Just Released: Your First Look at the SATSA 2025 Conference Programme
We're excited to release the official programme for the SATSA 2025 Conference and also to provide a quick update on accommodation, car hire, and SATSA's Golf Day.
Taking place 9-11 September at The Westcliff in Johannesburg, this year's conference brings together some of the sector's most respected voices to explore the state of inbound tourism and the practical shifts needed for future growth.
Our programme includes a mix of keynote addresses, short TED-style talks, panel discussions and partner-led content, designed to inform, challenge and inspire.
Conference Programme
- 08:00 Arrival & Registration
- 09:00 Conference Opening, Ntando Bhengu & Natalia Rosa
- 09:05 Welcome and Setting the Scene, David Frost & Oupa Pilane
- 09:35 Jozi My Jozi - From Movement to Momentum, Robbie Brozin, Dawn Robertson & Melusi Mhlungu
- 10:25 A Political Reality Check - SA Quo Vadis, Stephen Grootes
- 10:55 Morning Tea
- 11:25 Partner Talk - South African Tourism
- 11:40 Just Judi: My Tourism Story, Judi Nwokedi
- 12:00 Partner Talk - Gauteng Tourism Authority
- 12:10 Beyond the Bubble - Reimagining an Industry Not Just About More Visitors, but About Wider Access and Equity, Monika Iuel
- 12:30 For the Love of Travel - Insuring Africa's Tourism Future Through Technology, Trust & Collaboration, Paul De Waal
- 12:50 Lunch
- 13:50 Artificial Intelligence - Opportunity or Curse? Martin Wiest & Andre Rainsford-Alberts
- 14:50 Artificial Intelligence In Practice, Maija de Rijk-Uys
- 15:10 Partner Talk, TBC
- 15:15 Afternoon Tea
- 15:45 Inclusive Tourism - A Bottom Line Impact, Rachel Nxele, Larisha Naidoo, Grace Stead, Akash Singh & Kate Rivett-Carnac
- 16:35 Day 1 Open Mic and Closing, Natalia Rosa & Ntando Bhengu
- 09:00 Bones, Stones and Stock Exchanges - From Australopithecus to industry, a multidisciplinary narrative, Dr Tebogo Makhubela & Howard Geach
- 09:45 Township Tourism Unfiltered - The Stories We Never Tell, Thato Mathopeng
- 10:05 Capturing the Pulse of Johannesburg - Joburg in Your Pocket, Laurice Taitz-Buntman
- 10:25 Unlocking South Africa's Creative Soul, Thabo the Tourist
- 10:45 Tackling SA's Geographical Spread - Can we Throw Off the Cape Town / Kruger Straightjacket and Spread the Love, David Frost & Industry Specialists
- 11:30 Morning Tea
- 12:00 Regional Coordination - A Practical Example of Spreading Tourists Geographically, Julia Louw & Lieschke Steven-Jennings
- 12:40 We Are Not Alone - Geographical Spread in a Regional Context, Jillian Blackbeard, Chris Roche & More
- 13:25 Day 2 Open Mic and Conference Summary, Natalia Rosa
- 13:55 Lucky Draw and Conference Closing, Ntando Bhengu
- 14:00 Lunch
View the latest programme, speaker details and more conference information here.
If you haven't clicked the register button yet, we encourage you to do so soon. We're already at 75% capacity and filling steadily.
Conference Golf Day
Join David Frost for SATSA's much-anticipated Golf Day - a perfect way to connect with colleagues and ease into the conference week.
Date: Tuesday, 9 September 2025
Venue: Randpark Golf Club – Firethorn Course
Tee-off times: Between 11h22 and 11h54 (from both the 1st and 10th tees)
Format:Better Ball Stableford
Cost: R650 per Golfer
Book: Secure your spot here
Where to Stay
We've secured a range of accommodation options to suit every preference, along with complimentary conference venue shuttles, offered by our Transport Partner, Ilios Travel.
Whilst rooms at The Westcliff are sold out, delegates can still book with our Accommodation Partners as follows:
Southern Sun
Offering exclusive discounted rates, accommodation is available at both the Southern Sun Hyde Park and Southern Sun Rosebank hotels, each offering exceptional comfort and convenience.
Standard Room BB (1 King or 2 Single Beds):
- Single rate per night @ R1695
- Sharing rate per night @ R1890
To reserve:
The Bannister Hotel
For those looking to stay in the heart of the city, The Bannister Hotel in Braamfontein offers a stylish and budget-friendly option just minutes from the conference venue.
Room rate per night BB:
- Double Bed Standard Room @ R675,00
- Twin Single Bedded Room @ R765,00
- Queen Bed Standard Room @ R765,00
- King Standard Room @ R855,00
- King Spacious Room @ R945,00
To reserve:
Get Around Jozi with Europcar
As the official mobility partner for this year's conference, Europcar is pleased to offer an exclusive 10% discount to all SATSA Conference 2025 delegates, making your travel to and around the event more convenient and affordable.
To book, visit the Europcar website and use the promo code "SATSA"
Sponsorship Opportunities
We would love for you to get more involved in this year's conference.
If you're interested in showcasing your brand and placing your business in front of key industry decision-makers, explore the available sponsorship opportunities by accessing the SATSA Conference Sponsorship Prospectus or contacting Hannelie to discuss how you can be part of this year's event.
We'll be sharing more updates next week. Keep an eye on your inbox for details of pre-conference tours, designed to help you experience the energy and stories that make Jozi so special, as well as airfare discounts for delegates travelling from across the country.
This year's programme is more than a collection of sessions. It's a space for us to connect, reflect and grow as a community. With a strong line-up of social events and immersive experiences, the conference brings our “Spread the Love” theme to life in a meaningful way.
We can't wait to welcome you to the SATSA 2025 Conference. It will be a celebration of the people, places and partnerships that continue to drive our industry forward.
