Celebrating South Africa’s storytellers on International Tourist Guide Day
A good tourist guide should be knowledgeable, articulate, and vibrant and leave their guests hungry for more insight into the incredible attraction they have just visited. In celebration of the invaluable role played by professional tourist 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.
Globally, 21 February is recognised as International Tourist 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. Tour guides in attendance at the event were given the chance to experience the warm hospitality they often afford their guests and were treated a unique tour of Walker Bay renowned for its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich archaeological significance.
The highlight of the tour was the Klipgat Cave experience, which offers a glimpse into human history dating back over 70,000 years and is one of the most remarkable examples of early human dwellings in South Africa.
Established by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) in 1990, ITGD is now commemorated in over 70 countries, underscoring the worldwide recognition of tourist guides as key pillars of the tourism industry.
The role of tourist guides is pivotal in connecting visitors with authentic experiences that highlight the depth and richness of South Africa’s cultural and natural 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.
Tourist guides are at the heart of our tourism industry, ensuring that 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 and the essential role they play in driving our tourism economy.
CapeNature CEO, Dr Ashley Naidoo said tourist guides are advocates for the Western Cape’s Cape Floristic Region.
Tourist guides bridge the gap between visitors and the environments they visit. They are the storytellers who bring history, culture, and conservation to life. Today, we thank them for their dedication and celebrate their invaluable contribution to telling our community stories.
CapeNature and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism were delighted to host an in-person event in 2025 following the success of an online awareness campaign and competition last year. The Walker Bay event helped to 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.
Tourist guides are encouraged to learn more about CapeNature’s Travel Trade Programme and sign up with the Entity here: https://www.capenature.co.za/travel-trade-programme
Related News
CapeNature updates fees for commercial filming across its reserves
From fynbos-covered mountains and indigenous forests to rugged coastlines and Marine Protected Areas, CapeNature’s reserves have long provided a diverse backdrop for local and international film and television productions. From 1 October 2026, CapeNature is updating its commercial filming tariff structure to better align fees with the scale of productions and the demands they place on protected area management.
Western Cape communities called to join the 2026 #DontBeTrashy Drive
CapeNature in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is calling on communities, schools, businesses and visitors across the Western Cape to take part in the annual #DontBeTrashy Drive, running from 1—30 September 2026. The month-long campaign aims to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and raise public awareness about the growing impact of pollution on the Province’s land, rivers
Stony Point workshops equip tour guides to deliver informed and responsible eco-tourism experiences
CapeNature has brought tour guides and tourism operators together at Stony Point Nature Reserve to strengthen their knowledge of the site and support more informed and responsible visitor experiences. The first-ever CapeNature tour guide and operator workshops were held at Stony Point on 26 and 27 August, covering the reserve’s history, biodiversity, African Penguin colony, conservation work, and
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western