Tourism Internships for South African Graduates

Graduates from South African universities are in high demand for tourism internships due to the strong industrial sector. Tourism internships provide final-year students and graduates with hands-on experience in the tourism industry and can lead to a career in the sector. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa include Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Victoria Falls. Please read this article carefully as we give you essential information about the application processes, eligibility criteria, benefits, salaries, and more.

About Tourism in South Africa

South Africa is a tourist destination, with the tourism industry accounting for 2.34% of GDP in 2019, dropping to 0.81% of GDP in 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. South African Tourism, the country’s official marketing agency, sells South Africa to the rest of the globe. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the tourism industry contributed ZAR 102 billion to South Africa’s GDP in 2012 and employed 10.3% of the country’s workforce. South African Tourism Company is the South African government’s official national marketing agency to promote tourism in South Africa both locally and abroad.

Overview of Tourism Internships

South African Tourism continually searches for the best talents to join its team—the roles available in South Africa and around the country (in the core markets worldwide). Therefore, there is an exciting opportunity for an Internship Program at the South African Tourism Head Office in Sandton. The Internship Program will last twelve (12) months and is designed to provide Graduate work-related experience in various business fields.

South Africa has a vast range of opportunities for both domestic and foreign tourists, including breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife reserves, diverse cultural history, and highly recognized wines. Several national parks, such as the vast Kruger National Park in the country’s north, the coastlines and beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces, and major cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, are among the most popular attractions.

Benefits of Tourism Internships

Let’s explore some of the benefits of tourism internships:

1. It is a highly humanist occupation.

As an intern, making guests feel welcome is fundamental to tourism and hospitality. You’re directing your attention to a person, their experience, and their connection to a new location. When you notice that you’ve done a terrific job, it’s tremendously fulfilling.

2. More adventure and travel options

People who speak English can find jobs in hospitality and tourism worldwide, making travel and life abroad possible. Furthermore, the employment will be located in all the exciting tourism hotspots worldwide!

3. A fun atmosphere

People on vacation – people who want to have fun, relax, and escape the working world – are frequently seen by hospitality and tourism workers. An upbeat mood equals a joyful office environment, making hospitality and tourist jobs ideal for positive individuals.

4. Industry Diversity

Hospitality and tourism are broad industries with numerous sub-sectors. A career in hospitality and tourism may lead to positions in event planning and management, hotels, restaurants, or travel and tourism.

Salaries of Tourism Interns in South Africa

The monthly salary of interns in the tourism sector ranges from ZAR 6,014 to ZAR 10,484 for the most significant degree of seniority.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for an intern role at South African Tourism Company, meet the following requirements.

You need a valid ID document and no criminal record.
A valid Grade twelve (12) or Matric certification.
Proficiency in English, verbally and written.
You must be computer literate and have basic knowledge of MS Office.
A willingness to learn and passion for the industry.
Must have excellent communication skills and can excel under pressure.
Must be a team player and must be able to cope with stressful schedules.
Must hold a diploma or degree within the field of application, where applicable.

What are the roles of an Intern at South African Tourism Company?

Your primary duties can vary based on the nature of your internship, but they can include the following:

Receiving guests, including check-ins and check-outs.
Providing friendly customer service.
Preparing guide manuals.
Hosting and Organizing tours.
Transport booking.
Assisting with marketing and social media activities.

Internship roles at South African Tourism Company

Interested candidates should consider the following fields, as well as others when they become available from the company:

Game Ranger Intern
Tourism official intern
Tour assistant
Records management
Cabin crew intern
Tour guide
Transport manager
Data capturing
Research
Translation
Event and function assistant
Office Assistant

Application Procedure for South Africa Tourism Internships

Applications should be emailed to [email protected]. People with impairments are strongly encouraged to apply. However, only shortlisted individuals will be contacted because they anticipate receiving considerable correspondence.

Please consider your application unsuccessful if you haven’t heard from us within four (4) weeks of the closing date. There will be no late applications allowed. You are also expected to submit your complete resume and cover letter to their official website portal for inquiries and applications.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the internship is December 2023. Applications will re-open next year for new applications. To apply for an internship role at the South Africa Tourism Company, visit the official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a tourism degree in South Africa?

There are many different careers that a tourism degree can lead to in South Africa. These include working in the tourism industry, writing or editing tourism-related publications, working as a tour guide, or working in marketing or advertising for the tourism industry.

Is It Hard to Get a Tourism Internship in South Africa?

Tourism internships are not easy to come by in South Africa. The country is experiencing a tourism boom, but there are still many opportunities for dedicated interns. Some of the best options include working at a travel agency, working at a hotel, or serving as a tour guide.

Can a foreigner get an internship in South Africa?

Yes, South African institutions welcome many international students, and businesses are eager to hire foreign interns. In addition, because the working population is young, they trust interns more and are willing to give meaningful projects to individuals who participate.

Is tourism a promising career in South Africa?

Tourism is a growing industry in South Africa, but it has challenges. The country has many beautiful tourist destinations but faces significant economic and social difficulties. These include high rates of poverty and inequality and a lack of infrastructure. Despite these challenges, tourism is an essential part of the South African economy, and there are several opportunities for career growth.

Is tourism management in high demand in South Africa?

While the South African tourism industry is recovering, its growth indicates more employment is available. This provides tremendous prospects for entering the tourism business and becoming an excellent tourism worker.

Conclusion

As promised, we discussed important information about the application processes, eligibility criteria, benefits, and salaries for tourism internships for South African students and graduates. If you think participating in this program will boost your career development in tourism and hospitality, don’t hesitate to give a trial. Finally, kindly share this information with your friends. Good luck.