 |
It’s been a very busy couple of weeks for the team at South African Tourism (SAT) hosting the travel trade showcase (TD 09 Sep) and the IMBIZO events for the MICE industry across the country. However the biggest challenge for the close-knit team was having to farewell their fearless leader of five years, Bangu Masisi, last Fri night. Bangu’s close industry friends gathered in the Oribit Lounge at The Summit Restaurant in Sydney to celebrate her time as gm of SAT Australia, and bid farewell to her as she prepares to take on her new position as country manager of South African Tourism in the Netherlands. SAT regional director: Asia & Australasia, Evelyn Mahlaba, paid tribute to Bangu’s hard work in increasing arrivals, awareness and positivity to South Africa. “When we posted Bangu to Australia in December 2004, SAT was an office of one, arrivals to South Africa were 45,000 and awareness was 57%. Today, SAT here has an office of six people, arrivals are in excess of 110,000 and awareness is 82%”, Mahlaba proudly told guests. An emotional Bangu responded saying, “I believed in my country and saw the potential to turn things around from Australia”. She thanked the airlines, wholesalers, suppliers, media and especially her “strong team”, for helping her throughout the journey and deliver on successful programs including preparations for the World Cup. Bangu will finish up at the SAT Australian office on Tue 28 Sep. “My time in Australia has been great…but I will be back”, Bangu reassured her friends. Bangu is proudly pictured above next to her team – Rob Gurr, Tommy Linblad, Margot Abrahams, Connie Phalakatshela and Eric Lewanavanua. new.traveldaily.com.au Taken on Sep. 13th, 2010 at 21:47 |
 |
During the night the team presented Bangu with a pearl necklace and customised book featuring a collection of photos during her time at SAT Australia with space for guests to write their personal thank you messages to her.
Bangu shows of her personal book which depicts a story of her Australian adventure. new.traveldaily.com.au Taken on Sep. 13th, 2010 at 21:47 |
PARTNER SITES
to top