Professional designations on the radar

ASATA’s decision to be recognised
as a professional body that can
assign designations for SA travel
consultants through the South African
Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is set
to bear fruit for the professionalism of
the industry.
Jacqui McKnight, programme
manager Asata, says designations will
aid transformation and upliftment and
affirm competencies of agents. Rachel
Penaluna, business manager of Sure
Maritime Travel, says internally it will
provide more structure and assist in
target setting. For clients, she believes
it will give them more insights into
what agents can offer, especially when
it comes to niche specialities.
Rianné Potgieter, md of exp
Compliance Consulting, says it’s an
opportunity for stakeholders in the
industry to start speaking the same
language. “SAQA has recognised that
if the industry wants to leverage off its
expertise, then designations are key.
Designations are not qualifications.
Emphasis on work experience will be
critical,” she says.
Elsu Gericke, head: Professional
Body and Skills Development of South
African Chefs Association (SACA),
who has been working on designation
certification with SAQA, says when
SACA implemented designations,
SAQA assisted in career path
mapping, gave SACA more access to
policy decision-making at government
level, curriculum development and
assisted in closing the skills gap.
Comments from the floor included
concerns over whether customers
will only want to use more qualified
agents. “For internal career paths and
incentivising staff I think it’s a great
concept. I’m concerned when it comes
to customers and a demand for only
the most qualified consultants,” says
Lara Casasola, owner of Lara Travel.