South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA)

An introduction to the South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA).

SA AIA represents two distinct sectors within its membership: Individuals – students and those who are qualified and who operate within the Adventure Based Learning (ABL), as well as the Adventure Tourist guiding industry – and businesses – that provide training, products,
and services within the ABL and Adventure Tour guiding industries. As such, it facilitates bringing together two of the main entities that play a role in developing regulatory frameworks namely individuals and businesses.

SA AIA is a member driven professional body for the ABL and the Adventure Tourist guiding industry. Our mission is to collaborate with likeminded individuals and organizations to unlock the economic, human, and environmental potential of the Southern African Adventure
Industry through a process of professionalization.

Our aim is to serve as the impartial, autonomous representative of its various stakeholders in matters related to ABL and Adventure Tourist guiding. We aim to offer student registration categories that enable those still studying (towards a qualification in the adventure field) to join and receive specific benefits that include training, development, and networking opportunities.

Making use of a SA AIA member provides peace of mind for those who seek to do business with credible ABL, tourism and training partners. Members undergo a strict registration process and are required to sign and agree to abide by a Code of Conduct.

Our goals:
1. Collaborate with industry professionals to develop and implement South African adventure standards as world class benchmarks.
2. Support human and community development.
3. Promote the responsible and sustainable utilization of natural, human, and cultural resources.
4. Liaise with all role players in the outdoor and adventure industry for the following processes:
a. National and international promotion and marketing.
b. Lobbying with various relevant Governmental Departments at local, provincial, and national level.
c. Promote transformation and skills transfer to young South Africans to create young entrepreneurs and job opportunities.
d. Professionalise the industry.
5. Become a registered professional body:
a. Create clear career paths and professional designations for our members.
b. Create opportunities for continued professional development and education.
c. Have our members held accountable to the public.