Stellenbosch launches youth programme for visitor experience
Visit Stellenbosch, in partnership with the Stellenbosch Improvement and Transformation Initiative (SITI) Special Rating Area, has launched and expanded the Tourism Assistants Programme to enhance on‑street visitor support and create local jobs. Announced on 19 November 2025, the initiative places trained young ambassadors across the town to guide, inform and support safe, authentic engagements – aligning with Stellenbosch’s regenerative tourism strategy.
An initial cohort of 10 assistants – including two from the Pinotage Youth Development Academy and eight trainees who completed training on 23 October at Bergzicht Training Centre – is now deployed. Backed by Visit Stellenbosch and SITI, the programme supports objectives for job creation, visitor safety and public‑private collaboration, and complements recent initiatives such as the Rent‑a‑Cop scheme. Organisers say the model builds community pride while improving the quality of the visitor journey in one of the Western Cape’s key tourism hubs.
Source: Tourism News Africa
