RTA Ambassadors

It is important that you establish your own set of responsible travel best practices, and follow them to the best of your ability. It is equally important that you show respect for the local culture and customs in the destinations you visit.

The Volunteers Without Borders Foundation is funded mainly by RTA Members donations, made when paying annual membership fees.
When customising your itinerary along a tourist route consider engaging in a community service component. Doing so can take as little as 30-45 minutes.

• What to Donate & Where -When planning a tourist route programme consider bringing in English language books and educational materials for local schools that VWB supports. Alternatively, consider donating funds for and delivering materials (seeds, plants, mushroom bottles) to the small scale sustainable agriculture programmes VWB has set up in local schools along each route. They provide nutrition and additional revenue for off-budget costs like engaging additional English language teachers.

• What to Fund & Work On - If you are so inclined, contact the RTA Local Agent for a list of VWB community service projects along your route. These projects:

  • can take from 2 to 8 hours in duration

  • have varying budget requirements

  • are at located schools or in communities along the way

  • provide a great opportunity for interaction with the local community

  • welcome your support

Review the options here.

The main role of the RTA Ambassador, when visiting the RTA Business Partner, is to review and comment on the standard of service provided, and check compliance is as stated on their RTA Business Partner’s profile. The RTA Ambassadors booking ref. and verified comment (and a score of 1 to 5) on each would then be uploaded to the comment section of the business partner's business presentation. 

• Objective - The objective is to encourage the RTA Business Partner - through positive comments and promotional support - to achieve full compliance and the best possible service over time. 

• Positive Comments - Comment 'ticked' positive would be automatically uploaded directly to the site.

• Negative Comments - Comments 'ticked' as negative would be sent to the RTA Business Partner who would have 7 days to resolve the problem and/or submit a rebuttal for upload.
• Transparency - The RTA Ambassador's history of comments is stored on his or her online profile, where it can be reviewed by the RTA Local Agent in the event of a dispute.

The commission-based traditional model for tourism disenfranchises many existing and potential tourism SMMEs, in all countries. Give some thought to those in your own 'local visitor-based economies' many of whom would benefit from representation under the RTA business model. Consider introducing them to it, even assisting them to join where you can.

The RTA encourages its Business Partners to publish their advertised rates on their 'online profiles', and to make 'confidential' offers on a case by case basis, to our Ambassadors via the RTA Local Agent in response to their enquiries to secure their bookings.  When establishing your rates' please note that the Ambassador pays a 'small booking fee' to the Local Agent when booking your product.

• Price Discounts - At their discretion and based on the overall value of the booking to them.

• Upgrades - That have high perceived value and allow the Business Partner to increase the incentive without a significant increase in their cost.

• Complementary Services - Additional incentives that again have a higher perceived value than their actual cost.

As the RTA business model is non-commission based, RTA Local Agents will secure quotes for Ambassadors from Business Partners using a time/cost-based calculation to determine their 'booking fees'. Their services include:

• Communicating with RTA Ambassadors - Is done via the embedded email system and CGI forms in the 'enquiries & booking log' on your online presentation. Emails come either direct (where RTA Business Partners can support them and RTA Ambassadors choose that option), or via the RTA Local Agent.

• Negotiating the Best Deals - On accommodation, attractions, activities, courses, and workshops for the RTA Ambassador, from each of the Business Partners detailed in the RTA Ambassadors draft itinerary.

• Seeking Booking Incentives -  From Business Partners by or on behalf of the RTA Ambassador - In the form of discounts, upgrades, and complimentary services.   

• Securing Your  Best in Personalised Service - From Business Partners by or on behalf of the RTA Ambassador: Catering to their preferences, likes, dislikes as stated on their Best Practices Database - a component of the RTA Ambassadors online presentation

• Hobbies & Interests - Sourcing activities in the destination, during the RTA Ambassadors  period of stay, to match those stated on their Hobbies & Interests Database - on the RTA Ambassadors online presentation, is a task undertaken by the RTA Local Agent.

• Community Service Opportunities - Organising CS activities as requested and provided by our non-profit organisation VWB  to be included in the RTA Ambassadors programme subject to agreement made with the RTA Local Agent.

It allows you to fine-tune your search for products or services by region, country, destination, category, price band, and by the physical access limitations. This creates a shortlist of results prioritised by your interests and displayed by membership level.  You further refine your selection by:

• Reviewing the Online Profile - For each RTA Business Partner that attracts your interest.

• Prioritising Service Standard - According to the average score awarded by previous guests.

• Prioritising Best Practice Compliance - According to the average score awarded by previous guests.

• Further Research - Of guest comments, articles, forum discussions, comparison with similar products services in the destination.

