The Diploma in Tourism Management at Walter Sisulu University is a three-year qualification at the Butterworth campus that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the tourism and leisure industries. Upon completion, graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to independently manage and integrate specialist activities within the tourism value chain — including destination management, tour operations, accommodation, and visitor experience. South Africa's tourism industry, supported by the Department of Tourism and the Eastern Cape's rich natural and cultural heritage offering along the Wild Coast and beyond, provides graduates with a variety of employment pathways.
English Home Language or English First Additional Language: 50–59% (Level 4)
Mathematics: 40–49% (Level 3) OR Mathematical Literacy: 50–59% (Level 4)
Any three relevant school subjects: 40–49% (Level 3)
APS: 21
Tour Operator and Guide – Design, market, and guide tourism experiences in South Africa’s game reserves, heritage sites, and scenic destinations, including the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast and Addo Elephant Park.
Destination Management Officer – Promote and manage tourism destinations for provincial tourism agencies, local municipalities, or tourism organisations such as SA Tourism.
Tourism Product Developer – Create new tourism packages, experiences, and routes for DMOs, tour operators, or hospitality businesses targeting domestic and international visitors.
Accommodation Manager – Oversee the operations of hotels, guesthouses, or lodges, managing staff, reservations, and guest experiences in the competitive tourism accommodation market.
Tourism Entrepreneur – Launch a tour company, travel agency, or ecotourism enterprise leveraging the Eastern Cape’s natural environment and South Africa’s growing domestic and international visitor numbers.
