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During the recent CEO Webinar hosted by Tourism Update, the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association’s CEO, David Frost, highlighted what exactly the Satsa App is, and why it is important for association members to make use of it.
Responding to a comment from a listener, who said that an app focusing specifically on security is not a good idea, Frost said: “The Satsa App is a trade-to-trade communication. So, it goes out to Satsa members, and every single employee can download the app. If the CEO if off sick, everybody can get real-time information. That can be updates on visa information or details of service delivery protests on key routes.
“That then allows the operator or the lodge or the guesthouse to get real-time information to the tour leader, the bus driver, or if you have the ability to communicate directly with your FIT guests, to your FIT guests.”
Frost pointed out that in no way does the app interact with the tourists.
In a statement released following the webinar, Satsa said that knowledge is the key to keeping travellers safe when they visit South Africa. “Providing that knowledge to Satsa member DMCs and tour operators is the Satsa App, which distributes push notifications about protest action, strikes, road closures and areas where high levels of crime are reported,” the statement said.
The app’s Security Alert feature is updated continuously from multiple sources across the country, and delivers essential information to all Satsa members, their staff, tour guides or drivers with alerts, so they can change travel plans and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
As mentioned in the webinar, the information can also be passed on to FIT clients.
All Satsa members and their employees can download the app on both the Apple iStore and Google Play store. A username and password are issued upon registration approval.
The Satsa App also has a news section, which is updated continuously with news that’s of relevance to members and their clients.
“We encourage anyone who comes across protest action, strikes and road closures, or who wishes to report a high-crime area, to contact us via email (Virginia at reception@satsa.co.za) or via WhatsApp (Hannelie on 083 600 3555, to be added to the Satsa Tourism Safety group), so that we may share the information across the industry and endeavour to keep our travellers visiting South Africa and staff safe,” concluded Frost in the statement.
The full webinar can be seen below.
Source: tourismupdate.co.za