The Western Cape Provincial Government is strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable tourism, with a growing focus on astro tourism as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, highlighted the province’s strategy during the graduation ceremony of a new cohort of Astro Night Sky Tourist Guides at the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre on Thursday.
Addressing the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) and Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) Astro Night Sky Specialisation graduation, Meyer congratulated the graduates for investing in specialised skills that will contribute to the province’s evolving visitor economy.
“Tourism is integral to growth and job creation. By choosing to specialise and to keep learning, these graduates are helping the Western Cape move from a tourism strategy based on volume to one focused on value, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth,” Meyer said.
Meyer highlighted that tourism remains a priority sector for the provincial economy.
In 2023, the sector contributed approximately R28.6 billion to Gross Value Added and supported more than 257 000 jobs across industries such as guiding, hospitality and transport.
He said global travel trends are shifting away from traditional “sun, sea and scenery” offerings towards experience-based tourism that emphasises knowledge, authenticity and storytelling.
In response, the provincial government is investing in niche and special-interest segments, including heritage, nature-based, wellness and astro tourism.
“Astro tourism, particularly in the Karoo, the West Coast and the interior, allows us to turn our dark skies and low light pollution into a powerful economic asset. It encourages off-peak travel, draws visitors into smaller towns, and creates new income opportunities in rural communities. Skills and professional standards are key to unlocking this potential.
“We may have some of the darkest skies in the world, but these skilled and certified guides are helping to shine a light on this bold frontier of tourism. These graduates are the bridge between complex science, culture, and compelling storytelling. They turn a night sky into a lifelong memory for visitors,” the MEC said.
The astro guiding programme is the result of a partnership between the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) and Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), aimed at building future-ready tourism skills and maintaining professional guiding standards.
Meyer said the collaboration demonstrates how a tourism strategy can be translated into real economic impact on the ground.
“You are now part of a tourism future that is smarter, more sustainable, and more inclusive. Use these skills well as ambassadors for our province and for the protection of our dark skies,” he told the graduates. – SAnews.gov.za
