Top 5 Tourism Policy And Development Courses In South Africa

In South Africa, several institutions offer courses in Tourism Policy and Development, typically focusing on tourism policy formulation, sustainable tourism, and tourism development strategies.

Tourism Policy And Development Courses In South Africa

1. Tourism Management Programme

- At: University of Pretoria
- Course Focus: The program includes modules in tourism policy, strategic tourism management, and sustainable tourism.
- Requirements: Undergraduate programs require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with specific admission points and sometimes math proficiency. Postgraduate courses often require a relevant bachelor’s degree in tourism or management fields.

2. Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management with Tourism Modules

- At: University of South Africa
- Course Focus: Includes studies in tourism policy within the broader scope of environmental management and sustainability.
- Requirements: Admission requires an NSC with specific points, a diploma, or equivalent, with relevant academic or work experience for mature applicants.

3. Diploma in Tourism Management

- At: Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Course Focus: Focus on policy, tourism planning, and development, preparing students for roles in policy development within tourism sectors.
- Requirements: A Senior Certificate or equivalent, with entry based on specific course marks in areas like English and mathematical literacy.

4. Master of Tourism and Hospitality

- At: University of Johannesburg
- Course Focus: Emphasizes tourism development and policy research, preparing students for advanced roles in tourism policy formulation and strategic tourism development.
- Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in tourism or related field with honors, along with a research proposal.

5. Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Management

- At: North-West University
- Course Focus: This program covers tourism policy, planning, sustainable development, and marketing, with an emphasis on the economic and regulatory aspects of tourism.
- Requirements: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum Admission Points Score (APS) and proficiency in English and Mathematics. Postgraduate options require a relevant bachelor’s degree and, for some, work experience in tourism or related fields.

This program prepares students for roles in tourism policy-making, tourism development, and management, with a focus on South Africa’s unique tourism landscape.

Requirements Of Tourism Policy And Development Courses In South Africa

The requirements for Tourism Policy and Development courses in South Africa may vary depending on the level of study (certificate, diploma, or degree). Below is an overview of general requirements:

Undergraduate Level (Diploma/Bachelor’s Degree)

National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent with:
- Minimum admission points score (APS) of 22-30, depending on the institution.
- Proficiency in English (at least 50-60%).
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (specific percentage requirements vary).
- Geography, Business Studies, or Tourism as a subject may be advantageous.
Other requirements:
- Some institutions may require an application essay or interview.

Postgraduate Level (Honours, Master’s)

Honours Degree:
- A bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, Development Studies, or a related field.
- Minimum average of 60% in the final year of undergraduate studies.
Master’s Degree:
- Honours degree in Tourism or a related discipline.
- Research proposal submission.
- Relevant work experience may be an advantage.

Certificate Courses

Grade 12/NSC or equivalent qualification.
Proficiency in English.
No prior tourism experience is typically required.

Key Skills and Interests

Strong interest in tourism, sustainability, and development.
Analytical and research skills.
Communication and policy understanding

Fees Of Tourism Policy And Development Courses In South Africa

The fees for Tourism Policy and Development courses in South Africa vary depending on the institution and the level of study. For example:

University of Johannesburg offers an Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management. Fees for similar postgraduate programs range between ZAR 25,000 and ZAR 40,000 per year, depending on the course structure and mode of study (full-time or part-time).
Shorter professional and diploma programs in tourism-related fields, like event or hospitality management, cost approximately ZAR 12,000 to ZAR 72,000, depending on the duration and specialization.

For precise details and updated fees, it is recommended to consult the specific institutions offering these courses

Career Opportunities Of Tourism Policy And Development Courses In South Africa

Tourism Policy and Development courses open a range of career opportunities in South Africa, a country renowned for its rich cultural and natural heritage. Graduates of such programs can pursue roles in various sectors, including government, private tourism enterprises, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. Below are some potential career paths:

1. Tourism Planner/Policy Maker

Develop and implement tourism policies and strategies at national, provincial, or local levels.
Work for government departments or municipalities to promote sustainable tourism development.

2. Destination Manager

Manage and develop tourism destinations to increase their appeal and sustainability.
Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure balanced economic, social, and environmental outcomes.

3. Tourism Consultant

Advise organizations on tourism development projects, market trends, and policy adherence.
Conduct feasibility studies and impact assessments for tourism initiatives.

4. Sustainable Tourism Manager

Focus on promoting eco-tourism and sustainable practices within the industry.
Work with parks, reserves, and eco-friendly resorts to balance conservation and tourism.

5. Community Development Officer

Engage in projects that involve local communities in tourism development to boost socio-economic benefits.
Ensure that local culture and heritage are preserved in tourism practices.

6. International Tourism Development Specialist

Work with global organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) or regional tourism bodies.
Focus on cross-border tourism initiatives and international policy development.

7. Academic or Researcher

Teach at universities or colleges, focusing on tourism policy, development, and sustainability.
Conduct research on tourism trends, policy effectiveness, and industry challenges.

8. Marketing and Promotion Specialist

Work with tourism boards or private companies to market destinations and develop promotional campaigns.
Leverage tourism policy insights to align marketing efforts with government strategies.

9. Tourism Project Manager

Oversee large-scale tourism development projects such as new resorts, attractions, or infrastructure.
Manage timelines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.

10. Event and Conference Organizer

Develop and manage events that align with national or local tourism policies, such as festivals or cultural exhibitions.
Promote these events as part of broader tourism development strategies.

Industries That Employ Graduates

Public Sector: Tourism Ministries, Provincial Tourism Boards, and Local Municipalities.
Private Sector: Travel agencies, hotel chains, and tourism consultancies.
NGOs: Organizations involved in community-based tourism and conservation.
Academia and Research Institutes: Universities and think tanks focusing on tourism development.
International Organizations: UNWTO, World Bank, and regional bodies like the African Union (AU).

Conclusion

Graduates with a strong understanding of policy, sustainability, and development can significantly impact South Africa’s growing tourism industry by balancing economic growth and social equity