Question NW1644 to the Minister of Tourism
23 June 2017 - NW1644
Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Tourism
(a) How many potential tour guides have been recruited to take part in her department’s Foreign Language Training Programme in Mandarin Chinese and Russian in the 2016-17 financial year, (b) what does her department consider to be the optimum number of Mandarin-proficient guides, given increasing number of tourist arrivals from China and Taiwan, (c) what are the total number of Mandarin-proficient guides currently in service in South Africa and (d) what are the further relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
|
(a) How many potential tour guides have been recruited to take part in her department’s Foreign Language Training Programme for 2016-17 financial year in: |
(b) Optimum number of Mandarin-proficient guides |
(c) Total number of Mandarin-proficient guides currently in service in South Africa |
|
|
Mandarin Chinese |
Russian |
||
|
9 |
8 |
Optimum numbers are still to be determined based on a detailed needs analysis. |
321 tourist guides speak Mandarin in South Africa. |
(d) What are the further relevant details in this regard?
The foreign language training that the Department implemented were pilot initiatives. The Department will compile a needs analysis to inform future programmes in this area. The needs analysis will look at factors such as international arrivals to South Africa, the tourist guide database, issues of supply and demand and representation across race, gender, nationality etc. The need analysis forms part of the current year Business plan deliverables for the TSHRD Chief Directorate and will be done in consultation with various stakeholders.