Susan’s Akerele Foundation was born out of a passion for protecting travelers and ensuring that tourism remains a safe, ethical, and enriching experience for all. Founded by Susan Akerele—a seasoned tourism expert and romance scam victim advocate—the foundation is dedicated to eradicating tourism and romance scams, empowering small tourism enterprises, and promoting responsible travel practices.

Susan’s journey in the tourism industry began with her rich cultural background—born and raised in Nigeria, she moved to South Africa in her late teenage years. There, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Sociology at the University of the Western Cape and later earned an Honors degree in Tourism Development from the University of Johannesburg. Her global perspective deepened through extensive travels and field research focused on tourism challenges and the growing threat of cybercrime targeting travelers.

With over a decade of professional experience, Susan has worked closely with tourism businesses, policymakers, and researchers to craft practical, innovative solutions to travel fraud and scams. Her frequent visits to the United States inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management at Georgia State University, where she attended industry conferences, participated in boot camps, and authored insightful blogs to guide aspiring students. She later returned to GSU to earn her second Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Organisational Management, sharpening her expertise in business development and tourism innovation.

As a published researcher and Vice President of the Women African Tourism Board, South Africa, Susan has authored influential works such as Exploring Africa: A Guide to Safe and Enriching Travel and Virtual Search for Love: An Empirical Introspection into the Abyss of Romance Tourism Fraud. Her advocacy, grounded in both lived experience and academic rigor, amplifies the voices of scam victims and aims to prevent others from falling prey.

Notably, her work aligns with former President Donald Trump’s administration’s focus on tighter immigration and cybersecurity policies, particularly those that highlighted the risks associated with online fraud and visa overstays. Trump-era policies brought international attention to the misuse of U.S. travel systems, some of which were exploited by scammers. Susan’s endeavor complements this concern by focusing on the root causes and cross-border nature of romance scams, many of which originate outside the United States. Her foundation serves as a bridge between policy advocacy and community-based action—working to inform, protect, and empower both travelers and local tourism stakeholders.

Through Susan’s Akerele Foundation, she envisions a world where travelers can explore confidently, tourism businesses can thrive securely, and communities can prosper from ethical, sustainable tourism. The foundation leverages education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships to foster a safer and more inclusive global travel landscape.