about us

OUR MISSION

THE WORK OF THE TBCSA

The TBCSA unites the diverse South African travel and tourism sector and contributes to a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable economy. We bring together all the key industry stakeholders from the private and the public sectors that share common objectives to oversee issues affecting the industry. 

As part of our strategic objectives, we work with industry players to drive transformation and promote inclusion and diversity in the travel and tourism sector. The TBCSA is the voice of travel and tourism businesses in South Africa that supports growth by shaping policy and providing insights to the private and public sectors.

WHAT WE DO

Provide a gateway for engagement between the public and private sectors:

The public and private sectors share a common goal to ensure the sustainable growth of the local travel and tourism industry. The role of the TBCSA is to ensure the priorities and interests of the private sector are advanced. It provides insights framed to inform government policy and create a platform for ongoing engagement.

Keep abreast of legislative and policy considerations:

The TBCSA board recognises legislative and policy frameworks as significant considerations in growing a sustainable travel and tourism sector. Thus, the TBCSA is mandated to update all its members on any amendments and developments in the legislative and policy frameworks that pertain to the travel and tourism industry in South Africa. As the voice of the travel and tourism industry, the TBCSA must stay ahead of trends and be aware of the impact of various issues on members and other stakeholders in the industry.

Manage and grow the Tourism Levy South Africa:

The Tourism Levy South Africa (TOMSA) is a 1% voluntary levy that businesses in the travel and tourism industry contribute. The TBCSA is the selected administrator of TOMSA that collects the funds and hands them over to South African Tourism (SAT), the official marketing organisation of Destination South Africa.  Some of the funds collected through TOMSA support South African Tourism to sell Destination South Africa to the world. The funds are also used to fund projects that support the good of tourism through the collaborative fund. TOMSA contributes 10-12% to South African Tourism’s marketing budget.

Ensure member engagement and communication:

Growing a sustainable South African travel and tourism industry is the work of both the public and private sectors. Thus, constant, and ongoing communication and engagement is a strategic imperative in achieving this goal. The TBCSA is mandated to ensure that communication channels between the business fraternity, public sector, and other stakeholders are always open.

Play a role in influencing the marketing of Destination South Africa:

TBCSA is a critical stakeholder in selling Destination South Africa to the world. As part of our mission, and through our participation in direct marketing the country through the TOMSA levies, we play a role in marketing the country. We support innovation, creativity, and efficient strategies that help develop the South African travel and tourism industry.

Research:

There is an urgent need for communication of relevant economic, policy, and other industry research to members. To fulfil its mandate, TBCSA partners with experts, academic scholars, and consultants that conduct and develop research that benefits members and the travel and tourism industry.

HISTORY OF THE TBCSA

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) was established in February 1996, borne out of a need for a unitary body to represent private sector interests in the travel and tourism industry in South Africa. Leading travel and tourism businesses and associations integrated into a unitary structure, with a mandate to provide a platform to enable engagement with the government in crucial policy matters.

Before the formation of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), the South African travel and tourism sector did not have a unitary body that could engage and collaborate with the government on behalf of the private sector. Individual sector formations had worked separately to tackle key macroeconomic issues affecting the travel and tourism industry.

Industry bodies before the formation of the TBCSA:

  • ASATA (Association of Southern African Travel Agents);
  • FEDHASA (Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa);
  • SATSA (Southern African Tourism Services Association);
  • SAVRALA (Southern African Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association;
  • SAACI (Southern African Association for the Conference Industry)
From the onset, the primary aim of the TBCSA was to provide a unitary interface for government engagement with private businesses in the travel and tourism sector. Its core functions include lobbying and guiding the government on policy making on behalf of and for the benefit of its members.

Since its inception, the TBCSA has been a conduit for engagement and progressive growth of the travel and tourism sector in South Africa. It brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to engage and collectively formulate macroeconomic strategies that create an enabling environment for tourism development. The TBCSA also works with the government to realise South Africa’s economic potential through public-private partnerships.

MEMBERSHIP & LEADERSHIP

As the mother body, the TBCSA focuses on macroeconomic developments impacting the sector, while the work of the sub-sector entities centres on the microeconomic factors affecting their operations. Industry Association Members:

  • AASA – Airlines Association of Southern Africa
  • AAVEA - African Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions
  • ASATA – Association of Southern African Travel Agents
  • BARSA – Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa
  • FEDHASA – Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa
  • Drakensberg Experience Tourism Association
  • Wildlife Ranching SA (WRSA)
  • NAA –SA – National Accommodation Association of South Africa
  • PHASA – Professional Hunters Association of South Africa
  • SAACI – Southern African Association for the Conference Industry
  • Cape Town Tourism
  • SABOA – Southern African Bus Operators’ Association
  • SATSA – Southern Africa Tourism Services Association
  • SAVRALA – Southern African Vehicle Rental Association
  • SEEZA - Tourism SME Network
  • VOASA - Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa
  • Agri-Tourism SA

An elected management board that serves a two-year term governs the TBCSA, while a dedicated team under the leadership of a Chief Executive Officer oversees operations.