism receipts, yield and investment, ultimately creating more wealth for the country and its citizens.

Mauritius, Maldives and the Seychelles (SIDS) are examples when it comes to tourism investment, image and positioning. There is a common thread we can share to the world.

Saleh Said was born in Zanzibar, and spent his childhood in New Delhi, India, as the son of a diplomat. His entrepreneurial spirit started early in life when he opened his first company at the age of 17 and he has continued to venture into a wide range of businesses ever since, not least of which was creating a successful joint venture with MMI Dubai, part of the prestigious Emirates Group .

Saleh founded Zanzibar Developers & Hotels Ltd in 2011, with the purpose of acquiring a key part of the island’s premier coastline, which was later successfully sold to Pennyroyal Limited and formed the foundation for the Blue Amber (resort). Saleh was appointed as Managing Director of Pennyroyal Ltd. in 2012 and has played a major role in developing the $1.6 billion golf , hotel and residential resort ever since. Saleh’s vision is at the core of what is set to be East Africa’s most luxurious destination, homing East Africa’s first championship Ernie Els golf course and Ritz Carlton, alongside plans for a further 3 hotels, private and branded residences as well as accompanying amenities. Working closely with the government Saleh’s passion and commitment to the upliftment and growth of the local economy sees social engagement at the core of the Pennyroyal business endeavours and is already driving innovative programmes in healthcare, education and training on the island. Saleh’s vision to see “Zanzibar poverty free” is as impressive as it is brave, and he is committed to making this a reality.

Saleh has been interviewed by CNBC Africa where he discussed the tourism market in Zanzibar as well as the socio economic impact of Blue Amber on the surrounding communities and the island at large. Additionally he hosted the Tanzanian roundtable discussion at the Gulf and India Ocean Hotel Investors Summit Abu Dhabi in January 2018. Saleh joined the Tanzania Chapter of Young President’s Organization (YPO) in 2013 and is an active participant in its Real Estate forum.