South African Tourism is calling on tourism professionals, exhibitors, and students to strengthen their destination expertise through its SA Specialist programme — a free online training platform designed to improve knowledge of South Africa and enhance service delivery across the tourism sector.
With major continental events such as the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026 placing a spotlight on African destinations, the SA Specialist programme provides a timely opportunity for industry players to sharpen their skills and better position themselves in a competitive global tourism market.
What is SA Specialist?
SA Specialist is an interactive, module-based online learning programme developed by South African Tourism. It is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently market and sell South Africa as a travel destination.
The programme is:
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Free of charge
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Easy to use and fully online
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Packed with detailed information about South Africa and its attractions
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Flexible, allowing participants to study at their own pace
It is open to tour operators, travel agents, tour guides, hospitality professionals, students, and anyone involved or interested in the tourism industry.
Two Courses, One Goal: Destination Expertise
The SA Specialist programme consists of two courses:
SA Specialist: Essentials
This is the foundational course and must be completed within 90 days. It provides a comprehensive overview of South Africa’s tourism offering, including key destinations, culture, heritage, nature, and travel experiences.
SA Specialist: Experiences
After completing the Essentials course, participants gain access to the SA Specialist: Experiences course. This advanced, video-rich course showcases a wide range of immersive South African travel experiences. There is no time limit to complete this course, and participants can explore as many experience modules as they wish.
Together, the courses transform participants into confident ambassadors for South Africa’s tourism industry.
Why Become an SA Specialist?
The programme is designed not just to educate, but to create tangible professional benefits. Participants who complete the training can:
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Improve the level of service they offer clients
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Strengthen their professional branding and credibility
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Increase their earning potential
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Unlock new business and partnership opportunities
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Turn destination knowledge into measurable business growth
Because the programme is free, it offers a high-value, low-barrier opportunity for professional development within the tourism sector.
Certification and Professional Recognition
Upon completion of the courses, participants receive official branded certificates from South African Tourism.
Graduates are also entitled to market themselves as an “SA Specialist” or “South African Travel Expert,” enhancing their professional reputation and positioning them as trusted authorities on South African travel.
Supporting Industry Growth and Skills Development
The SA Specialist programme plays an important role in supporting skills development, transformation, and service excellence within the tourism industry. By empowering professionals with deeper destination knowledge, South African Tourism helps ensure that visitors receive richer, more informed travel experiences.
This focus on training and empowerment aligns with broader national goals of growing tourism’s contribution to the economy while ensuring inclusive participation across the sector.
Connection to the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026
As South African Tourism partners with the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026, the SA Specialist programme becomes especially relevant for exhibitors and tourism service providers participating in the event. If you want to participate as Exhibitor please register here.
Industry professionals attending the trade market — including tour operators, guides, and hospitality businesses — are encouraged to enrol in SA Specialist to strengthen their destination knowledge and enhance their ability to engage international buyers and partners.
The trade market, taking place 17–20 March 2026 in Gqeberha, serves as a key platform for coastal and marine tourism growth, and well-trained professionals are essential to maximising these opportunities. For more information and registration for the event go to https://marinetourism.co.za
How to Get Started
Getting started is simple. Interested participants can register online by visiting https://saspecialist.southafrica.net and begin learning immediately.
The programme is open to everyone, including students, making it a valuable stepping stone for those looking to build a career in tourism.
For additional information, enquiries can be directed to:
saspecialist@southafrica.net
