What is the KBSAA - and why should tourism accommodation providers join it?
KBSAA stands for the Knysna Brenton Sedgefield Accommodation Association previously known as the Knysna B&B Association. Essentially we are a non-profit making organisation with the purpose of representing the interests of the small to medium sector of the accommodation industry in the greater Knysna area. This covers B&Bs, self catering establishments, guest houses, lodges and small hotels in the 1-15 room category.
The primary objectives of the Association are to:-
● provide assistance to the membership in common areas of concern eg reducing costs, legislation, promotion of tourism and communicating pertinent information.
● represent the views and concerns of the members in dealing with the Municipality on relevant issues such as by-laws and levies and taxes effecting accommodation providers, and where appropriate present proposals and negotiate with the Municipality.
● encourage and promote standards and a code of ethics in the accommodation industry.
● support efforts to promote tourism the B&B industry, and our members businesses.
Achievements and Current Projects
Two years ago the Association was responsible for negotiating with the Municipality an alternative to the infamous 'toilet tax' and right now we have a proposal to the Municipality to reduce the burden of the Tourism Development Levy on the accommodation industry. We are also lobbying the Municipality for sensible regulation of the industry through new bye laws and means to enforce them to stop the myriad of accommodation establishments that operate illegally by not registering and paying the various levies and licence fees that legitimate operators do.
This website has been set up and is maintained to provide useful information to our members including sections on NAA benefits and how to partake in these benefits, relevant documentation on bye-laws affecting accommodation providers, information on standards and grading, recommended best practices for accommodation providers, a supplier directory and useful links to other web sites.
A bi-monthly newsletter covering a wide range of topics and information relevant to accommodation providers is sent out by the KBSAA.
Affiliation to the NAA
In 2002 we affiliated the KBSAA to the NAA (National Accommodation Association) which has resulted in significant financial benefits to our members through a range of negotiated discounts with service providers and suppliers to the accommodation industry. Membership of the KBSAA gives automatic membership of the NAA.
More about the NAA and the benefits
The NAA is a national body representing some 2000 accommodation providers in the small to medium sector of the industry. Through membership of organizations such as TBCSA and SATSA the NAA is able to influence decisions made about the industry and represent the views of its membership. The scale of the NAA membership enables effective bargaining with the major service providers and suppliers to the industry, resulting in financial savings for its members. These benefits include:-
- 15% discount on BnB Sure insurance
- 25% discount on business TV licences
- discount on Sealy mattresses
- discount on credit card transaction costs and machine rentals with ABSA
- discounts on legal services
New discounts are negotiated on an ongoing basis.
In addition the NAA provides a regular Crimewatch service alerting members to cases of bilking, fraud and theft in the industry, as well as a regular newsletter giving interesting information, tips and legal information.
On the marketing front the NAA is active in attending tourism events and trade shows such as Indaba, Getaway shows and World Travel Market to promote NAA member establishments. The NAA is also a powerful country wide referral system to pass on business from member to member. To assist marketing and referrals the NAA produces annually a set of 5 high quality maps in full colour which lists every NAA member by province and locality. These maps are in high demand at trade and tourism events.
Joining the KBSAA
If you are an accommodation provider in the greater Knysna area and are not already a member of the KBSAA, act now, join a worthwhile organisation that can offer meaningful benefits to your business.
For further information contact Ypie Kigma on 044 382 7768
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