This year’s Satsa conference at Spier, Stellenbosch, on August, 16-18 will feature a panel discussion titled ‘Animal Interactions - How do we craft a compliance process?’
The conference will aim to uncover the discernible and actionable outcomes for both industry leaders and Satsa. The association is encouraging conversation about compliance frameworks in respect of animal interactions and find out whether there is a mandate for Satsa to take the issue further and establish industry best practice.
Satsa CEO, David Frost, says the conversation is necessary, particularly when interaction with one species is frowned upon over another.
Panellists will include CEO of Fair Trade Tourism, Jane Edge, and Mike Fynn from the Lion and Safari Park.
Fynn said while there had been controversy for a number of years surrounding animal interactions, there was a definite need to level the playing field regarding compliance for facilities that continued to offer these activities. “The only way to do this may be through the introduction of legislation to control, monitor and enforce how things are done,” said Fynn.
International markets have recently commented negatively regarding animal interactions. Some markets have the view that supporting any animal interactions is unethical. Fynn said a large percentage of visitors still wanted to experience animal interaction for various reasons, indicating a need for the activity, including for education.
The session will be moderated by Colin Bell of Natural Selection. Other panellists include Mandy Freeman from Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Suzanne Benadie, Sales Director at at Tourvest DMC, Gerben Hardeman, Manager Responsible for Travel and Tourism, ANVR - Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, and Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism.
For more information or to register for this year’s conference, click here.
