WHAT IS TOMSA? 
TOMSA (Tourism Marketing Levy for South Africa) was set up in 1998 to provide additional marketing funding for South African Tourism for promoting destinations South Africa internationally. TOMSA has grown from collecting R9.9 Million in 1999 with under 50 members, to collecting in excess of R60 Million in 2006. The marketing of Destination South Africa has increased dramatically over the same period and South African Tourism now actively promotes the country in twelve core markets around the world. They now have sufficient funds to address both tactical and potential source markets for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The core markets where TOMSA funding is utilised - include USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Kenya, Nigeria, China, Japan, India and Australia. South African Tourism also invest marketing funds to stimulate and grow the domestic tourism market and have a dedicated Business Tourism marketing unit to promote these world class offerings.

 WHY WAS TOMSA CREATED?
Ten years ago, it was recognised both by government and industry that for South African Tourism to be successful, a marked increase in the budget was required. The tourism industry business sector committed to play an active role to assist government in increasing the money available. A voluntary levy system was canvassed and agreed upon.

At a meeting held in Johannesburg during 1998, attended by the tourist industry leaders and representatives of tourist associations, it was agreed to support the levy scheme, effective from April 1999 as a basis for a sustainable public-private partnership.

TOMSA has been incorporated as an association in terms of Section 21 of the Companies Act, 1973, and therefore is a legal entity.

COLLECTION OF THE LEVY
In consultation with tourism product owners, the level of the levy was agreed. The accommodation sector agreed on a 1% addition to all accounts for the accommodation portion. Car hire companies agreed to 1% addition to the daily/weekly rate. Coach operators agreed on a set amount per passenger. Other providers collect by other agreed methods.

TBCSA was appointed as the collecting agency. A pro-forma invoice is raised for each levy collector on a monthly basis, to be remitted to TBCSA with a breakdown of actual figures.