SATSA - News - Online Registration Opens For The Sa Travel And Tourism Industry Conference

Its all systems go for the inaugural South African Travel and Tourism Industry Conference (SATTIC) with online registration having opened on 25 July. The conference, which is a combined initiative of member associations of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), is scheduled to take place from  2 to 4 September at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo Hotel, situated in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

The participating associations are the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), the Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA), the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), the National Accommodation Association of South Africa (NAA-SA), and the Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA).

"With only a month to go before the conference, we are extremely excited to see all our plans for the conference coming to fruition, says Mmatšatši Ramawela, Chief Executive Officer of the TBCSA. "It hasn't been easy but we are committed to the initiative with the participating member associations because it's the right thing to do". "We are encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by the members and stakeholders ahead of the event. We have already secured three major partners to help us deliver on the ‘dream' and are looking forward to more businesses and organisations coming onboard."

Travel and Tourism industry SETA, CATHSSETA have confirmed their support for the event and have come onboard as a platinum partner. They are joined by the proud host region of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, who are onboard as a gold sponsor while South African Tourism have pledged their support as a silver sponsor, and Mercedes-Benz South Africa have secured the ‘Tourism Month Fiesta' sponsorship.

Ramawela moved to allay concerns regarding the industry conference being held so close to another industry event, the Sports and Events Exchange (SETE). "In our view, the timing is just right. Sports tourism, as a niche, is a growth area which delegates at the industry conference will be exploring and we are happy that there is another platform for business players interested in this growing niche market to explore it in more detail. We encourage participation in both events", she said. "To show our commitment, the CEO of SATSA, Michael Tatalias, met with the organisers of SETE to agree on ways to support each other leading up to the two events and to ensure that the two events are not confused in the market place" added Ramawela.

In conclusion Ramawela urged all industry role players and members of associations to register for the conference. "This is a conference for all tourism players, be it in the public or private sector, large or small. We hope everyone to join in and be part of the winning team."

To find out more about registration and the conference programme, log on to www.tourismvision2020.co.za .