The organization endeavours to bring Africa to the forefront in the minds of Canadians seeking an alternative to main-stream destinations and to ensure that Africa¹s diversity, scenic beauty and cultural experiences are presented in a manner that allows Africa to compete with traditional holiday packages and exceed expectations.

While member firms maintain independent marketing initiatives with respect to their African programs, TOPAC creates a pool of financial resources and market expertise that will enable umbrella marketing programs for destinations within Africa which are seeking to increase their profile and visitor arrivals from the Canadian market.

In addition to increasing travel to and within Africa through joint marketing initiatives, TOPAC¹s objectives include:

* Representing the interests of its members and fostering a closer
working relationship among its members and between all travel industry representatives;
* Providing forums for the development, marketing and sales of tourism
products of African destinations;
* Retail travel industry education and training on Africa;
* Assisting members in maximizing their efforts at selling travel to
Africa.

A joint marketing agreement is in place South African Tourism and South African Airways, incorporating travel agent educational programs, advertising and public relations. TOPAC is continuing to work with additional African tourism organizations and airlines dominant on routes into Africa to establish partnerships and to create a strong base for African tourism in Canada.

TOPAC has two membership categories: Tour Operator/ Wholesaler and Associate Members.

Tour Operator/Wholesalers seeking membership must satisfy a number of prerequisites including:

1. Registration as an appropriately licensed Tour Operator and/or
Wholesaler to operate such business in Canada.
2. Operation of the business for five consecutive years since January 01,
1997.
3. Active involvement in promoting and/or operating tours and safaris to
destinations on the African continent for five consecutive years since January 01, 1997.
4. Production of a travel brochure on Africa, distributed to the end-user
either through Canadian retail travel agencies or otherwise.
5. Providing a minimum retail travel agency commission of ten (10)
percent on all Africa product sold by retail travel agencies.
6. Payment of membership fees.
7. Adherence to all of these conditions.

Associate membership for retail travel agencies, airlines and other travel suppliers is at the discretion of TOPAC¹s Board of Directors.

TOPAC members include: Africa Experts by Goway, Lion World Tours, Reservations Africa, Tourcan Vacations, Travel Studio, Trek Holidays and Wild Africa Safaris. South African Airways is an Associate Member.