• Booking Incentives - By comparing the booking incentives offered by the RTA Business Partners you have asked RTA Local Agent make enquiries to.

Your online presence across the platform - showcased through an interactive presentation (a multi-page website) that is 'user name' protected and allows you to hide or show information as you choose. 

• The RTA Ambassador- Has password-protected access to all areas of his or her online profile and can hide or show information to others at will.

• The RTA Local Agent - Has special password enabled access to your online profile, but no editing rights. He or she can access your personalised service, hobbies & interests & responsible tourism best practices databases, as well as your comment history, barter trade, etc., but can only access your profile whilst working with you.
• Security - All parties sign an agreement when they register protecting each other's data privacy. RTA agrees not to share your identifying information at any time. Access to it (less personal identifiers) will be given to approved RTA Development Partners who will use it for research projects and will make donations to VWB for the privilege. Personal detail (next of kin etc.,) would only be accessed by RTA HQ in an emergency.
• Design Freedom - The online presentation editors have a range of advanced multimedia features. This allows you excellent design freedom within a standard template format that is easy to view and use.

Are designated routes, excursions that radiate out from or between tourism destinations linking many attractions, activities, and more. You put together your customised draft itineraries from the tourist route menu and map provided. You then submit them for comment, fine-tuning, and a quotation via the RTA Local Agent. 
 

The content and quality of the programmes RTA Ambassadors put together can be greatly enhanced by engaging the services of RTA Local Experts - selected for their in-depth local knowledge of the topics/subjects the programme is designed to cover. 

The RTA Competitions are designed to engage and reward the RTA Membership for contributing to the promotion of the RTA and its membership. 50% of the member's monthly fees paid to the RTA for marketing & development, and of that 50% is earmarked for RTA Competitions. 

• Competitions Categories - (1) Travel Quiz (2) Articles, (3) Blog posts, (4) Photography, (5) Video, (6) VWB Assignment Essays.
• Competition Entry Vouchers - You need a verified competition entry voucher to submit entries to RTA Competitions. 
• These are awarded based on your membership level Bronze = 0, Silver – 1, Gold = 2. Platinum = 3.
• Draw Dates - Each competition is drawn, one week after the RTA Barter Dollar 1’000.- 'prize money funding figure' has been reached. 
• Notification - One week before the draw date, The RTA Membership will be notified of the upcoming competition by email and invited to enter competitions. 
• Scoring - Entry rankings will change to reflect the ‘votes’ cast for them. On the draw date, the entry afforded the highest number of votes will be declared the winner. 
• Payment - Payment in RTA Barter Dollars is made into the winning member’s RTA Trade Account – a part of their online profile.

Note* The number of competitions you may enter content for each year is dictated by your membership level. Bronze = 0, Silver – 1, Gold = 2. Platinum = 3.

Is an optional (value added) feature for RTA Business Partners may sign up for or not.
It allows them to accept RTA Barter Dollars won in competitions by RTA Members, to purchase the products and services offered in barter trade at ‘advertised rates’ by the Business Partners. 
It allows the RTA Business Partner to sell additional inventory to:

• Gain additionl exposure for their products or services from those RTA Ambassadors who have RTA Barter Dollars won in competition.

• Benefit from selling inventory at the advertised rate. 

• Use RTA Barter Dollars accepted to pay for RTA  Search Panel (Pay per Click) Advertising. 

• Use RTA to pay for monthly membership fees (50% limit.)

RTA Barter Trading

Step 1. - The RTA Community Members enters & wins RTA Barter Dollars (in a voucher format) in RTA Competiitions. They are deposited in his or her RTA Barter Trade account on their online presentation.

Step 2. - When planning a holiday he or she looks for RTA Business Partners offering 'products and services' in Barter Trade'. The RTA competition winner benefits from the value of the competition prize. The RTA Business Partner benefits from selling inventory at the full advertised rate.

Step 3. Once the RTA Member and the Business Partner (via the RTA Local Agent) have reached agreement on barter trade, and the rest of the Ambassador’s booking has been confirmed, he or she transfers the agreed number of RTA Barter Dollars to cover the trade agreed from his or her RTA Barter Trade account, to that of the RTA Local Agent.

Step 4. - On paying the Business Partner for the booking, the Local Agent pays for (transfers) the agreed value in RTA Barter Dollars (identified by reference number) ito the account of the RTA Business Partner.

On registering you must decide on your preferred membership level - bronze, silver, gold, platinum - determined by the costs vs benefits for each as explained - under costs above. Your registration will be confirmed by email once approved. You payment of membership fees will only commence when you make your first booking. However, we would really appreciate it if you made a one-off donation to VWB to help us fund volunteer and training costs. 

