The Association of Southern 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 90% 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! 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.