Business of Guiding Workshop

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) together with the Cape Tourist Guides Association identified the sharing of best practice in respect of the business of guiding as the focus of a recent two-day workshop. The hybrid workshop was held in Paarl on 2 and 3 November and was attended by 121 tourist guides.

The topics covered during the two-day workshop included the business of guiding, marketing, safety, emotional self-care and guiding etiquette. Presentations were also made on efforts by the Western Cape Government to develop and promote the Cradle of Human Culture.  

Tourist guides who completed the full 2-day workshop (either in-person or online) received a certificate of attendance. 

DEDAT received positive feedback on the workshop and it is hoped that this will become an annual event. Participants engaged enthusiastically with the presenters, sharing knowledge and contributing ways to deal with relatable problems in the industry.

According to Hantie Nelson, the provincial registrar, “The feedback received shows that the participants feel that they are better equipped for the coming guiding season. Guides gained more knowledge about the business of tourist guiding and improved their confidence in serving tourists.”