Frequently Asked Questions
Running an accommodation establishment comes with responsibility, risk, and the need for reliable information. At DAISA, we understand that you may have questions about how the platform works, how information is handled, and how membership benefits your business. Below you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions from accommodation providers who are considering joining our secure, industry-only guest behaviour network.
1. What is DAISA and how does it work?
DAISA is the Database for the Accommodation Industry in South Africa. It is a secure, industry-only platform created to help accommodation providers protect their businesses by sharing verified guest behaviour records.
The system allows registered establishments — such as guesthouses, lodges, B&Bs and self-catering units — to record guest stays using verified identification details and log behaviour outcomes where necessary. This includes both positive and negative behaviour records.
Members can search the database before accepting bookings, helping them make informed decisions and reduce financial risk. The platform is not accessible to the public — only verified accommodation providers may join and access the system.
DAISA is built on one simple principle: when the accommodation industry works together and shares responsible information, the entire industry becomes stronger and safer.
2. Who can join DAISA?
Membership is strictly limited to verified accommodation providers operating within South Africa. This includes guesthouses, lodges, B&Bs, self-catering units, boutique hotels, caravan parks and all other registered accommodation establishments.
DAISA is not open to the general public. guests, travel agents, or unrelated businesses cannot access the system.
Each membership application is reviewed to ensure that only legitimate accommodation establishments are granted access. This protects the integrity of the database and ensures that information is shared responsibly within the industry.
DAISA exists for the accommodation industry — and access is reserved for the accommodation industry only.
3. Is DAISA POPIA compliant?
Yes, absolutely. DAISA is designed to be fully compliant with South Africa’s POPIA regulations.
Here is the simple breakdown:
Secure by design: We use strict access controls and encryption to protect all guest data.
Purpose limited: Information is only used for its intended purpose—helping accommodation providers verify guest behaviour. We do not sell or share data with the public.
Your rights protected: Guests have the right to access, or dispute any record held about them.
We take data protection seriously so you can use the platform with confidence.
4. Can I add both good and bad guest behaviour?
Yes — and we strongly encourage it.
DAISA is not a “blacklisting platform.” Members can record positive guest behaviour just as easily as problematic incidents.
This is powerful because:
Reward good guests: When respectful guests visit your property, you can leave a positive note that other members will see.
Build a balanced picture: A guest with multiple positive stays carries more weight than a single anonymous complaint.
Encourage better behaviour: Knowing that good behaviour is also tracked creates accountability on both sides.
Recording both sides makes the system fairer, more accurate, and more valuable for everyone.
5. How is guest information verified?
We know false reporting would destroy trust in the platform, so we have safeguards in place:
You cannot just add anyone. Every record must be linked to:
A confirmed booking at your property
A specific date of stay
Supporting details about the incident or behaviour
Preventing false reports:
Every action is logged to your member account
Deliberate false reporting is grounds for immediate removal from the platform and could open the member to legal action
Guests can dispute records (see question 6)
This ensures the database remains accurate, fair, and trusted.
6. What happens if a guest disputes a record?
We have a fair and transparent dispute process that respects the role of the member who created the record:
How it works:
If a guest challenges a record, DAISA facilitates communication between the guest and the establishment that logged the record
The guest and establishment are encouraged to resolve the matter directly
Possible outcomes:
If both parties agree, the establishment can instruct DAISA to remove the record
If a court order is issued, DAISA is legally required to remove the record
Without agreement or a court order, the record remains, as DAISA cannot remove records on its own
This ensures the system remains balanced, fair, and legally sound.
7. How secure is the database?
Security is our top priority. Here is how we protect your data:
Encryption: All information stored in the database is encrypted, and all communication with the platform is secured using industry-standard SSL technology.
Limited access: No member has full access to the entire database. You can only search for or view information about a specific guest when you have a valid reason, such as a current or confirmed booking.
Secure hosting: The database is hosted on enterprise-grade servers with advanced firewalls and 24/7 monitoring to prevent unauthorised access.
In short: your data is private, protected, and only visible to other trusted industry members on a need-to-know basis.
8. How much does membership cost and what do I get?
We’ve had such an incredible response from accommodation providers like you that we were able to drop our fees to an absolute minimum.
Cost: Just R30 per month
What you get:
Full database access: Search and verify guests before accepting bookings
Record behaviour: Log both positive and negative guest experiences
Industry insights: Access to a growing database of verified guest behaviour patterns
Secure platform: Encrypted, POPIA-compliant system
Email support: Help when you need it
Easy registration:
It takes less than 3 minutes to sign up, and payments are securely processed through PayFast — one of South Africa’s most trusted payment platforms.
No hidden fees: Simple, affordable, and month-to-month.
Less than the price of a coffee — for peace of mind every single day.
9. Can I cancel my membership at any time?
Yes, absolutely. No long-term contracts. No penalties.
You can cancel your membership whenever you need to:
Cancel directly through your account dashboard
Or simply email us and we’ll handle it for you
What happens when you cancel:
Your access continues until the end of your paid month
No further payments will be taken
You can rejoin anytime if you change your mind
We want you to stay because you see value — not because you’re locked in.
10. Why should I join if I’ve never had major guest problems?
This is a fair question. Here is why joining still makes sense:
Prevention is better than damage control.
The one time you do have a problem guest could cost you thousands in damages, chargebacks, or lost bookings. For R30 per month, you get peace of mind before issues happen.
Protect the entire industry.
When you share positive guest behaviour too, you help build a culture of accountability. Good guests get recognised. Bad guests have nowhere to hide.
Standing together strengthens everyone.
A database is only as powerful as its members. By joining now, even without problems, you help create a trusted network that protects all of us. When everyone participates, the whole industry wins.
Think of it as an insurance policy. You hope you never need it, but you sleep better knowing it’s there.
11. Must I let my guests know that we are members of DAISA, and that we might add them to the database?
Yes — and we make it easy for you.
Good communication and transparency are essential. Not only is it good business practice, but it also strengthens the validity of any record should a dispute ever arise.
Our recommendation:
Add the following clause to your registration form, terms and conditions, booking confirmation, or display it clearly at check-in:
“This establishment is a member of DAISA and may process your personal information in accordance with its database practices.
By accepting these terms, proceeding with your booking, or checking in, you consent that your personal information and behavioural conduct during your stay at this establishment may be processed and kept on the database of DAISA (the Database for the Accommodation Industry in South Africa), for future use and reference. Visit www.daisa.co.za or contact info@daisa.co.za for more information.
You are aware of the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013, in so far as consent is required before personal information may be processed, and by accepting these terms, you hereby consent to such processing.
You understand that your personal information is recorded to encourage disciplined conduct amongst all third parties whilst staying at and/or making use of the facilities of this establishment and that it is therefore to the advantage and for the safety of each individual, as well as for the promotion of this establishment’s objectives.
You further understand that the processing of your personal information is designed to promote the standards of this establishment and not to punish you.”