Why Join the Association?
28 October 2010
Your company or organisation can benefit by joining ASATA as either a Member or an Associate Partner.
ASATA Members are engaged in travel business as either a
retail travel agent or as a tour operator or wholesaler. Full ASATA
Membership may only be obtained (inter alia) if your business has
been operating for a period of one year or more.
ASATA Members are bound by the ASATA Code of Conduct and
Constitution as well as the Members Section Terms of Reference.
Associate Partners operate as suppliers and/or partners to
the travel trade (e.g. airlines, car rental companies, hotels,
travel colleges, financial institutions, etc). Associate Partners
enjoy networking opportunities with the ASATA Membership via various
formal and informal forums.
Benefits of ASATA Membership:
ASATA looks after its own!
Are you in the travel business, but not a member of ASATA? You
should be ... for your own sake and your clients'. Our Association’s
primary objective is to look after the interests of our members. All
membership applications are vetted by the ASATA Board and members
undertake to adhere to the Code of Conduct and Constitution of
ASATA. Members enjoy the benefit of a wide range of member
information and networking abilities with over 420 other members and
90 partners.
The Association of Southern African
Travel Agents has a responsibility to its members:
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to secure, promote and protect the
interests of the Association and thereby our members;
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to reflect the consensus of our
members and present their views to all sectors of the public, the
Government and the business community;
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to act on behalf of our members in
deliberations and negotiations with other sectors of the travel
industry;
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to assess and evaluate the needs of
members continually with a view to providing them with meaningful
services and benefits;
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to consider and promote the highest
standards of professionalism and ethics in our members in their
dealings with the public and each other;
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to promote systematic training within
all sectors of the travel industry falling within the scope of the
Association;
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to consider all legislation and/or
proposed legislation brought to ASATA’s attention by members or
otherwise, affecting or likely to affect the travel industry and
to take such action as considered to be in the interests of
members;
- to play an active role in the international community of
travel agents and Travel Agents' Associations.
ASATA membership attracts and protects clients:
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Consumers are concerned about whom
they can trust to handle their travel arrangements. The
Secretariat regularly receives enquiries as to whether specific
travel companies are ASATA members. Using an ASATA member offers
peace of mind to potential clients.
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ASATA can and does mediate in
disputes arising between members and clients.
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Being a member of ASATA gives you
the right to display our logo, which is a registered trademark
and instantly recognisable by the consumer. It gives you
credibility in the eyes of potential clients.
- Our membership includes all the
major players in the retail travel industry and wholesale tour
operator industry. Don't be left out in the cold!
ASATA members are in the know . . .
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ASATA provides a sounding board in
the form of regular formal and informal meetings across the
country, where members can share ideas on planning new moves and
considering changes. This is a forum where problems can be
discussed and resolved.
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Monthly meetings ensure that members
are kept well acquainted with new developments in the travel
industry as soon as they arise. Guest speakers are invited to
address members on relevant and pertinent issues.
-
Monthly newsletters inform members
about important industry matters.
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The Association’s Professional
Programme arranges upskilling workshops in major centres at
least twice per year.
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ASATA organises an annual Congress
where well-known and respected international speakers are
invited to address members on relevant issues. The Congress also
offers formal and informal networking opportunities with other
Members and Associate Partners.
- ASATA constantly liaises with the
government, the Department of Civil Aviation, the TBCSA (Tourism
Business Council of South Africa), SATSA (Southern Africa
Tourism Services Association), SA Tourism and other industry
bodies, concerning matters pertinent to our industry. The
association fights any action which may be detrimental to the
travel industry.
A Useful Document:
Call: 011 327-7803, Fax: 011 327-7827, Email:
general@asata.co.za, Web: www.asata.co.za
