As tourism enters a new phase of growth, innovation and global change, many of Southern Africa’s leading tourism, business and conservation voices will gather in Cape Town this August for SATSA Conference 2026.
SATSA, the voice of inbound tourism in Southern Africa, has unveiled the full programme for its flagship annual conference, bringing together an exceptional line-up of business leaders, destination specialists, conservation pioneers, hospitality executives and tourism innovators to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of tourism in the region.
Taking place from 19–21 August 2026 at Southern Sun Cape Sun, the conference will provide a platform for industry collaboration, strategic discussion and practical insight at a time when tourism businesses are navigating changing global markets, technological advances, conservation priorities and evolving traveller expectations.
Among those taking to the stage are some of South Africa’s most respected business, destination and tourism leaders, including Marcel von Aulock, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Sun; Adrian Enthoven, Executive Chairman of Yellowwoods and Family Owner of Spier Wine Farm; Graham Wood, Chief Executive Officer of the V&A Waterfront; Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, City of Cape Town; Enver Duminy, Chief Executive Officer of Cape Town Tourism; and Rashid Toefy, Deputy Director General: Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Government.
Joining them are respected leaders from organisations including SANParks, Rhino Africa, Africa’s Eden, Wesgro, Dream Hotels & Resorts, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, Nielsen Sports, Londolozi, Wild Wings Safaris, Isibindi Africa Lodges and Motsamayi Tourism Group, reflecting the breadth of expertise represented across the programme.
The programme explores some of the defining issues shaping tourism today, including:
- SANParks at 100: Legacy, Growth and the Road Ahead
- The South African Business Landscape: Navigating Change and Creating Opportunity
- The V&A Waterfront: Reinvention, Relevance and the Road Ahead
- Panorama Reimagined & Wild Eastern Cape: Destination Reinvention and Regional Competitiveness
- The Collaboration Advantage: How Government and Industry Are Building a Common Roadmap for Tourism Growth
- Beyond the Middle East Horizon: New Markets, New Routes and the Courage to Grow
- Reimagining Tourism, Together: Building a More Competitive, Connected and Inclusive Southern Africa
According to SATSA CEO David Frost, the conference has been designed to bring together the ideas, people and partnerships that will help shape the future of tourism.
“Tourism has always been one of South Africa’s greatest strengths, but the environment in which we operate is changing rapidly. Success will increasingly depend on our ability to collaborate, adapt and embrace new ways of thinking. SATSA Conference 2026 brings together the people, ideas and partnerships that will help shape tourism’s next chapter. More than a conference, it is where our industry comes together to challenge thinking, build relationships and create momentum for the future.”
SATSA Chairperson Oupa Pilane said the programme reflects both the diversity and strength of Southern Africa’s tourism sector.
“This year’s programme has been carefully curated to bring together some of the most influential voices from across business, conservation, government and tourism. By creating space for meaningful dialogue and practical insight, we hope delegates leave not only inspired, but equipped with new ideas, stronger partnerships and renewed confidence in the future of our industry.”
The full conference programme and registration details are available here.
