Tourist Information Officer

This programme is ideal for individuals who:

• Are passionate about travel and tourism
• Enjoy helping others and providing excellent customer service
• Want to work in visitor centres, travel agencies or tourism offices
• Are looking to enter the tourism industry or grow into senior roles

With this qualification, you can kickstart your career as:

• A Tourist Information Officer in visitor centres across South Africa
• A Travel Advisor assisting tourists with bookings and itineraries
• A Tourism Officer promoting local attractions and services
• A Tourist Assistant supporting exhibitions and special events
• A Travel and Tourism Advisor in agencies or hospitality settings
• A Tourism Coordinator managing travel logistics and customer service

Download our comprehensive fact sheet for full details.

• Tourism Foundations introduces students to the vibrant world of travel and tourism in South Africa, blending destination knowledge with real-world business skills. From uncovering the hidden gems of each province to understanding what drives tourists and how to guide them, this subject builds the confidence to advise, plan, and support travel experiences. Students also gain practical financial know-how and stay up to date with industry trends - setting the stage for a dynamic career in tourism .
• Tourism Operations and Sales equips students with the skills to confidently sell travel experiences, design tailored itineraries, and prepare accurate quotations for clients. Through hands-on learning and real-world exposure, students master the art of matching customer needs with exciting tourism products, while gaining practical experience in using reservation systems and negotiating with suppliers - all essential for thriving in a fast-paced travel office environment.
• Office Administration and Protocol prepares students to become the polished professionals behind every successful tourism office. From mastering international etiquette and reception duties to managing digital filing systems and coordinating protocol for VIP events, this subject builds the confidence and skills needed to run a front office with style, precision, and cultural sensitivity.
• Communication and Customer Service empowers students to become confident communicators in the tourism industry - online, in person, and across cultures. From mastering business writing and conflict resolution to engaging clients through social media and handling real-time queries in visitor centres, this subject builds the interpersonal and digital skills needed to deliver exceptional service and build lasting customer relationships.
• Technology and Computing gives students the digital edge needed to thrive in today’s tourism offices. From mastering keyboard skills and creating professional documents to using spreadsheets, email, and the internet safely, this subject builds confidence in everyday computing. It’s the perfect launchpad for students who want to be tech-savvy, efficient, and ready for the digital demands of the travel industry.
• Destination Planning and Mapping takes students on a journey through South Africa’s most iconic attractions while building the skills to plan unforgettable travel experiences. From designing custom itineraries to mastering map reading and digital navigation tools, students learn how to match destinations with traveller interests and present travel plans with precision and flair.
• Exhibitions and Events gives students the creative and practical tools to plan, set up, and manage tourism exhibitions and special events with flair and professionalism. From curating themed displays and handling logistics to issuing travel documentation and ensuring safety compliance, students gain hands-on experience in showcasing destinations and promoting tourism through impactful events that leave lasting impressions.
• Workplace Readiness empowers students with the soft skills and professional standards needed to thrive in the tourism industry. From mastering ethical conduct and time management to understanding employment legislation and stress management, this subject prepares students to confidently step into the workplace and contribute with professionalism, empathy, and efficiency.
• Project and Cultural Management blends the essentials of project planning with the heart of cultural tourism. Students learn how to manage tourism projects from start to finish while designing experiences that respect local traditions and community values. This subject builds leadership, teamwork, and ethical tourism planning skills - perfect for students who want to make a meaningful impact in the travel industry.
• Protocol and Professional Conduct prepares students to confidently represent tourism organisations in formal and culturally sensitive settings. From briefing dignitaries and coordinating ceremonial arrangements to mastering international etiquette and professional decorum, this subject builds the skills needed to navigate high-profile tourism events with grace, accuracy, and respect for protocol.

This Occupational Certificate is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).

Successful students will achieve a nationally recognised Occupational Certificate: Tourist Information Officer (SAQA ID 101865 at NQF Level 5)

• NQF Level 4 with Communication
• All classes and assessments are conducted in English

Knowledge Modules:

• South Africa as a travel destination
• Selling products
• Office protocol, deportment and etiquette
• Local tourism destinations, attractions and itinerary planning
• Introduction to Tourism
• Basic business calculations
• End User Computing
• Business communication and customer services
• Social media and digital literacy
• Reception services
• Map work and itineraries
• Introductory Project Management
• Exhibition and special events
• Ready for work standards
• Develop and update tourism industry knowledge

Practical Modules - Hands-on Learning

• Address protocol requirements
• Plan and develop culturally appropriate tourism operations
• Prepare, install and dismantle exhibition elements
• Source and provide destination information and itinerary for customer
• Manage, and assist in the administration and clerical support of office resources to facilitate the smooth and effective procurement of physical resources and services within the unit
• Prepare quotations

Workplace Experience Modules - Real World Practice

• Research, design and sell local travel and tourism-related packages, products and services
• Apply ready for work standards to everyday work activities
• Handle customer and client’s queries and liaison in a Travel Information Centre
• Operate an online information system for tourism related information
• Processing reservations and issuing documentation