GHASA is here to help and protect you in any way we can. As a GHASA member, you're part of a group of like-minded professional establishment owners. We offer you great member BENEFITS, ASSISTANCE, NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES and CREDIBILITY.

It is not possible to market individual establishments. However, we do market our organization in various ways - just a few examples include the website, strategically placed advertisements and representation at tourism shows.

Unfortunately not. However, we promise to try our best to put heads in your beds and our realtime online reservations system is specifically designed for this purpose. Our wide range of benefits offers you substantial savings on various products, so we'd like you to think of our bookings as "bonus".

We specialize in professional, commercial establishments. All  members are vetted to ensure adherence to our quality requirements. GHASA is a private company and because we used to be a Section 21 (not for profit) association, we still have an excellent working relationship with all associations in the tourism sector.

No. You can use our site, which will save you the expense of setting up your own. BUT you do need an e-mail address in order for us to communicate quickly and effectively with you.

Yes. We're here to help and advise you in anyway we can. However, if you're not yet up and running or are still considering the viability of opening your own guest house, please speak to us for more advice.  Should you require us to visit your property for advice prior to joining GHASA, we reserve the right to charge a minimum call-out fee of R500 per hour or part thereof, of which half may be refunded if you decide to join us as a member. 

Before you purchase or build your new establishment or even renovate an existing building, you need to:

• Check with your local municipality council regarding their requirements and bylaws for running a guest house in your area.
• You may require departures from existing zoning for your property, depending on regulations
• Most Town & Regional Planning Commissions require that you obtain neighbours' consent before you start operating.
• If there is a local Ratepayers Association, it would be a good idea to contact them, as there are some associations that do object to having more B&B's in their area.
• Check the cost involved in rezoning or consent use application.

Other requirements:

• Public liability insurance. Requirements will differ substantially from your domestic policy.
• License to sell or supply meals. Supplied by your local municipality.
• Your local Health Department's inspector must be called in to certify your establishment for compliance to food preparation regulations.
• Fire Department should inspect your premises. You will need fire extinguishers.
• Register your business for income tax purposes.
• Ensure that employees are correctly registered in terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (www.labour.gov.za).
• Liquor Licence: If you're selling or providing complimentary liquor.
• SABC requires all TV sets to be separately registered.
• MultiChoice: Every room receiving DSTV is charged for.
• SAMRO: If you play background music (radio, CD's or TV) to your guests, you require a licence.
• SAMPRA:  South African Music Performance Rights Association - it is now a requirement of law that a licence be obtained from SAMPRA prior to the public performance of any musical work embodied in a sound recording.
• Smoking is not permitted in public areas. Signs must be displayed
• Guest must sign a guest register. This document must be kept for a minimum of 6 months.