August 24, 2020
Fishing Tourism Operator
Fishing tourism ventures are already a valuable source of
income in a market likely to benefit from the emerging small-scale fishing
sector. This is a growth area particularly for recreational fishers who own
boats, as well as for newly established coastal cooperatives looking for new
commercial ventures in an era of generally declining wild fish stocks.
South Africa’s abundance of big game fish like tuna is a
major tourist draw-card. So too are inland fish farms stocked with popular
species like bass and trout. Whale watching, shark cage diving, and dolphin
adventures are other opportunities arising from a rich coastal biodiversity.
The development of small-scale fishing also offers
opportunities for fishing community visits and tours of small-boat fishing
harbours at the heart of many coastal communities.
Key tasks:
• Accompany tourists on fishing trips.
• Maintain and navigate small fishing vessels.
• Marketing.
• Tour Planning.
• Equipment Provision.
• Guided Fishing Excursions.
• Casting and Fishing Instruction.
• Safety Measures.
Entry requirements/training:
Experience with boats and marketing is preferable, but no formal training is required. Entrepreneurial skills are required to grow business opportunities. Tourism operators require a Tour Operators Certificate from an accredited training organisation.
Career advancement:
Further development may include business management training or short- course tourism qualifications as well as the opportunity to start one’s own marine tourism endeavour.
Associated job opportunities:
Professionals involved in Fishing Tourism Operations may explore various associated job opportunities within the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation sectors. Here are some potential career paths and associated job opportunities:
• Tourism Operations Manager
• Tour Guide (Specializing in Fishing)
• Customer Experience Manager
• Marine Operations Coordinator
• Hospitality Coordinator
