Cape Town’s tourism industry has been strengthened with the graduation of 38 new cultural tourist guides from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
At the graduation ceremony in Langa, Mireille Wenger, the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, lauded the vital contribution that the province’s tourist guides make to the tourism and hospitality sector.
“What a pleasure it is to join you to celebrate your fantastic achievement on your graduation as tourist guides in the most beautiful, vibrant and incredible province. I’d like to congratulate each of you for achieving a 100% pass rate (on the NQF qualification) as tourist guides, with a focus on cultural sites.”
The course included modules on how to conduct a guided cultural experience, how to care for visitors, how to research and design a guided experience, and minimising and managing safety risks. Participants also completed first aid training.
In addition, the graduates visited several cultural sites as part of a practical learning component, including Robben Island, Hout Bay, Langa and Athlone.
The 38 guides come from the communities of Langa, Athlone, Mitchells Plain, Hanover Park, Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, Hout Bay, Nyanga and Robben Island.
The course was sponsored by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) in partnership with the City of Cape Town, enabling the participants to register with DEDAT as legally qualified tourist guides.
“This is such an important moment, both for these individual new guides and for Cape Town Tourism,” Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, told Tourism Update.
“As a registered tourist guide myself and someone who’s worked in and around the industry, I have an innate understanding of the value of these ambassadors for our city. Not only do these guides help tourists to navigate the various attractions and experiences in and around the Cape, but they give a human face to the beauty of our city. In the many comments from travellers about why they love this city – the mountains and beaches and food are amazing – but it’s the friendly people who made them feel at home, welcomed, secure, and happy,” Vos said.
