The emerging Middle East is one of the source markets SATSA delegates will review at the upcoming SATSA conference in Fancourt from August 13-15.

Says SATSA CEO, David Frost: “Many have long argued that the Middle East does not get proper recognition as in the past it fell outside SA Tourism’s core markets. However, there is massive wealth in the region and huge economic growth. Also, Gulf-based carriers have emerged as dominant airlines with their ability to draw tourists in from beyond the Middle East.  SAA has an expansive agreement with Etihad and SA Tourism is working with Emirates. 

“So the question arises as to how we play in that market and what can we do collectively to extract better tourist receipts.”

The conference session, entitled ‘Key Emerging Market – The Middle East’, is set for Friday August 14 at 14h15. The facilitator is Sean Kritzinger, MD of Gilt Edge Travel. 

One of the panellists, Sadiq Dindar, Manager, Trade Relations Global at SAT, points out that the Middle East market has a large number of resident expats who have disposable income and are regular travellers, taking an average of four international trips a year.

“South Africa has become a popular destination given the airlift into the country, with direct services into OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports. Over the last few years we have seen the Gulf carriers increase their frequencies into South Africa, thus making the destination desirable and accessible to consumers. South Africa is also attractive to Middle East locals, who find the country warm, friendly and welcoming to their culture, with a variety of offerings that include halaal food and mosques.”

Muhammed Riza, Regional Manager, Commercial Operations for Emirates, is another panellist, travelling out from Dubai.  He will be joined on the podium by fellow airline personality, SAA’s GM Commercial, Sylvain Bosc.  Tour operators Rob Hetem of Tamrich Tours and Trevor Hewett of African Pride complete the panel.