SATSA, the Voice of Inbound Tourism, and Tanzania Local Tour Operators (TLTO) entered into a joint partnership on 4 April 2023 at World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) in Cape Town. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalise their partnership, according to David Frost, CEO of SATSA.
“WTM presented an ideal chance to finalise the MOU since SATSA and TLTO are crucial players in the African tourism industry. It was good to meet face-to-face and establish our partnership formally,” says Frost.
The MOU outlines the terms of collaboration between the two non-profit, member-driven associations that advocate for the interests of their members in different segments of the tourism industry.
SATSA offers access to over 1,100 tourism products in Southern Africa, enabling agents and buyers to connect with reputable tourism providers while advocating for its members on matters related to inbound tourism. SATSA places great importance on professionalism and upholding a rigorous code of conduct.
With a mission to promote Tanzania as a premier travel destination, TLTO represents more than 200 tour operators in Tanzania. TLTO also prioritises empowering locals and supporting the local economy, while adhering to high standards of professionalism and a strict code of conduct within the travel industry.
Both SATSA and TLTO have common goals of promoting their respective regions as top tourist destinations and supporting their local economies.
“By partnering, SATSA and TLTO can leverage strengths to enhance the credibility and quality of services, benefitting both members and travellers. We will be working collaboratively towards promoting professionalism in the tourism industry and increasing the standards of service in the respective regions,” says Ambrose Mtui, Secretary General of TLTO.
The agreement comprises reciprocal membership to the respective associations, joint promotion of members and services, government and stakeholder lobbying, SME support and information, and mutual promotion of destinations.
The first outcome of the partnership will comprise an Online Business Exchange session in Aug 2023 where products for the two countries will have an opportunity to introduce themselves. This will be followed by a hosted visit and stand opportunity for at least 10 South African products at S!TE (Swahili International Tourism Expo) between 5 and 9 October 2023.
“This is an exciting step forward for organisations working to promote tourism in two of Africa’s most sought-after destinations. It will help us strengthen the tourism offerings in both countries and support and open opportunities for our members,” Frost concludes.
