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    🗺️ Course Title:

    Tourist Guide Programme

    📚 Qualification Type:

    Occupational Certificate / National Certificate: Tourist Guiding

    🎯 Course Overview:

    The Tourist Guide Programme prepares learners to become professional, knowledgeable, and responsible guides who deliver exceptional tourism experiences to local and international visitors. The course focuses on communication skills, destination knowledge, customer care, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of a registered tourist guide.

    Learners gain practical experience in guiding groups, interpreting cultural and natural heritage, and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of tourists in various settings — from city tours and heritage sites to wildlife and adventure destinations.

    🧭 Learning Outcomes:

    Upon completion, learners will be able to:

    • Plan, organize, and conduct guided tours professionally.
    • Demonstrate extensive knowledge of South African geography, history, and culture.
    • Communicate effectively with diverse groups of tourists.
    • Apply customer service principles to enhance visitor experience.
    • Manage logistics, emergencies, and safety procedures during tours.
    • Adhere to the code of conduct and legal requirements for tourist guides.
    • Promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

    🧰 Modules Covered:

    1. Introduction to the Tourism Industry
    2. South African Geography, Culture, and Heritage
    3. Guiding Principles and Tour Operations
    4. Effective Communication and Public Speaking
    5. Customer Care and Professional Conduct
    6. Tour Planning and Itinerary Development
    7. Health, Safety, and Emergency Procedures
    8. Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Tourism
    9. Cultural Sensitivity and Ethics in Guiding
    10. Practical Field Guiding Experience

    🕒 Course Duration:

    • Full-time: 6–9 months
    • Part-time / Modular: 9–12 months

    🧑‍🏫 Mode of Delivery:

    • Classroom instruction and simulations
    • Field excursions and site visits
    • Group projects and presentations
    • Practical tour guiding assessments

    🎓 Entry Requirements:

    • Minimum Grade 10 (NQF Level 2 equivalent)
    • Good communication and interpersonal skills
    • Basic knowledge of local attractions or tourism interest
    • Physically fit for walking tours and field activities

    💼 Career Opportunities:

    Graduates can pursue employment as:

    • Local or Regional Tourist Guides
    • Cultural Heritage Guides
    • Nature or Adventure Guides
    • Tour Operators or Travel Consultants
    • Freelance Tourist Guides
    • Destination Ambassadors or Site Hosts

    🏢 Accreditation:

    This programme aligns with CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) standards and prepares learners for registration as a Professional Tourist Guide with the National Department of Tourism (NDT).

    💰 Course Fees:

    R6,500 – R9,500 (includes learning materials, excursions, and assessment)

    📍 Training Locations:

    Training offered at selected tourism hubs across South Africa, including:

    • Huttingdon Campus: Mpumalanga