The Southern Africa Chapter of the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has been rebranded as SITE Africa with an expanded mandate and scope of activities. The decision was arrived during the last IBOD meeting in Las Vegas after a careful consideration of a request by the the Southern African chapter.SITE is based in Chicago and is the only fully international association that has a specific focus on incentive travel. It has more than 2300 members in 90 countries with 30 chapters world-wide.
By rebranding as SITE AFRICA, it no longer excludes current and potential members from other African countries. Key objectives for this critical change include the following:
• Inclusion for all other African companies involved in the MICE travel sector to become part of the international SITE family
• Creating better access to education, including workshops, networking events and certification programs. (CIS & CITP)
• Providing international support and mentorship for developing companies
• Creating a platform for learning across borders and cultures, providing opportunities for inter-action to facilitate skills and experience transfer.
• Local, regional and international networking opportunities
• Growth by collaboration
• Meetings Africa participation on the SITE Pavilion, with access to more than 140 qualified international buyers.
• Finding and developing leadership in the region with the view of appointing future board members
• Create regional steering committees to assist with regional SITE events
• Identify needs and assist with the development of incentive travel experiences and product in various regions, as required.
• Youth development programs, including possible attendance of the Young Leadership conference in Las Vegas in 2020
• Access to Developing Membership for 2020 – great discount off regular membership fees
President of the new SITE Africa chapter, Tes Proos who attended the Magical Kenya Expo, where the new chapter announcement was done during a MICE showcase event kindly supported and sponsored by the Kenya Tourism Board as well as The Event magazine.
The update was shared with Rwanda Destination Management Companies and other tour operators, at the lovely Marriott Kigali.
The news was very well received and SITE Africa is positive that renewed energy will follow that may forge cross-border relationships around the continent which will bring about better understanding of the MICE traveler demands and collaboration among countries to enhance their experience.
Proos stated that SITE is already engaging with leaders in key African regions and have identified highly motivated personalities who are keen to take incentive travel to the next level. “It is a long-term project and we are super-excited by the enthusiasm we have experienced from players around the continent. The next mission is to appoint regional steering committees and in doing so, develop fellow Africans for SITE AFRICA board positions.”
In addition, succession planning is key. We need to identify young leaders within our communities to ensure they receive the best mentorship and exposure possible to lead the way into the future of MICE travel.
New board and committee members from across Africa will be appointed and announced in the near future and SITE networking events coming your way!
We would like all Destination Management Companies, tour operators and PCO’s across Africa to join as SITE AFRICA members. Good news, is that new African members may join as a Developing Member at a hugely discounted rate of $ 200 (plus a once-off joining fee of $ 50). This membership is valid for 2 years and runs from January through to December.
See the benefits of joining at https://www.siteglobal.com/page/join.
For further information, please contact SITE Africa president, Ms Tes Proos on tes@crystalevents.africa or +27 (0) 84 682 7676
