CTGA – Cape Tourist Guides Association
Proud ambassadors of South Africa, we are always ready to welcome travellers and offer our best to create unforgettable journeys.
CTGA is a registered NPO and a member-based association for registered freelance tourist guides. The Cape Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) can trace its roots back to the mid 1970’s when a group of people conducting guided tours decided to form an association. Today it remains an association for registered tourist guides run by tourist guides. We are governed by the National Department of Tourism in terms of the Tourism Act 3 of 2014 and fall under the auspices of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, with whom we foster good relations and sharing of information, to maintain and development the tourism industry and its diversely related supporting sectors.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, expressed his endorsement of the work carried out by the Cape Tourist Guides Association, highlighting their invaluable role in promoting the destination. “Tourist guides are the storytellers of our city, and their knowledge and passion for Cape Town are unmatched,” Vos explained. “As I move around the city, I love seeing them in action with groups of people, sharing the rich stories and experiences Cape Town has to offer. Having completed the tour guides course myself, I know firsthand the value they bring to our tourism ecosystem. I encourage both locals and visitors to make use of their services. These professionals provide an authentic and memorable experience, ensuring that people leave with lasting impressions and a desire to return. The tourist guiding sector is crucial not only to enhancing our value proposition as a destination but also to creating economic opportunities and driving the visitor economy forward,” Vos highlighted.
Tourist guides are close-contact, valuable ambassadors and are crucial to the success of the tourism industry in the Western Cape province and within South Africa. Our association’s primary objective is to promote professionalism in the industry. The success of the CTGA’s objectives lies in the ongoing and active participation with other stakeholders in the tourism industry and promoting both the Western Cape province and South Africa in a realistic and positive light, and as a diverse, premier destination for both domestic and international visitors, in all seasons.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the well-being, security and professional development of our tourist guides, we are implementing a wellness program, to assist them in coping with emotional challenges and promoting overall wellness.
In summary, our tourist guides play a fundamental role in the growth and economic impact of the tourism industry. They provide representation, functioning as ambassadors, not just showcasing landmarks and history, but also contributing positively on the overall visitor experience in the city, province and our country.
(This article was supplied by Angelica Muñoz Córdoba – CTGA Chairperson)
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Published |
September 25, 2024