Satsa: new committee, benefits announced

SINCE 2002, the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association’s (Satsa) membership has increased by 25% to a total of 817 company members, its relationship with its industry partners - SA Tourism, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and the Tourism Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority (Theta), to name a few – has improved considerably and the organisation has successfully negotiated improved services and benefits for its members, giving it a more powerful voice in the industry. This according to Satsa president, Sheree Simpson, who was elected to serve as president for a second term during the national Satsa agm held at the Premier Protea Hotel President in Cape Town over the weekend (June 6 to 8). Other newly-elected executive committee members included Trevor Hewett (treasurer) Faiz Noordien (vice-president), Peta Panos, Thabiso Tlelai and Michael Tatalias. Hewett announced that Satsa membership fees had marginally increased from an annual R2 400 to R2 500. Satsa ceo, Gail McCann, announced several new membership benefits and improved services, including a 28% discounted membership to the Automobile Association, improved discounted airfares from South African Airways (SAA) and a newly-designed Satsa Employee Benefits Fund sponsored by Satsa, marketed by Safari and Tourism Insurance Brokers (SATIB) and administrated by Glenrand MIB. Satsa, in conjunction with SATIB, has also concluded an agreement with Calibre Clinical Consultants to provide HIV/Aids PEP (post-exposure prophylactic services) to staff members and inbound visitors. This includes access to a 24-hour call centre, telephonic trauma counselling for HIV and rape incidents, one-on-one consultations for rape, trauma and potential exposure cases, pre- and post test counselling, anti-retroviral prophylactic therapy and other medication and ongoing personal case management. (Adéle Mackenzie)