To elevate its work in the transformation and tourism development space, SATSA has launched its own Tourism Business Incubator.
Following a robust discussion on renewing SATSA’s member agenda and inclusive industry growth at its recent conference last month, combined with reflections on the current industry pulse and conversations from Africa’s Travel Indaba and WTM Africa, the inbound tourism industry association has entered a partnership with Sigma International.
“They have successfully implemented six such tailor-made tourism incubators, one of them being the current Department of Tourism’s National Tour Operator Incubator. Their incubator model has operated successfully during the last 770 days of the pandemic in reducing business failure in an ISO 9001:2015-accredited model,” explained SATSA CEO, David Frost, in a recent letter to members.
The first phase of the project would be to aggregate and redirect existing resourcing and spending by industry and members of SATSA on Enterprise Development (ED), Supplier Development (SD) and Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD).
“The innovative approach of circularity in this type of development work, aligned with the needs of our members, makes this a compelling platform to support existing members and the transformation agenda,” said Frost.
The incubator is based on Sigma International’s tried and tested model. The project will be developed in such a manner that it provides an industry-focused solution for ED, SD and ESD.
Said Frost: “This means that members will be able to earn B-BBEE points for ED, SD ESD, and even some bonus points, from your existing spend, so no additional investment.”
The project will be fully integrated into the work of SATSA so that it becomes scalable and sustainable, whilst ensuring impact, and relevance for the industry at large. It is ultimately geared to strengthen all SATSA members and the broader tourism value chain by using circularity as its foundation.
“We will be setting up various meetings in the coming weeks and will also be hosting webinars with Sigma to get more detail about how you can become involved and how to earn your B-BBEE points,” said Frost.
He added that this strategic initiative was based on the industry being reliant on the development and knowledge expansion of emerging and SME businesses, which makes up over 50% of SATSA’s members, as this introduces diversity and variety.
“It ensures that the sector continues to offer buyers and visitors the selection of unique tourism products and services they seek, while simultaneously contributing to uplifting previously disadvantaged individuals and communities,” Frost noted.
