The Benefits and Services of the Community Tourism Association of South Africa

BENEFITS AND SERVICES FOR MEMBERS
There are many good reasons for being members of the Community Tourism Association of South Africa. The CTA is an independent, self-help organization that:

• Links all bodies that function under the Local Government Act.
• Provides printed advice to community tourism organizations and staff about how to establish and run a tourist information office, CTO or tourism marketing office
.
• Negotiates with Government agencies on behalf of CTOs.
• Publishes a Guide to South African Tourist Information Offices (CTA members only) to lead visitors easily from one office to the next.
• Investigates and recommends reliable electronic information services which will earn CTOs income from advertising, provide 24-hour information and eventually link all CTA members nationwide.
• Holds an annual congress at which members (traveling on rebated air fares) can network, pick up new ideas, listen to motivational speakers, and experience practical and helpful demonstrations.
• Has a close alliance with the Tourism Education Trust, which produces books and organizes workshops to educate children and adults about the importance of tourism (an important aid to all CTOs needing the support of communities).
• Is the only body which can provide a membership list to other organizations and businesses wanting to contact South Africa’s CTOs. (If you are not a CTA member, how will you be contacted?)
• Issues regular electronic-mail newsletters.
• Establishes provincial chapters of the CTA to deal with local, regional and provincial affairs.
• Is a national, non-Government body with a democratically-elected Executive Committee and Constitution.
• Has a panel of tourism consultants who can assist members with strategies, business plans and the benefit of their experiences.
• Has established a one-stop website (www.ctasa.kzn.org.za) which will give tourists access to all CTA members, their contact details, office address and a hyperlink to their own websites, and;
• Is working closely with Brochure Management South Africa to ensure that members' brochures are distributed efficiently throughout the country and overseas.