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The Association of South African Travel Agents, simply known as
ASATA, was formed in 1956. Its founders created a representative
forum in the industry to promote professional service with security
for both Members and their clients. As a Section 21 Company not for
profit, membership of ASATA is entirely voluntary and extends to
South African Retail Travel Agents, Travel Management Companies and
Wholesalers. A Partners section for those suppliers of travel
related products to the industry also exists. Currently the
Membership represents more than 85% of the industry including the
head offices of most of the major brands.
ASATA’s emphasis is on free trade without violating rules and
regulations. Accordingly we have entrenched a Constitution and a
Code of Conduct that self-regulates the travel industry and provides
the consumer with a benchmark and the comfort that the Members are
compliant with ASATA’s guidelines. As an indicator of the effect of
our governance processes, more than 97% of the complaints we receive
from the Consumer relate to non-ASATA members!
ASATA is administered by a full-time Secretariat headed by a
Chief Executive Officer, with the day-to-day functions being
monitored by a Members Council and its continued role and direction
are guided by a Board of Directors. All the Members of the Regional
Committee’s, Council and Board are elected by the Members at an
Annual General Meeting.
The association interfaces with key opinion leaders in the
industry and senior Government officials in representing its Members
on all issues of common interest to ASATA Members. This includes
policy, planning, operational and regulatory issues ensuring the
ongoing sustainability of the travel industry. Our representation
includes affiliation to; The Tourism Business Council of South
Africa (TBCSA), Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Education & Training
Authority (THETA), International Air Transport Association (IATA),
The Airline Association of Southern Africa (AASA), The Board of
Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA), World Travel Agents
Association Alliance (WTAAA), The Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Tourism Empowerment Council of South
Africa (TECSA), Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA),
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), Airports Company of South
Africa (ACSA), South African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association
(SAVRALA) and South African Tourism (SAT).
The make up of the Membership base is directly related to the
outbound travel market. ASATA values tourism into this country and
supports the vital growth opportunities it presents for South
Africa. More recently ASATA has made every effort to distinguish
travel from tourism as our Members tend to focus on fulfilling the
South African traveller’s requirements. It is important to make this
distinction as the effect of bundling travel and tourism impacts
training needs, statistics, service delivery and understanding the
economics of this dynamic industry.
The primary focus of ASATA is directed at any issue related to
improving the continued sustainability and profitability of its
Members and ensuring the delivery of a professional service to the
travelling consumer. This is achieved through strong relationships
and open dialogue with all stakeholders. |
