A new era of responsible tourism unfolds at SATSA's "This is Us" 2024 conference

Excitement is building as the South African tourism industry gears up for the SATSA "This is Us" 2024 Conference, taking place from 14-16 August at the scenic Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa. This year's conference carries extra weight as it marks a significant shift in SATSA's leadership, reflecting a clear commitment to a more responsible and inclusive future for tourism in the region.

Taking the reins as Vice-Chairperson is Rachel Nxele, Director of Sandringham Private Game Reserve, whose passion for sustainable tourism stems from a deeply personal experience. Having witnessed the devastating impact of socio-economic pressures on the local nature reserve in her hometown of Mandeni, Rachel has dedicated her career to promoting eco-friendly initiatives across various industries. Her "start where you are" ethos, emphasising the power of responsible tourism to benefit both local communities and the environment, will be central to her leadership as she joins Chairperson, Oupa Pilane, and CEO, David Frost.

"I'm eager to continue supporting initiatives focused on youth development, diversifying voices at the table, and expanding community-based projects," says Rachel, underscoring her dedication to building a more equitable tourism landscape. "My goal is to integrate responsible tourism into the very fabric of SATSA, making it the guiding principle behind all our actions."

This commitment to responsible tourism is at the heart of the "This is Us" conference. Rachel will share her insights in a session titled “Harnessing the Power of Regenerative Tourism," exploring how sustainable practices can drive meaningful change across the industry.

Joining Rachel is a lineup of speakers equally passionate about shaping a brighter future for South African tourism. Colin Bell, a veteran safari guide and dedicated conservationist with over four decades of experience, will share his vision for preserving Africa's wild places through photographic safaris. He'll be joined by Yolan Friedmann, a force in the industry who, as CEO of the Endangered Wildlife Trust and recipient of numerous accolades for her environmental work, embodies a deep commitment to conservation. Adding to the impressive lineup is David Ryan, founder of the world-renowned Rhino Africa, who demonstrates how passion and innovation can create a successful tourism business while championing both conservation and community development.

Natalia Rosa, a tourism industry visionary, will bring the tourism story to life, integrating the speakers’ insights with audience contributions.

Beyond thought-provoking discussions, attendees can enjoy the region's beauty and activities: shark cage dives, mountain biking, ziplining in the Overberg, and wine tasting in the Cape Winelands.

The conference also hosts SATSA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 16 August, providing members a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the association's governance and contribute to shaping its future.

With Rachel Nxele at the helm, SATSA's "This is Us" 2024 Conference promises to be more than just an industry event. It's a platform for driving positive change and building a more sustainable and inclusive future for South African tourism.