ASATA

The Association of Southern African Travel Agents
Commercially, ASATA's role is to influence events to an extent that the agent benefits, for example by constant surveillance of governing legislation. The original objectives set by the founders continue to be met in the forefront of ASATA's role in the industry today - professional service with security.
 

		Vision - To be the representative body of the travel industry in South Africa
		Mission - To meet the needs of members by providing them with expertise, information and training, thus enhancing their professional ability and levels of service to the consumer.
		Code of Conduct - To create and maintain the highest possible standard of integrity amongst members of ASATA in their dealings with the public, their principals and each other.

 

	Out of the approximately 640 travel agents (head offices and branches) currently registered with IATA (STP's excluded), approximately 442 of that number are members of ASATA (figures based on 1997 levels). ASATA membership includes all the major players in the travel retail industry, and all the major wholesale tour operators are also registered with the Association.
	Consumers are seriously questioning in whom they can place their trust to handle their travel arrangements, and regular calls are received by the Secretariat enquiring as to whether "XYZ" is an ASATA membership offers peace-of-mind to your prospective client.
	ASATA, in association with the Business Practices Committee, was instrumental in getting the Consumer Code of Conduct for Travel Agencies passed into law in late 1994; this is a very powerful document and offenders face fines up to maximum of R20 000.00 or alternatively a five-year prison term