Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), the voice of inbound tourism in South Africa, is urging travellers, overseas tour operators, and the local tourism industry to remain vigilant when making bookings.
The call to vigilance comes at a critical time. South Africa is set to welcome thousands of visitors over the festive season, and fraudulent activity often rises in parallel with increased travel.
SATSA’s appeal is simple: pause, verify, and book with confidence.
A notable pattern of deception targeting both local and international tourists has been observed, with fraudulent operators becoming increasingly sophisticated in their use of stolen credentials and digital platforms.
SATSA has also noted instances of companies displaying its logo without authorisation, misleadingly implying membership. While this may seem a minor detail, the implications are serious: the SATSA logo is widely recognised as a trusted mark of credibility.
“SATSA’s logo indicates the tourism product’s commitment to ethical conduct, financial transparency, and accountability,” says David Frost, CEO of SATSA.
“Every SATSA member is subject to an enforceable Code of Conduct and stringent annual checks.”
To safeguard against disappointment or financial loss, SATSA advises:
“By checking for SATSA membership, travellers and businesses are not only protecting themselves – they are strengthening the integrity of the entire tourism ecosystem,” Frost adds.
