The Western Cape’s tourism and hospitality sector has immense potential, with the province aiming to double the number of visitors by 2035, and skilled tourist guides play a vital role in realizing this vision. The Western Cape celebrated World Tourism Day with the graduation of 38 tourist guides in Langa, Cape Town. The graduates, representing diverse communities, completed a course sponsored by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the City of Cape Town, becoming Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority accredited tourist guides with a specialization in cultural sites.
A Special Day for Western Cape’s Tourism Industry
World Tourism Day is a significant occasion for the Western Cape, as Mireille Wenger, the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, encompassing Tourism, emphasized the vital role that tourist guides play within the tourism and hospitality sector. In celebration of this day, 38 tourist guides in Langa, Cape Town, graduated, showcasing their commitment and achievements in the industry.
Wenger enthusiastically applauded the graduates in her address, praising their outstanding success. The graduating class achieved a 100% pass rate and are now Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) accredited tourist guides with a specialization in cultural sites. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the City of Cape Town, sponsored the course, which included modules on conducting guided cultural experiences, visitor care, research and design of guided tours, and minimizing and managing safety risks. During their practical learning, the participants visited several cultural sites such as Robben Island, Hout Bay, Langa, and Athlone.
The 38 tourist guides, representing diverse communities like Langa, Athlone, Mitchells Plain, Hanover Park, Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, Hout Bay, Nyanga, and Robben Island, completed their training in August 2023. Equipped with their new skills and qualifications, these graduates can now register with DEDAT as legally qualified tourist guides, advancing in their careers.
Tourism in Western Cape: A Flourishing Industry
Wenger also drew attention to the upcoming peak tourism season, during which an impressive 215 international flights are anticipated to arrive in Cape Town weekly. The Western Cape is on track to surpass one million inbound seats for the first time, demonstrating the immense potential of its tourism and hospitality sector. In 2022, international tourists visiting the Western Cape generated a remarkable R24.3 billion and supported 10,600 jobs. For every 100 international tourists, R2.1 million in direct tourist spending was generated, contributing R500,000 to the provincial GDP, enabling the creation of two local jobs, and facilitating the movement of R1.4 million worth of air cargo.
The Western Cape’s economic blueprint, ‘Growth for Jobs‘ or G4J, stresses the importance of doubling the number of visitors to the province by 2035. Tourist guides are critical in realizing this vision, as they serve as ambassadors for both the province and South Africa. By sharing the region’s rich cultural heritage with the world, they help create memorable experiences that entice tourists to return and spread the word about this incredible destination.
Graduates Embrace the Responsibility of Showcasing Cultural Heritage
The graduate tourist guides now embark on a journey where they are responsible for sharing the Western Cape’s vibrant and diverse cultural heritage with international visitors. The success of the province’s tourism and hospitality sector relies heavily on skilled and passionate individuals who, as tourist guides, present the marvels of the region, ensuring visitors have unforgettable and immersive experiences. This is a crucial aspect of the sector’s expansion and the ultimate objective of doubling the number of visitors in the coming years.
As the province continues to commemorate World Tourism Day and applaud the accomplishments of these newly graduated tourist guides, their dedication and hard work serve as a testament to the potential of the Western Cape’s tourism and hospitality sector. With an increasing influx of international tourists and a skilled pool of tourist guides eager to display the region’s cultural gems, the Western Cape’s bright future in tourism has just commenced.
1. What is the Western Cape’s aim for their tourism industry?
The Western Cape aims to double the number of visitors by 2035.
2. What role do skilled tourist guides play in the Western Cape’s tourism industry?
Skilled tourist guides play a vital role in realizing the Western Cape’s vision of doubling the number of visitors, as they serve as ambassadors for the province and share its cultural heritage with visitors.
3. How did the Western Cape celebrate World Tourism Day?
The Western Cape celebrated World Tourism Day with the graduation of 38 tourist guides in Langa, Cape Town.
4. Who sponsored the course for the tourist guides?
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the City of Cape Town sponsored the course for the tourist guides.
5. What did the tourist guide course cover?
The tourist guide course included modules on conducting guided cultural experiences, visitor care, research and design of guided tours, and minimizing and managing safety risks.
6. What cultural sites did the tourist guide graduates visit during their practical learning?
During their practical learning, the tourist guide graduates visited cultural sites such as Robben Island, Hout Bay, Langa, and Athlone.
7. What is the Western Cape’s economic blueprint for their tourism industry?
The Western Cape’s economic blueprint, ‘Growth for Jobs’ or G4J, stresses the importance of doubling the number of visitors to the province by 2035.
8. How do the newly graduated tourist guides contribute to the Western Cape’s tourism industry?
The newly graduated tourist guides are responsible for showcasing the Western Cape’s cultural heritage to international visitors, which is crucial for expanding the tourism industry and achieving the goal of doubling the number of visitors.
