WHO IS SASTRA

Short Term Rentals are a key part of South Africa’s Tourist Accommodation industry, enabling leisure and business travellers, flexible and affordable accommodation options, often where more formal accommodation options are limited or not available.

The South African Short Term Rental Association (SASTRA) is a unified industry body dedicated to representing and advocating for the interests of short-term rental hosts, owners, and stakeholders in South Africa.

SASTRA aims to ensure that its members in the Short Term Rental industry, continue to operate in a manner that is aligned to National Tourism’s objectives and regulatory framework, and beneficial to local economies and environment in which it operates, whilst ensuring stable and sustainable benefit is earned by its Hosts, employees, trade partners and others reliant on the industry.

SASTRA provides a collaborative voice in discussions with regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders and partners, as well as offering education, resources, and networking opportunities to promote industry growth and professionalism.

Through initiatives such as educational webinars, conferences, a registration portal, and a certification program, SASTRA empowers its members to operate at the highest standards, ensuring compliance, transparency, and trust within the industry.

SASTRA'S OBJECTIVES

SASTRA aims to represent the interests of Short Term Rental hosts, employees, trade partners and others reliant on the STR industry, and engage with Regulators, Policymakers and industry Stakeholders, to ensure a stable, sustainable and productive operating environment.

SASTRA will develop and maintain a database of the STR industry participants, developing the ability to provide a reporting framework to enable the understanding of the industry, and its impact on local and national economies and environments.

SASTRA will provide a framework and educational plan for its members to improve and maintain high standards of service delivery and experience for our guests.

SASTRA'S POSITIONS

TOURISM

SASTRA recognises the vital role short-term rentals play in South Africa's tourism industry by providing diverse and flexible accommodation options for local and international travellers, both leisure and non-leisure. We believe short-term rentals enrich local tourism offerings by allowing guests to experience destinations in a more authentic, community-centered way. We are committed to supporting sustainable tourism growth by ensuring that short-term rentals complement traditional hospitality services, contribute to local economies, and promote cultural exchange, while adhering to best practices for guest safety and service quality.

Stakeholder Collaboration

SASTRA values strong relationships and open dialogue with all stakeholders, including hosts, regulators, communities, and industry partners. We believe that collaboration is key to the success of the short-term rental sector and are dedicated to fostering transparent and constructive engagement. By working together, we can address concerns, create mutually beneficial outcomes, and ensure that the industry evolves in a way that supports economic growth while maintaining respect for local communities and environments.

Regulation

SASTRA advocates for fair, balanced, and clear regulations that is aligned to the National Agendas of encouraging growth in Tourism, small business development and access, and job creation, and which is complimentary to the interests of stakeholders in the tourism value chain, industry and local communities within which we operate.

We believe that regulation should encourage professionalism and transparency within the sector while remaining practical and accessible for hosts. Our aim is to work closely with policymakers to develop frameworks that promote compliance, ensure safety, and address community concerns, while enabling short-term rentals to thrive as an integral part of South Africa’s hospitality landscape.

Market Supply and Demand

SASTRA acknowledges the dynamic nature of market supply and demand in the short-term rental sector, which is influenced by factors such as tourism trends, seasonal variations, and economic conditions. We believe in maintaining a healthy balance between supply and demand, ensuring that short-term rentals can meet the needs of travellers without oversaturating local markets or negatively impacting housing availability. Through industry insights, data analysis, and education.

SASTRA supports responsible growth that aligns with both market needs and the broader economic goals of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Small Business Access to Markets

SASTRA is committed to empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs within the short-term rental industry by improving their access to markets and growth opportunities. We recognize that many hosts, property owners, and service providers are small businesses contributing to local economies.

By offering a platform for educational resources, networking, and a standards framework, SASTRA helps these businesses connect with potential clients, suppliers, and industry partners. We advocate for policies and initiatives that promote inclusive market access, ensuring that small businesses can thrive in the competitive short-term rental landscape and contribute to the broader tourism ecosystem in South Africa.

REGISTER & ENGAGE

As a newly established industry body, SASTRA invites stakeholders to register and engage with us, to enable us to further represent the needs, issues and aspirations of the industry.

SASTRA would like to reach out to you with industry news, upcoming events and calls to action.

Register your interest:

CONTACT US

Working Group

Max Urban (Director)
Miguel Martins
Mel Kriel
Nick Taylor (Director)
Richard Pols (Director)
Robert Manson (Director)