The unique ID and password you are sent allows you to access a user friendly 'online editor' to manage the content and imagery on your profile yourself. The same password provides authentication for access to forums, guest comments, competitions, etc. Assistance is available if needed, from VWB Volunteers who can be organized by the RTA Local Agent.

• Your Registration Data – Standard information that will assist us in providing you with a high standard of personalised service, and an equitable deal for your travel experiences.

• Your Online Presentation Data – The additional information on your business, products, and services, that you upload using the online editor. 

• Using the Online Editor - Your registration will be confirmed by email once payment has been received. You will be sent a hyperlink that allows you to access your online profile and upload content to. Membership provides authentication for access to forums, guest comments, competitions, etc. Assistance is available if needed, from VWB Volunteers who can be organized by the RTA Local Agent. The registration form also includes the following agreements for your electronic signature:

• The RTA General Business Agreement – Our assurance that we will not use your data (designated private, shared internally, or public) for any reason other than stipulated without your written consent. That you will respect our intellectual property rights. Your agreement that you will fulfil your role as an RTA Ambassador to the best of your ability.

• RTA Development Partners Data Research Agreement – Authorising us to allow selected RTA Development Partners (university or tourism organisation research groups) access to your information (less your personal or identifying information) needed to study the responsible tourism industry and the RTA’s role in it. Details of the survey questions would be mailed to you on a case by case basis allowing you to decline participation if you so choose. Bear in mind, we offer this service to RTA Development Partner research groups in exchange for an agreed donation made to Volunteers Without Borders Foundation which is used to fund development projects.

Explains how to use this system to gain the greatest benefit from it:

Step 1. Search Type - Select the Search Type Option.

Step 2. Location - Select the specific region, followed by the country and destination (province or city.)

Step 3. Category - Select the category of product or service you are interested in, and the sub-category where relevant.

Step 4. Price Range - Select the price/market - (all, budget, tourist, first class.)

Step 5. Accessibility - Select the accessibility criteria - (disability/fitness.)

Step 6. Keyword Search - Refine or expand your search Use keyword search if needed.

Step 7. Shortlist - Click search to review the refined search results pages (numbers on your shortlist and indicated by the search counter at the bottom of the search fields.)

Step 8. Fine Tune - Use the service standard score, or best practice compliance score settings to further refine your search of results listed in order of membership level (bronze, silver, gold, platinum.)

Explains how the system works on a step by step basis.

Step 1. Submit Enquiry - Use the CGI form on the communications & booking log on your profile page to submit either an enquiry, or your proposed itinerary & timeline to the designated RTA Local Agent in the destination you are visiting. 

Note* we suggest that you include a couple of options for things like accommodation so that you may compare offers made.

Step 2. Local Agent Review - The Local Agent reviews your itinerary and provides you with a provisional estimate of his or her fees (based on the estimated number of hours/costs involved in putting it together.) He or she agrees to come back to you for approval and with an explanation if that fee estimate changes during the enquiry/booking process.

Step 3. Approval - Once you confirm he or she should proceed the Local Agent contacts the various Business Partners involved in your booking, checking availability, pricing, incentives, ability to meet your stated likes, dislikes, preferences.

Step 4. Personalised Service - The Local Agent reviews your Hobbies & Interests and Personalised Service databases, (on your profile) to see what matches he can find for them in the destination you are visiting.  

Step 5. Quotation - The Local Agent then sends an itemised proposal (using the same CGI form). You exchange responses using this same form until you both confirm the services and charges, and barter trade products and services to be paid for in Barter Dollars. At this point payment options are agreed and the formal quotation is issued. This will include the requirements for payment of a deposit and the balance. 

Step 6. Booking - You confirm your itinerary and make your booking using the same system. 

Step 7. Making Payment - You make your deposit or full payment to the RTA Local Agent via the method agreed (credit card, bank transfer, PayPal). You transfer Barter Dollars from your barter account (on your profile page) to the account of the Local Agent. 

Step 8. Confirmation - Once payments have been made, you are then sent a detailed itinerary, emergency contact detail, and vouchers as required.

Note:  All exchanges are conducted using the CGI form in an embedded email system on your profile page. You receive notification of their arrival by email. Emails are time-stamped as part of our service standard monitoring programme.

Travel Articles, Video, Photography - You have taken on or offsite whilst visiting them can be copied to (a) the individual RTA Business Partner, (b) the RTA Local Agent, (c) submitted to the appropriate RTA competition (from your gallery) - to promote the individual RTA Business Partner and the Tourist Route they are located along.

You may also win the competition you enter earning yourself valuable RTA Barter Dollars - to be used on your next booking.