“A good tour guide should be knowledgeable, articulate and vibrant, and leave their guests hungry for more insight into the incredible attraction they have just visited,” say the experts.
In celebration of the invaluable role played by professional tour guides CapeNature, in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, hosted an interactive event at Walker Bay Nature Reserve to mark International Tourist Guide Day (ITGD).
The Walker Bay event helped reinforce a commitment to knowledge exchange and professional growth within the sector. This year’s event served as a platform for guides to share insights, exchange expertise, and engage with industry leaders.
Globally, 21 February is recognised as International Tour Guide Day, and it is observed to pay tribute to the expertise and dedication of tourist guides in shaping and enriching travel experiences for international and local travellers alike.
“This year’s event, themed ‘Celebrating Guides, Exploring Heritage,’ offered an immersive educational experience, showcasing the history, culture and traditions of the region,” said CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo. “Tour guides attending the event were given the chance to experience the warm hospitality they often afford their guests and were treated to a unique tour of Walker Bay, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich archaeological significance.”
For her, the highlight of the tour was the Klipgat Cave experience, which offers a glimpse into human history dating back more than 70 000 years and is one of the most remarkable examples of early human dwellings in South Africa.
She further explained that the role of tour guides is pivotal for connecting visitors with authentic experiences that highlight the depth and richness of South Africa’s cultural and natural heritage and assets.
Since South Africa’s first ITGD celebration in 2009, significant strides have been made in raising awareness about the critical contributions of guides within the tourism value chain.
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism Deputy Director-General: Economic Operations, Rashid Toefy, said: “Tour guides are at the heart of our tourism industry, ensuring visitors have memorable and meaningful experiences.
“Their knowledge and passion help showcase the very best of the Western Cape. This day is an excellent way to acknowledge their hard work.”
Naidoo confirmed the importance of tour guides, saying: “Tour guides bridge the gap between visitors and the environments they visit.
“They are the storytellers who bring history, culture, and conservation to life.”
Tour guides can learn more about CapeNature’s Travel Trade Programme and sign up here: www.capenature.co.za/travel-trade-programme
