The upcoming Satsa conference, themed ‘Transforming for Inclusive Growth’ will take place at Spier, Stellenbosch form August 16-18.
The conference programme reflects current topical issues as well as issues that directly affect the region where the conference will be hosted. Introductions will be made by Satsa President Gavin Courtenay and Satsa CEO David Frost. Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa will be giving the key note address and an interactive session.
A panel discussion on ‘Inclusive Growth’ will be held on Thursday morning. Panellists include South African Tourism CEO, Sisa Ntshona, Mohamed Baba, owner of Ilios Travel, Adv. Mncedisi Xego, CEO of Royal Fields Finance and Martin Wiest, CEO of Tourvest Destination Management.
The role for trade will be discussed Thursday afternoon, with Roger Foster, CEO of SA Airlink as moderator. The discussion’s panellists include Tim Harris, CEO of WESGRO, a representative from American Airlines, David Ryan, CEO of Rhino Africa.
Following lunch on the Thursday, a discussion themed, ‘How do we grow? Geographical spread and product development’, will take place with Blackie Komani, Director of Tourvest as moderator. Panellists include a representative from Gauteng Tourism Authority Representative, Jaap Kreeftenberg, CEO of AAA travel, Monika Iuel, CEO of Southern Africa Private Safaris, and Craig Smith, New Frontiers’ CEO.
The last discussion on Thursday afternoon on crafting a compliance process will be moderated by Colin Bell from Natural Selection. Panellists for this discussion include Jane Edge, CEO of Fair Trade Tourism, Mandy Freeman from Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Suzanne Benadie, Sales and Marketing Director for Your Africa, Gerben Hardeman, Manager Responsible Travel and Tourism, ANVR – Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, Mike Fyn, from Lion Park and Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism.
A township experience evening will be held that Thursday night.
Other topics to follow on the Friday include, ‘Tourism Conservation Fund – moving from concept to action’, ‘South East Asia, India and Middle East –New markets, pointers and lessons’, and lastly, ‘ Investing in downgrade – What does the downgrade mean for your business’, which will be moderated by Michael Spicer, Chairman of WESGRO.
For programme information click here.
