SAQA

SA travel consultants can now apply for second official SAQA-approved designation through ASATA

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South African travel consultants can now apply for the designation of Travel Advisor (TAdvsr) through the ASATA Professional Programme (APP).

This is the second professional designation that ASATA can award through its APP programme. The first one is the Travel Practitioner (TPrac) designation.

The APP involves a dual process and is open to any travel consultant who has practical experience within the travel industry.

The first phase of the online process involves registration onto the APP database. Interested individuals will register their details on ASATA’s APP platform prior to getting access to a range of questions which, once answered, compiles their unique profile. This profile includes details on any formal qualifications, workshops, educationals, webinars, etc. they have undertaken, and which is relevant to their role as travel consultants.

The second phase of the online process involves application for either the TPrac or TAdvsr designations. A pre-requisite for the designation application is a GDS qualification. Their profiles will then go through a multi-verification process. If approved, the individual will then be awarded a designation as per the requirements related to SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) and ASATA.

Requirements for the Travel Advisor (TAdvsr) designation include:

  • Minimum Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4 Qualification
  • Minimum five (5) years of practical working experience within the Travel Industry

The designation is valid for 3 years from date of issue, during which time the required Continuous Professional Development (CPD) point accumulation (60 points) must be achieved and maintained. Travel consultants can accumulate CPD points in multiple ways e.g. by going on educationals, and by completing workshops and courses. Completion of these activities must all be posted on APP system to ensure points are recorded.

“Registering for the APP programme and/or applying for a professional designation is an investment in yourself and career,” says CEO of ASATA, Otto de Vries.  “By investing in your skills development and staying up-to-date with the advancements in your industry, you in turn invest in the longevity and professionalism of not only yourself and career, but invest in the professionalism and longevity of the travel industry.”

ASATA is the only national travel industry body that has been accredited by SAQA as a professional body. Hence, it is the only association that can award a travel consultant a designation.

Professionalism is one of the core values of ASATA, says de Vries. “ASATA’s continuous investment in the APP over the last eight years is evidence of ASATA’s commitment to developing and nurturing the skills growth, and highest service delivery standards in the South African travel and tourism industries.”

For more details on the ASATA Professional Programme, email nivashnee@asata.co.za.