This year’s Africa Travel Indaba wasn’t just another industry event on our calendar. For SATIB, 2025 marked our 35th anniversary as a dedicated insurance partner to Africa’s tourism sector – and what better place to celebrate than at the continent’s largest tourism marketplace?
With our team on the ground, we created a space where clients could ask questions directly and engage with insurance specialists face-to-face. Over three dynamic days in Durban, these conversations revealed what’s happening now in African tourism and where the industry is headed next.
The Heartbeat of Tourism Is Strong Again
The halls of Indaba pulsed with renewed energy this year – a sentiment echoed across our team.
“There seemed to be a different vibe at Indaba this year,” observed Nicholas Konstandoudakis, Branch Head at SATIB Insurance Brokers. “It almost felt like the tourism community’s energy had been replenished, and it seemed very optimistic. The general sentiment of the industry really stood out for me.”
The attendance numbers were impressive – more than 9 000 attendees and R232 millions spent. But for us it was about the quality of engagement and genuine business intent visitors brought to each conversation.
Natasha Parry, General Manager at SATIB, noted: “It really felt like the tourism industry has found its spark again, and it was great to be part of that momentum. The interest from international operators was also encouraging and definitely gives us a lot to think about going forward.”
That shift matters deeply for our sector. When optimism returns after challenging years, it signals not just recovery but evolution, both in how tourism businesses operate and how they approach risk.
What Clients Want: Straight Talk on Real Concerns
Our stand became a hub for candid conversations about tourism operators’ challenges.
Likho Hlophe, Broker/Admin at firstEquity Insurance Group, shared: “Most questions revolved around liability insurance, how to get a quote, what it covers, and how soon it can be arranged. There was also a lot of interest in comprehensive motor insurance, particularly for game viewers. DMCs were asking about SATIBGo/travel insurance, and how we can assist them in offering these products to their clients.”
Alongside these practical coverage questions, we noticed a significant shift in how clients think about their insurance partnerships. Konstandoudakis highlighted this evolution: “There is a continuous need for evolution as risks change constantly. Many customers are looking at ways to self-insure or only insure for catastrophic losses, and don’t want to rely on bells and whistles anymore. They want clean and clear insurance, without all the jargon.”
This demand for clarity and customisation represents a maturing market where cookie-cutter solutions no longer suffice and where operators expect insurance that adapts to their specific operational realities.
Beyond South Africa: Regional Insights
The Indaba provided valuable perspectives from across the continent, particularly through our Botswana operations.
Seamus O’Neill, managing director at SATIB Africa Botswana, worked at both the Botswana stand and with independent Botswana tourism operations. His team discovered that “many of the smaller operators said they were unsure of their insurance covers and most were not represented by a tourism-specific Insurance Broker.”
This reinforced our understanding that specialised expertise remains critically important, especially in expanding markets. O’Neill also noted the importance of localisation in building trust: “SATIB Botswana will need to bring in an indigenous Broker, which will make the local tourism operators more ‘comfortable’.”
Another key concern for regional operators was medical evacuation coverage, underscoring how geography-specific risks remain central to tourism insurance planning in Africa.
Evolving Client Needs Call for Responsive Solutions
One of the most critical insights from Indaba was how client expectations are shifting.
Monique van Staden, Senior Account Executive at SATIB Insurance Brokers, observed that “client exposures are far beyond property loss and loss of revenue linked thereto, a full suite solution is required.”
This comprehensive approach was echoed in how clients engaged with us at the event. Many were looking for partners who could respond when things go wrong and help anticipate and mitigate risks before they materialise.
These insights are already informing how we refine our digital tools and client communication strategies moving forward.
Celebration With Purpose: SATIB at 35
Of course, amidst all the business discussions, we didn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate our 35th anniversary milestone. And if you know, you know – the party to celebrate was a great success, bringing together clients, partners and friends who have been part of SATIB’s journey.
But even our celebration reflected our purpose: recognising the relationships and trust built over three decades while looking ahead to the next chapter in African tourism risk management.
Looking Forward: Partnership in Action
If one theme emerged clearly from Indaba 2025, our industry thrives on meaningful partnerships, not just transactional relationships.
As van Staden said, “The tourism industry must embrace innovation and forge strategic partnerships across sectors. In a post-pandemic world, collaboration isn’t optional; it’s how we rebuild and grow together. From small lodges working with conservation groups, DMCs and airlines streamlining arrivals, or insurance partnerships backing up the Tourism sector’s unforeseen roadblocks, we do more together!”
This collaborative spirit has sustained SATIB for 35 years and will drive us forward into the future of African tourism.
