AESATA Unifying Eastern and Southern African Travel Agents.
Bringing Africa Together: Connecting Africa's Travel Industry for a Borderless Future
The Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA) is the leading regional body uniting national travel agent associations across 13 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. More than just an association, AESATA is a movement—a force dedicated to shaping the future of travel by fostering collaboration, advocating for industry-friendly policies, and driving innovation to make Africa the world's next travel powerhouse. From the iconic savannas of Kenya to the breathtaking coasts of Mauritius, AESATA works to break barriers, build opportunities, and strengthen networks that empower travel agents, airlines, tourism boards, and stakeholders to grow together.
2 Landmark Conferences:
Zanzibar 2023 and Kigali 2024
3 Webinars
engaging regional stakeholders
Board Strategic Retreat
held in Dubai
Strategic Plan 2025-2027
currently under development
Active Participation
in Arabian Travel Market (ATM)
Know About Our Mission and Vision
Vision To be the catalyst for advancing intra-Africa travel and tourism, both within the region and on a global scale.
Mission To unite, advocate for, and empower Africa's travel industry by fostering strategic partnerships, championing policy reforms, and unlocking new business opportunities for travel agents and stakeholders.
Our Objective
Intra-Africa Travel Promotion
Enhance collaboration and cooperation among national travel agents' associations within the region
Industry Advocacy & Policy Engagement
Training & Workforce Development
Strategic Events & Networking
Sustainability & Responsible Tourism
Our Journey From Vision to Movement
Why AESATA Matters for Growth, Innovation, and Unity
Connecting Markets
We facilitate seamless cross-border travel, ensuring travel agents and service providers work as one across Africa.
Strengthening Partnerships
AESATA fosters business-to-business linkages that open doors for travel agents, airlines, and tour operators.
Driving Innovation
We champion digital transformation, including NDC (New Distribution Capability) and modern travel technologies.
Advocating for Change
We push for policies that enhance air connectivity, reduce barriers to entry, and support a thriving travel ecosystem.
Governing Council
Comprised of Chairpersons/Presidents of member associations, the Governing Council shapes the organization's direction and policies.
Mr. Moustafa H. Khataw
Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA), President
DR. JOSEPH KITHITU
Vice President (Air matters)
Mr. ken banda
Vice President (Finance Matters)
Mr. Nicanor Sabula
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Mr. Otto de Vries
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA)
Ms. Irene Nanyombi
Chairperson, The Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA)
Iman Durri
Vice Chairperson, Ethiopian Travel Agents Association(ETAA)
Mr. Samuel Makuza
Chairperson, Rwanda Association of Travel Agencies (RATA)
Mr. Musharaf Dhanji
Chairperson, Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA)
Ms. Patience Nyondo
Chairperson, Travel Agents Association of Malawi (TAAM)
MS HAMIDA MALIK
Chairperson, Travel Agents Association of Zambia (TAAZ)
Ms. Joyce Nyabvure
Chairperson, Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA)
Mr. Stanley Timuhwe
Chairperson, TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF BOTSWANA (TAABOT)
Ms. Varsha Ramchurn
Chairperson, Mauritius Association of IATA Travel Agents (MAITA)
Mohamed Dhakir Hassani Sagaf
President, Association Comorienne Des Agences De Voyage (ACAV)
Eng. Mursal Abdi
President, Somalia Association of Travel and Tours Agencies (SATTA)