SATIBThe pace and gravity of the COVID-19 crisis has had us all scrambling. As members of the tourism community we are all affected: tour operators, agents, insurance brokers and insurers themselves.
We need to do everything in our power to mitigate loss, but also to put strategies and procedures in place so we can continue to provide memorable and world-class experiences to travellers once we get through this crisis.
What is encouraging is the way that different sectors of the industry are banding together to find better outcomes.
More than anything, tourism players today need information, support, guidance and a way to future-proof the tourism industry.
Information at your fingertips
In the words of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), against our current backdrop of heightened uncertainty, up-to-date and reliable information is more important than ever, both for tourists and for the tourism sector.
SATIB has set up a COVID-19 Task Team to provide expert guidance during this time – as well as a dedicated website for the industry. The site provides links to updated information, risk advice, and resource documents for application in your work and home environments.
We have engaged with external organisations and legal experts to decipher the complexities of the situation: www.firstequity.co.za/covid-19
Support and guidance
Not only do clients benefit from the SATIB Task Team’s collective and considered advice, there is also a 24-hour operations desk in place, where you can talk through sensitive and often complicated scenarios, involving either your guests or staff.
All queries are shared within the team to ensure SATIB remains up to speed with any developments aligned to clients’ unique needs and situations.
A dynamic list of FAQs is on the website, giving you quick access to general, insurance, legal and medical information.
SATIB continues to go to bat for you, engaging with the Executive of our chosen insurance partners to explore options of alternative insurance structures, relaxed payment terms, temporary suspension of clarification around claims process and how cover responds in these extraordinary circumstances. These engagements are on-going, but positive.
Future-proofing
There is no doubt that the tourism industry is forever changed. SATIB is engaging with national associations, government and media – and participating in industry webinars and leadership forums as proactive members of the tourism community in order to navigate the best possible path through this crisis.
With 30 years at the forefront of insurance in the tourism, hospitality and leisure industry in South Africa, SATIB is committed to the future of the industry. Not only do clients have a level trust and comfort in SATIB’s track record, but an assurance that SATIB is working hard to implement the best solutions for their clients and is focused on ensuring our industry emerges in the best shape possible.
The opinions expressed in this text are the author’s opinion and do not reflect the position of Africa Travel Week.
Africa Travel Week
