The Experience Master Class Programme was hosted at the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM) last week, with the aim of empowering local tourism entrepreneurs to design, manage, and market compelling visitor experiences across the region.
Developed by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) in partnership with the Cause Development Agency, the programme brought together tourism experience operators from urban, township, village, and rural communities. Participants took part in a series of interactive sessions offering practical tools, expert insights, and hands-on learning designed to strengthen the Western Cape’s tourism offering.
The programme commenced with a strong focus on Visitor Experience Development, where participants explored how to create authentic and memorable tourism experiences rooted in local culture, heritage, storytelling, and natural environments. Emphasis was placed on understanding visitor expectations, improving service delivery, and aligning tourism products with market demand.
This was followed by a practical experiential learning component, during which participants stepped into the role of the visitor by engaging directly with a leading local tourism experience.
Jacqulene Melenephy, responsible for Local Economic Development at WCDM, emphasised the importance of supporting small businesses within the tourism sector.
“We recognise the vital role tourism plays in our regional economy, we also understand the need to build capacity and encourage young entrepreneurs to utilise programmes to make their businesses more sustainable. By investing in skills development and experience innovation, initiatives like this contribute meaningfully to economic growth, job creation, and the long-term sustainability of the province’s tourism sector,” said Melenephy.
The programme concluded with a walk-about of Moorreesburg.The successful completion of the Experience Master Class Programme underscores DEDAT’s ongoing commitment to supporting small tourism enterprises and community-based tourism development across the Western Cape.
