An Introduction to the BTSA - Backpacking Trust of South Africa

What is BTSA?

BTSA is an organization made up of businesses with an interest in the Backpacking Industry. The owners meet from time to time to effect the direction the organization takes in order to fulfill the objectives of the Trust (find below). This includes attending international travel shows, communicating with the Tourism bodies, networking and promoting our businesses and South Africa as the preferred backpacker tourism destination. The organization is made up of the businesses that show an interest in capturing a share of the huge worldwide Backpacker tourism market segment.

How do I benefit?

Every member has to see some benefit for the bucks - right?

Firstly BTSA will not be in your check in book as a referrer. It will however assist to put 'backpacking in South Africa...' as an option into international circulation. This means that the travel agent or consumer who sees a South African stand at a show amongst Australia, NZ, South America, North America and every European country, knows that YES there is a backpacking network in SA. This leads to more visits and interest and yes you will benefit. Imagine if we can raise our occupancy levels by 20%P.A for the next 5 years.

Secondly networking amongst members brings in the referrals and bums in beds.

Thirdly one has the opportunity to take advantage of attending trade shows and develop international contacts.

Finally you will be contributing towards your own future by assisting to direct BTSA in communication with the government bodies to look after our industry segments own interests.

How am I involved?

If you make money from Backpackers than you are involved. If you are going to continue making money from backpackers it is vital that you become involved. The more members that BTSA has the less it will cost each member to achieve results. Currently membership fees are R100 per month. We have more than 130 members. We would like to double the membership base to 260 members paying R50 per month. If you become a member this will be easily achievable and very affordable. If you are not involved think about why most of the serious backpacker businesses are already members and remember that BTSA would like to be inclusive and not exclusive.

How can I become involved?

Contact your regional chairperson and find out how to join up.

Normally the regions will have a meeting once every three months (plus a party or two) and then the AGM annually in a different location each year. It's worthwhile attending these meetings. Also BTSA has regular emails with updates on what's happening in the industry, minutes from the meetings and between members to assist with catching runaways etc. You will benefit directly.

Contact Regional Chair people:

Wilma (Ideal Marketing) for Western Cape

Ian (The Owlhouse) for Lesotho Link

Michael Lasse (Ku-Boboyi) for KZN

Francois (Pretoria BP) for Gauteng

Sarel (Sabie BP) for Mpumalanga

David Malherbe (Coffee Shack) for Eastern Cape wackypt@iafrica.com and for national enquiries.