Travel agents in South Africa will soon be able to apply for the official designation of Travel Practitioner (TPrac) following the accreditation of the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) by the South African Qualifications Authority. SAQA has recognised ASATA as a professional body and registered the professional designation Travel Practitioner on the National Qualifications Framework. 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, CEO ASATA.
Professionalism is one of the core values of ASATA, adds de Vries. “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.” All South African travel agents, not only members of ASATA, can apply for the designation of Travel Practitioner.