Travel agents granted practitioner designation through Asata by Saqa

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Danette Breitenbach

The South African Qualifications Authority (Saqa) will soon grant travel agents in South Africa application for an official travel practitioner (TPrac) designation through the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (Asata). Saqa has recognised Asata as a professional body and has registered the professional designation travel practitioner on the National Qualifications Framework.

Otto de Vries

By registering with the Asata Professional Programme (APP), travel agents across South Africa will be able to update their professional profiles, including their qualification/s, knowledge, skills, experience and continuous professional development and submit for review by their line manager and Asata to apply for the designation.

“Years of preparation have led to Asata becoming the first recognised professional body in the travel and tourism industry in South Africa. In addition to enhancing the professionalism of the travel industry, this designation will contribute to skills development and professional service delivery in the country’s travel and tourism sectors,” says Otto de Vries, Asata CEO.

“Professionalism is one of the core values of Asata. Members of Asata have signed a charter committing to professional service, ethical conduct and trustworthy behaviour so that the travelling public can travel with peace of mind. Bringing this designation to market shows how serious Asata takes the professionalism of the travel industry,” adds De Vries.

All South African travel agents, not only members of Asata, can apply for the designation of travel practitioner.