Johannesburg, June 20, 2025 – The South African travel industry will meet as Asata holds a 2025 travel conference at the Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa near Hermanas from August 20-22.
By “connecting today's trends with the possibilities of tomorrow,” this year's meeting focuses on what's most important right now. The impact and role of NDC and the future of modern airline retail, secure future payment solutions, cyber risk and payment fraud, realistic AI tools for travel business, practical efforts to expand your business
“The travel and tourism industry is dynamic and constantly evolving,” said Asata CEO Otto de Vries. “This meeting is about everyone in the same room working on the real challenges we are facing and knowing what's coming next. It addresses challenges like evolving retail models and cyber risk, but more importantly, future preparation solutions and next-generation payments and AI adoption will tackle strategies to drive growth, drive growth and build strong industry-wide partnerships.”
What to expect
The event will begin on Wednesday, August 20th with Golf Day at Arabella's Championship Course. It is designed for networking before serious business begins.
On Thursday and Friday (August 21-22), representatives can expect practical agenda tackles.
The future of payments for how new distribution capabilities (NDC) change airline bookings and how digital solutions create safety, how to create new possibilities for expanding business economics, practical steps to leverage behavioral economies to build better partnerships across the industry's value chain
“Travel agents and advisors play a key role in the tourism value chain by providing expertise and a personal touch that builds trust among travelers,” De Vries said. “It's important to take over business more than ever, using new technology, payment innovations and collaboration models.”
Interactive format for real solutions
This year's programme goes far beyond traditional presentations. Representatives will participate in collaborative breakout sessions designed around real-world scenarios, from navigating regulatory change and adopting new technology platforms to co-creating practical growth strategies. Scenario-based workshops bring together a space for everyone to solve problems and leave practical ideas that can be used immediately in their own business. Meanwhile, industry-specific forums encourage honest dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities as well as opportunities specific to South African markets.
Who's talking?
It is still announced that the confirmed speakers include industry veterans Otto De Vries (ASATA), Timothy O'Neill Dunn (formerly Expedia Executive and T2IMPACT Principal), Jason Goldberg; authors: Natalia Rosa (Big Ambation), Amy Harvey, Intelligent Automation, Scale Expec (Architect), And Sedarhal Blue Saw Saw Saw Saw Saw Saw Saw Saw Saw Consulting; more experts in retail innovation, payment technology and business strategy.
Reservation details
Early Bird registration will end in less than 5 days. Places are quickly filled in in all participant categories.
Complete Program and Registration: https://conference.asata.co.za/
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To request an interview with Asata CEO Otto de Vries, contact Shelley Martin on 083 390 5734 or email shelley@bigambitions.co.za.
For more information about Asata, please visit www.asata.co.za.
About Asata
Founded in 1956, the South African Travel Agency Association is a representative forum registered as a Association of People, promoting professional services in the travel industry for both members and their clients. ASATA membership, representing more than 95% of the travel industry in terms of market share, is optional and includes South African retail travel agents, travel management companies, wholesalers, and suppliers of travel related products and services.
Published by great ambition:
Shelley Martin
shelley@bigambitions.co.za
083 390 5734
