Message from the SATSA President
As President of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) I look forward to welcoming the delegates of the Travel Agents Federation of India to the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in February 2013. We are most honoured that TAFI has chosen the City of Durban to hold its 2013 convention from 24 to 27 February.
The City of Durban shows in its civic architecture, a similar Victorian colonial heritage to that of India. However it also has a strong Zulu heritage, apparent in new buildings like the magnificent Moses Mabida Soccer stadium, built for the Soccer World Cup in 2010.
Visitors to the city are encouraged to explore its considerable Indian heritage, created by those who arrived in poverty in the mid 19th century, many of whose descendants are among the leading businessmen and politicians of the country today. That is a heritage of which we are very proud.
People of Indian descent living in South Africa have made, and continue to make, a huge contribution to the creation of the new South Africa. Through membership of BRICS, our two countries share many economic goals and aspirations, as we emerge as new, powerful players on the word stage.
For several years, SATSA has had the pleasure of working with TAFI, and finding out about what Indian visitors expect and want from South Africa. Our two countries have many things in common — from amazing wildlife and scenery to booming cities and great shopping! And we share a love of great food that draws inspiration from many different traditions.
Nowhere is the friendship between South Africa and India demonstrated more clearly than in KwaZulu-Natal, and it will be our privilege to host members of the Indian outbound travel trade in this exciting destination, which has so much to offer the visitor, from traditional villages to sophisticated cities such as Durban, which through its magnificent International Conference Centre has over the years hosted leaders from countries around the globe.
The International Convention Centre (ICC) Durban will be the setting for the TAFI conference, and we trust that our travel agent guests from India will feel both welcome and excited to find out more about South Africa – a country which they can then introduce to their discerning clients as a new destination that promises, and delivers, so much to visitors. They will experience all the comfort and familiarity of home, but with the bonus of the excitement, sounds, sights and smells, that only Africa can offer.
I trust that the South African travel trade, both within KwaZulu-Natal and from the other eight provinces, will avail themselves of the opportunity to participate in the TAFI Convention as delegates and as hosts to organised pre and post convention FAM trips.
On behalf of SATSA I look forward to welcoming TAFI to our shores, and hope that all members will have a really special and successful convention in Durban.
Craig Drysdale
SATSA President, CMP ® [Certified Meeting Professional]
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE:
ADVERTISING: The Tourism Tattler will be distributed to delegates at the TAFI Convention. Contact Beverley for special rates [email protected].
EXHIBIT: Secure your space (3m x 3m sq.) in the Exhibition Area. Forms can be obtained from: [email protected]
The Exhibition Opportunities brochure can be downloaded at: http://www.tourismtattler.co.za/downloads/taficonvention2012.pdf.
For more information contact Bunny Bhoola on +27 83 632 2420 or +27 333 453175 or email: [email protected].
