Rural Tourism Development Officer

Placements24; Newlands; Hybrid; AUD 26,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working

Professional development

Community impact

Regional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Rural Tourism Development Officer for a regional development agency focused on the Eastern Cape, to foster sustainable tourism growth in Queenstown and surrounding areas.

You will identify potential rural tourism opportunities, work with local entrepreneurs, traditional leaders, and government bodies to empower communities and create authentic experiences that boost local economies.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in community or rural development or tourism planning.
• Strong understanding of rural tourism contexts and challenges.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in project management, including planning, implementation and monitoring.
• Degree or diploma in Tourism Management, Development Studies, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess the tourism potential of rural areas, focusing on community-based tourism, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism opportunities.
• Provide support and guidance to local communities and small tourism enterprises in developing and marketing their offerings effectively.
• Facilitate training programs and capacity-building initiatives for local stakeholders to enhance their skills in hospitality, guiding, and business management.
• Develop strategic plans for rural tourism growth, including infrastructure development, marketing strategies, and visitor management.
• Liaise with government departments, NGOs, and private sector partners to secure funding, resources, and support for rural tourism projects.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of tourism initiatives, ensuring sustainability and equitable benefit distribution within the communities.

Skills

Community development

Rural development

Tourism planning

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Tourism Management

Development Studies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a regional development agency focused on the Eastern Cape, is seeking a passionate and community-oriented Rural Tourism Development Officer to foster sustainable tourism growth in Queenstown and its surrounding areas. You will play a vital role in identifying and nurturing tourism potential within rural communities, working closely with local entrepreneurs, traditional leaders, and government bodies. This position requires a deep understanding of community-based tourism, excellent project management skills, and the ability to build strong relationships to empower local communities and create unique, authentic tourism experiences that benefit the region economically and socially.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess the tourism potential of rural areas, focusing on community-based tourism initiatives, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism opportunities.
• Provide support and guidance to local communities and small tourism enterprises in developing and marketing their offerings effectively.
• Facilitate training programs and capacity-building initiatives for local stakeholders to enhance their skills in hospitality, guiding, and business management.
• Develop strategic plans for rural tourism growth, including infrastructure development, marketing strategies, and visitor management.
• Liaise with government departments, NGOs, and private sector partners to secure funding, resources, and support for rural tourism projects.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of tourism initiatives, ensuring sustainability and equitable benefit distribution within the communities.

Requirements

• Proven experience (3-5 years) in community development, rural development, or tourism planning, with a focus on sustainable and community-based tourism.
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within rural tourism contexts.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in project management, including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• A relevant degree or diploma in Tourism Management, Development Studies, or a related field.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with opportunities for project-specific performance incentives.
• Opportunity to make a tangible positive impact on rural communities and local economies.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops and conferences focused on rural and sustainable tourism.
• Flexible working arrangements to facilitate community engagement.
• Be part of a dedicated team committed to regional development and empowerment.