SATSA has announced the first confirmed speakers and sessions for its 2026 conference in Cape Town from August 19-21.
The programme will focus on conservation, destination competitiveness, leadership and global events affecting tourism.
One session will mark the centenary of SANParks with discussions on biodiversity conservation, visitor access, infrastructure, community impact and future growth. Speakers will include SANParks CEO Hapiloe Sello, Kruger National Park Managing Executive Oscar Mthimkhulu, SATSA Vice-Chairperson Rachel Nxele and Wild Wings Safaris MD Onne Vegter.
A conservation-focused session will examine South Africa’s rhino renaissance and the role of conservation, community development, advanced tracking and responsible tourism in rhino recovery. Panellists will include Rhino Africa CEO David Ryan, Motsamayi Tourism Group CEO Jerry Mabena and Londolozi Co-Founder David Varty.
Destination competitiveness will also feature prominently with a discussion on the Panorama Route and the Eastern Cape exploring regional tourism development and commercial viability. Speakers will include SATSA Chairperson and Graskop Gorge Lift Company Co-Founder Oupa Pilane, Misty Mountain Owner Lisa Sheard and Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve MD Chris Roberts.
Deputy Director General for Economic Development and Tourism in the Western Cape Rashid Toefy will present a TED Talk on leadership during periods of uncertainty, focusing on resilience and adaptability in the tourism sector.
Another panel, led by T-Cubed Consulting Director and SATSA Special Projects Lead Rob Hetem, will examine the impact of recent Middle East disruptions on global travel, including air access, market vulnerability and shifting demand.
The programme will also include a discussion, led by Nxele, on the tourism potential of northern KwaZulu-Natal, exploring conservation, product development and regional tourism growth.
SATSA said additional speakers and sessions will be announced ahead of the conference. Sponsorship opportunities remain available and registration is open.
