'SA Tourism is doing but not telling' - Satsa

THE Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa) spent its 32nd annual conference and agm exploring internal and macro issues that would determine the path and growth of the Association - if not inbound tourism. The largely introspective conference was held at the Boardwalk Casino in Port Elizabeth. Alan Romburgh was re-elected president, Andy Dott as vp and Trevor Hewett, treasurer. Many members believe the Association must form a closer relationship with SA Tourism, which is not sufficiently involving the Association in its plans and activities. There was consensus that "SA Tourism is doing, but not telling." This writer raised the point that SA Tourism has yet to appoint a chief executive who would be ultimately accountable for its marketing funds and how the money is spent. SA Tourism chairman and acting ceo Saki Macozoma has allocated R200m to its newly appointed advertising agency Hunt Lascaris but it emerged the country's largest incoming tourism organisation was not consulted. However, Satsa's ceo Gail McCann said this will be "corrected" and the Association will be kept in the loop and members will be informed where Satsa can slot into marketing plans. Some members believe Satsa should get more involved in growing tourism volumes to South Africa and marketing -even though this is SA Tourism's job. External research revealed that some Association members perceive SA Tourism is not as effective as it could be marketing in SA and Satsa should step into the apparent breech. It was even suggested Satsa could play the role of a "shadow minister." Willem Eksteen, SA Tourism's UK-based md of UK, Ireland and Nordic countries, acknowledged that the two organisations should work in tandem. Andy Dott suggested that Satsa should have representation on SA Tourism at the highest level and vice versa. Workshops were held at the agm to find solutions to issues and problems that were raised during research and at congress. The executive committee would then list their priorities and tackle matters that were within its power and resources. Satsa is keen to forge closer ties with bodies like Asata (Association of South African Travel Agents) and Fedhasa to enable the industry to speak as one voice on major issues. Issues that arose included quality control within the organisation. While entry level criteria are high, Satsa needs to ensure members continue to comply with high standards. Another issue was pricing. While Satsa provides overseas outbound operators with substantial discounts, their markups are way above rack rates to the point that some are ripping off clients while leaving SA's inbound industry with razor-thin margins. The Association believes it should explore a coordinated pricing mechanism throughout the value chain. Some of the Association's members believe Satsa is not sufficiently exploiting marketing opportunities and is not taking cognisance of international trends. There also needs to be better communication between the executive committee and its members. (Mark Gray)