Pic: The 35 Tour Operators attending the workshop to sharpen their skills and improve their businesses
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe &Kopano Dibakwane
The MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency) successfully concluded its five-day Tour Operators Training Workshop at Songimvelo Nature Reserve, marking the end of a week-long capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering tourism SMMEs(Small Medium and Micro Enterprises).
From 17-21 June 2016, Songimvelo Nature Reserve traded game drives for group projects as 35 tourism entrepreneurs unpacked pricing models, itineraries,
tour operations and packaging, marketing and sales strategies, legal compliance, and customer service.
This workshop was reportedly focused on helping the Tour Operators to turn their passion into profit, with a special emphasis on HDI-owned enterprises and aspiring tour operators.
“We are equipping Historically Disadvantaged Individual-owned enterprises and aspiring tour operators with the tools to run sustainable and competitive tourism businesses,” said MTPA.
“Through this initiative, MTPA seeks to empower tourism entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge required to grow sustainable and competitive tourism businesses,” said the MTPA.
By Day 3, participants were being assessed on the learning units covered from Day 1 to 3. The assessment reportedly contributes to their overall mark and forms part of the requirements for the successful completion of the training certificate.
Following the examination, participants were assigned an itinerary development group project, which they will present during the course of the workshop. The project will also form part of their overall assessment.
On the final day, participating tour operators showcased their progress through group presentations, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and practical insights acquired throughout the training programme.
Beyond the Songimvelo workshop, MTPA, in partnership with LekkeSlaap, Rise FM, and the TGCSA( Tourism Grading Council of South Africa), is hosting a market access workshop at Bushbaby Valley Lodge.
The workshop reportedly aimed to strengthen the digital presence of tourism establishments and enhance quality assurance standards within the tourism sector for offering real experiences.
“Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, participants will gain valuable insights into digital marketing, online visibility, customer engagement, and the benefits of quality assurance,” the MTPA said.
“The initiative is designed to empower tourism businesses to remain competitive in an evolving digital landscape while ensuring that visitors to Mpumalanga enjoy authentic, memorable, and high-quality tourism experiences.”
By improving digital capabilities and service standards, the workshop seeks to contribute to the sustainable growth and promotion of the province’s tourism industry.
The Songimvelo workshop concluded on a high note, reaffirming MTPA’s commitment to empowering tourism stakeholders, supporting the growth of tourism SMMEs, and fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and competitive tourism industry in Mpumalanga.
For the 35 operators who spent the week at Songimvelo, the next itinerary they sell won’t just be a trip. It Caption: The 35 Tour Operators attending the workshop to sharpen their skills and improve their businesses
will be a business plan in action.
