Welcome to the South African Short Term Rental Association
The South African Short Term Rental Association (SASTRA) is the leading voice and advocate for the short-term rental industry in South Africa. Our mission is to support and promote the interests of property owners, managers, and stakeholders within the short-term rental market, ensuring a thriving and sustainable industry.
OUR OBJECTIVES
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.
To 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.
To provide a framework and educational plan for its members to improve and maintain high standards of service delivery and experience for our guests.
OUR VISION
We envision a vibrant and sustainable short-term rental industry in South Africa that benefits property owners, travellers, and local communities alike. By fostering a collaborative environment and advocating for responsible practices, we aim to enhance the reputation and success of short-term rentals nationwide.
OUR MISSION
At SASTRA, our mission is to:
- Advocate for fair and balanced regulations that support the growth of the short-term rental industry.
- Educate our members with the latest industry trends, best practices, and regulatory updates.
- Connect property owners, managers, and industry professionals through networking events and collaborative opportunities.
- Support our members with resources, training, and guidance to help them succeed in the competitive short-term rental market.
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.
OUR TEAM
Our team is comprised of experienced professionals from various sectors of the short-term rental industry, including property management, hospitality, and real estate. Together, we work tirelessly to provide our members with the support and advocacy they need to succeed.