As a credibility body representing the inbound tourism trade, SATSA’s Vision is to be the most recognised and sought-after endorsement of good business practice in the southern Africa tourism industry.

SATSA’s purpose is to provide domestic and international buyers with quality advice and information on credible tourism partners in the southern Africa tourism industry.

The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) is a non-profit, member-driven association that represents both small business and principals in the private sector of tourism. These include airlines, coach operators, tour operators, accommodation establishments, vehicle hire companies, attractions, conference organisers and related marketing organisations. To become a SATSA member, a business must prove adherence to the highest standards of professionalism and service. These are checked every year.

SATSA was established in 1968, and has enjoyed tremendous growth in the past 42 years. The association currently has a membership base of more than 970 member companies. Over the years, SATSA has established a reputation for integrity and professionalism. The appearance of the SATSA logo anywhere is a sign of quality and commitment to service excellence for the tourist.

SATSA is a national association, but Provinces in South Africa have their own Chapters with a Chairman and a committee, allowing members to be more involved in provincial structures so that there will be greater scrutiny of standards. The Chapter structure also enables SATSA to obtain detailed feedback from its members on issues affecting the tourism industry in Southern Africa.

The interim results of a current Economic Impact Survey of SATSA’s members show that just 56% of SATSA members contribute in excess of R5 938 billion to South Africa’s tourism revenue, provide 25 509 permanent jobs, have 33 947 beds in the accommodation category and 17 969 seats in the transport/tour operator category.

SATSA is committed to the transformation and sustainable development of the tourism industry. To this end, the Tourism Mentorship Programme (TMP) was initiated with industry partners by SATSA in 2003, and is constantly evolving to address the development needs of emerging businesses, through partnering emerging businesses with established businesses, with the aim of stimulating the ability of these emerging businesses to operate more efficiently, increase profitability and create sustainable jobs. Both mentor and mentee develop on a personal or business level. SATSA is encouraging its members to take on tourism graduates as interns in their businesses to gain valuable practical experience.

As of 01 March 2007, all SATSA members are Bonded at R1.5 million, thus providing a financial guarantee against the involuntary liquidation of a SATSA member for the recovery of deposits held.

SATSA offers benefits to its members in the fields of a dedicated Provident Fund, insurance, AIDS programmes, assistance with marketing planning and legal advice, as well as arbitration for SATSA members in case of disputes. SATSA negotiates on behalf of the industry with policy makers in provincial and national government, to ensure industry input in new legislation. SATSA has also negotiated with bodies such as SARS and the SA Reserve Bank, to improve VAT and foreign exchange requirements for members.

SATSA works closely with South African Tourism, and other industry organisations, but it does have its own unchanging agenda – to look after the interests of private enterprise in tourism. Through its weekly newsletter, the SATSA RAP, members are kept informed of opportunities to market their businesses around the world and locally. Opportunities to participate in trade fairs, shows and road-shows are highlighted regularly.

SATSA also works with other bodies in the industry to facilitate Tourism Showcases, educational programmes and assists with national recognition programmes such as ETEYA and the Welcome Awards.

Several SATSA members have now been certificated by the Fair Trade in Tourism in South Africa organisation. SATSA is also very proud that many of the winners, finalists and semi finalists in the SA Tourism Welcome Awards have been SATSA members.

SATSA holds an annual conference, at which matters of importance to the industry are open for discussion, and leading local and international speakers are invited to participate.

For more information, please visit the SATSA website at www.satsa.com