Institutional barriers to inclusive transformation in South Africa’s tour guiding sector

Abstract

This research examines the institutional barriers to transformation in the tour guiding subsector of South Africa, focusing on the entry and growth of previously disadvantaged communities. Drawing on in-depth interviews with key governing authorities as well as leading industry associations, the findings highlight that while there have been several policy and structural efforts to foster a transformed tour guiding sector, the institutional structures guiding the operations and career progression of the sector present substantial barriers for previously disadvantaged communities to enter and grow as tourist guides. Specifically, these barriers were found in tertiary (and post) training, tour guiding qualification framework as well as the registration and renewal of tourist guides. The study found that while these institutional points were positioned to drive transformation, the implementation, realities of the tour guiding sector as well as economic realities of previous disadvantaged communities poses challenges related to entry and progression in this career path. Overall, the study posits meaningful transformation necessitates addressing these strategic points in the sector.

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