It’s been a busy week for celebrations, events and awards on the Travel Industry calendar, but with unseasonably mild weather, there was a spring in everyone’s step and a fantastic turn out on Thursday 18th September, for the much anticipated 3rd annual SATOA awards, held for the second year in succession at BBar, Victoria.
SATOA, a non-profit independent organization, has gained a reputation for bringing sub-Saharan African and Indian Ocean industry movers and shakers together throughout the year via travel agent training dinners, networking social events and, peaks with the Annual awards.
The evening marked the celebration of the ‘Best of the Best’ as nominated and voted by members and industry employees. Those shortlisted were notified in the weeks building and nominees took to social media to rally for their product, company or service with a flurry of thanks and ‘please vote’; such is the desire to gain one of the coveted awards.
Fiona Bibby’s post on Facebook illustrates that SATOA recongnises industry partners large and small - “I am delighted to announce that I (The Travel Architect) have been short listed for the annual SATOA Travel Awards in the category of Best Retail Agent. Amazing, considering I was up against some major ‘big boys’ in the travel world. Next Thursday 18th will be a big day when the results are announced in London!”
The presentation of the awards, by Tesna Simonsen-George, Chairperson of SATOA was followed by a fun evening of relaxed networking and hospitality. SATOA members, the committee and contributing partners would like to thank their sponsors One & Only for their support and congratulate all the winners and runners up in every category:
Best UK / Ireland Tour Operator, Selling to Trade
Winners: Africa Collection
Runners up: Real Africa
Best UK / Ireland Tour Operator, Direct sell
Winners: Real Africa
Runners up: Travel Butlers
Best Retail Agent
Winners: Embarque Travel
Runners up: The Travel Architect
Best Hotel 20 rooms or less
Winners: Grand Dédale Country House
Runners up: Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve
Best Hotel 20 rooms or more
Winners: Taj Cape Town
Runners up: Sossusvlei Lodge
Best Safari
Winners: Garonga Safari Camp
Runners up: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Best Tourist Board
Winners: South African Tourism
Runners up: Namibia Tourist Board
Best CSR programme
Winners: Your Africa
Runners up: Marine Dynamics
Most Outstanding Member
Winners: One & Only Hotels
For further information regarding membership of SATOA please contact Sue on info@satoa.com
