SATSA Conference 2023: Introducing our speakers and panelists

You can expect a jam-packed two days at SATSA’s ‘Partnerships for Action’ conference in Durban on 6th and 7th May, with a host of industry experts who will head up our speaker line-up. Every presentation and panel discussion are centred around our core theme “From Talk to Walk,” as we collaboratively discuss the future of inbound tourism in South Africa. We look forward to robust discussions, expert engagement and an abundance of key insights as we come together for a powerful two days.

Let’s introduce you to our speakers and panelists:

6 May 2023

An International Perspective - Australia & New Zealand
Led by: Peter Shelley, Managing Director, Australian Tourism Export Council and Lynda Keene, Chief Executive, Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

Join our international guest speakers as they unveil the secrets behind the successful collaborative approach between public and private sectors in their markets and learn how to overcome common challenges.

Thought Leaders Industry Insight
Panel discussion with: Peter Dros, Head of Sales & Marketing, Cheetah Plains; Martin Wiest, CEO, Tourvest Destination Management; Jerry Mabena, CEO, Motsamayi Tourism Group; Lindelwa Isabelle, Sales & Revenue Director, Southern Sun Hotel; Maija de Rijk-Uys, Managing Director, Go2Africa.

Explore the latest trends in inbound tourism to South Africa and gain valuable insights into how these industry leaders are navigating the changing landscape within their businesses. Stay informed, stay competitive, and stay ahead of the curve by learning from this dynamic panel discussion.

Partnerships in Action - Garden Route JMO
Panel discussion with: Monika luel, Chief Destination Marketing Officer, Wesgro; Lee-Anne Singer, Cape Board Director, FEDHASA; Nicole Tunmer, Group Sales Manager, The Liz McGrath Collection; Joan Shaw, George Tourism Manager, George Municipality.

Explore the power of destination partnerships with the Garden Route JMO case study, and learn how collaboration expands reach, visibility, and benefits for stakeholders in the region.

Making Marketing Magic
In this session, we cover the power of storytelling and authenticity to promoting inclusivity, collaboration, innovation, and data-driven insights.

Air Access
Led by: David King

Unlock the potential of Destination South Africa with a deliberate air access strategy. Learn from industry experts how strong partnerships between airlines and destinations have driven economic growth and visitor numbers.

Digitised World in Tourism - More than Meets the Eye
Led by: Martin Wiest, CEO, Tourvest Destination Management; Leigh Ingle, Managing Director - Africa, Tourplan; Chris Anagnostellis, CEO, An African Anthology.

Embrace the digital revolution in tourism with practical insights on leveraging technology trends, online booking platforms, and virtual reality experiences to succeed in this rapidly changing landscape.

Tourism Sustainability, Access, Inclusivity & Diversity
Panel discussion with: Abby Jacobs, Acting Hub Head: North Europe, South African Tourism; Rachel Nxele, Director: People and Sustainability, Sabi Sabi; Lisa Scriven, Programme Manager, Fair Trade Tourism; Debbie Damant, Head: Visitor Experience, South African Tourism.

Deep dive into the importance of sustainability, access, inclusivity, and diversity in tourism, and learn how embracing these values can enhance destination competitiveness and contribute to a thriving industry.

Anglo American and Tourism
Discover how Anglo American has indirectly supported South Africa's tourism industry through investments in infrastructure, community-based tourism initiatives, and sustainable practices.

7 May 2023

Scene Setting - Structured Engagement
Led by: Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO, TBCSA and Nomasonto Ndlovu, COO, South African Tourism.

This session will unpack how SA Tourism and the private sector can work together to target specific source markets and market segments for maximum impact. Join us and be part of the conversation shaping the future of tourism in South Africa.

UK Target Market
Led by: Ian Utermohlen, Regional General Manager Europe, South African Tourism and Faith Johnson, CEO, New Frontiers.

Join our "UK Source Market" session for an insightful discussion with industry experts on the immense potential of the United Kingdom as a source market for inbound tourism to South Africa. Gain valuable insights, tips, and strategies for tapping into this lucrative market and maximising your business opportunities.

North America Target Market
Explore the latest insights, trends and strategies for attracting North American tourists, as a panel of industry experts discuss the lucrative North American market for inbound tourism to South Africa and how it has largely driven the post-Covid recovery.

German Target Market
Led by: Ian Utermohlen, Regional General Manager Europe, South African Tourism

Uncover the potential of the German market for inbound tourism to South Africa in a discussion led by industry experts who will join our panel discussion to share their insights on trends, travel behaviour and decision making from this key European market.

National Tourism Code of Conduct
Led by: Bronwen Auret, CQAO, South African Tourism

This session unpacks key highlights of the National Tourism Code of Conduct and how it can promote responsible tourism practices, improve the visitor experience, increase industry credibility, and support sustainable tourism development. You'll learn how the code can help regulate the industry and build trust between tourism businesses, visitors, and local communities.
 
BMW Golf Partnership
Led by: Nomasonto Ndlovu, COO, South African Tourism

South African Tourism has partnered with BMW Golf to promote South Africa as a top golf destination. This marketing initiative involves sponsorship of key golf events worldwide, digital marketing campaigns, tailored golfing itineraries, and promotional activities. During this session, you'll discover how this key partnership is driving growth in the golf tourism sector and boosting the economic benefits of the tourism industry.
 
Adventure Tourism
Panel discussion with: David Frost, CEO, SATSA; Julia Louw, Head: Leisure Tourism, Wesgro; Mark Brown, Founder and Co-owner, Canopy Tours South Africa.
Buckle up and discover the power of adventure tourism in South Africa, Our panel discussion delves into the potential of adventure tourism for the inbound tourism industry, from unique experiences and high-spending visitors to economic benefits for local communities, sustainability, and destination competitiveness.
 
Tourism Safety & Security
Panel discussion with: Gillian Saunders, Tourism Special Advisor; Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO, TBCSA; Hannelie du Toit, COO, SATSA; Michael Tollman, CEO, Cullinan Holdings; Andre du Toit, Executive Head: New Business, First Equity Insurance Group.
 
With thanks to our ‘Partners for Action’ – Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Durban Tourism, South African Tourism and Payfast.
 
Want to shake things up in South Africa's inbound tourism industry? Need to make sure your business is headed in the right direction? Or just want to catch up with industry friends and colleagues to talk travel?

Reserve your place now for the Partnerships for Action Conference by SATSA.  

Click here to register