It is no secret that South African tourism is booming. In 2002 our country emerged as the best performing tourist destination in the world, attracting 6,4-million tourists. Overseas arrivals were up a massive 20,1%, with a healthy 11,1% increase in total foreign arrivals for 2001.
This year looks set to be another bumper one, as South Africa has become a safe haven in a world affected by the war in Iraq and the dreaded severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic.
With the industry growing rapidly, standards and credibility are of vital importance, so it is heartening to learn that South Africa has an organisation devoted to ensuring and maintaining industry standards.
The Southern African Tourism Services Association (Satsa) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that works closely with SA Tourism and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, setting the standards in the local tourism industry.
“Satsa’s mission is to strive for professionalism and integrity in the industry and to ensure [its] growth and recognition,” says CEO Gail McCann.
The organisation’s membership base is 836 and includes major players such as Sun International, Southern Sun, South African Airways and South African National Parks — as well as start-up companies and small and medium business enterprises and entrepreneurships.
To become a Satsa member requires that a business entity and the services it is offering be verified by the association. Being accepted into the Satsa fold means credibility in an industry flooded with new tourism enterprises.
In a field where credentials often mean the difference between profit and loss, Satsa makes sure its members keep theirs up to date. Membership covers four main categories: accommodation, transport, brokers and adventure/services.
Tourists can contact Satsa for more information on Tel: (011) 463 6559, or e-mail them at [email protected]. Website: www.satsa.com