SA Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA) Moves to Register as a Professional Body for Adventure Guides and Outdoor Facilitators

SA Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA) Moves to Register as a Professional Body for Adventure Guides and Outdoor Facilitators

The South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA) is proud to announce its intention to formally register as a Professional Body with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) — a significant milestone for the adventure tourism and outdoor education industries in South Africa.

This move aims to create national recognition and structured professional pathways for:

• Adventure Tourist Guides

• Outdoor Education Facilitators

• Adventure-Based Learning (ABL) Facilitators

• Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) Practitioners

Why It Matters

South Africa’s adventure tourism and outdoor education industries are growing rapidly — but until now, there’s been no formalised professional structure to support, accredit, and advance the careers of those working in these fields.

By becoming a registered professional body, SA AIA will:

✅ Set and promote clear professional standards and competencies

✅ Promote ethical and safe practices

✅ Support lifelong learning and skills development

✅ Provide official recognition for practitioners’ experience and qualifications

Industry-Wide Support

This initiative is proudly backed by SA AIA members, adventure operators, facilitators, training providers, and industry associations across the country. The association also enjoys positive support from several local governmental organisations, strengthening the foundation for a nationally recognised, credible professional body.

“This is a natural step forward for the sector,” says Jessi Sunkel, Executive Director at SA AIA. “It’s about raising the bar, protecting participants, and creating meaningful career opportunities for those passionate about guiding, facilitation, and experiential learning.”

Looking Ahead

SA AIA will be working closely with industry partners, government, and SAQA over the coming months to finalise requirements, gather letters of support, and map out professional designations and frameworks.

We invite all practitioners, training providers, organisations, and associations to lend their support to this exciting new chapter in our industry’s growth.

Get Involved

Visit our website for more information or to submit your letter of support: www.saaia.org.za

Together, let’s build a safer, stronger, more professional adventure and outdoor learning community for South Africa.