The Southern African Tourism Industry Conference took place 22 August 2007 at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town. The event was well attended with a good mixture of delegates across the tourism industry.

The day began with a welcome by Omega Chairman, Dr Denis Worrall. This was followed by the key-note statement by Minister Lynne Brown, MEC for Finance and Tourism in the Western Cape. The following two speakers, David Frost (WTTC) and Michael Tatalias (SATSA) set the tone for the rest of the day with interesting and focused presentations to determine what is happening in Africa’s tourism industry.

Session two included presentations by Noel de Villiers (Open Africa), Gillian Saunders (Grant Thornton – who were Gold Sponsors), Jennifer Seif (Fair Trade in Tourism SA) and Deborah Kahatano (DEAT & TFCA). This session focused on Regional Objectives and what the potential for Southern Africa is, as well as methods of sustaining and growing the industry.

Session three’s speakers voiced their concerns over several issues impeding the growth of African tourism. Michelle Ross (Shikana Media) focused on the global perception of Africa and what needs to be done to correct the resulting negative image. Colin Bell highlighted the problem of Southern African authorities and companies in over-promising and under-delivering on many objectives. Darryn von Maltitz (NBI) focused on the skills that are lacking and emphasised the need to improve these skills - which will certainly improve service delivery and quality to all tourists. Finally, Linden Birns (IATA) spoke about air transport liberalisation, which is still a controversial issue in the tourism industry.

The final session looked at the opportunities available to promote tourism growth. Sheryl Ozinsky’s environmental grading system opened the audience’s eyes to the prospect that saving water, waste and electricity will not just benefit Mother Earth but also business. Ian Kruger (BlueRiverstone Research) touched on the opportunities companies have to market themselves through online marketing. If used effectively and efficiently, this can prove to be a powerful marketing tool. Finally, David Frandsen (CTRU) focused on the 2010 FIFA World Cup and beyond – and the future is bright!

The event was closed by Dr Worrall and one lucky delegate walked away with a 3G HSDPA pack which was donated by the Main Sponsors of the event, Vodacom. The discussions and networking was then moved into the lobby where everyone enjoyed a glass of good wine sponsored by KWV.

We would like to thank our sponsors, Vodacom, Grant Thornton, Business Day, Bitou Tourism, KWV, Cape Town Fish Market and Enterstage for their support in making this event a success, one that will continue next year, possibly hosted by one of our African neighbours.