Tourism Experience Designer

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Travel opportunities within the region

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington is seeking a Tourism Experience Designer to craft authentic Northern Cape journeys for local and international visitors. Translate regional assets into engaging itineraries and prototype new experiences with local partners and government agencies.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in tourism product development or experience design, strong storytelling and project management, and a commitment to sustainable, community-friendly travel.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in tourism product development or experience design.
• Demonstrated success in creating and launching new tourism experiences or packages.
• Strong knowledge of tourism landscape in South Africa, especially Northern Cape.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative tourism experiences and itineraries leveraging Northern Cape attractions.
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies to identify opportunities and trends.
• Collaborate with local communities, businesses, and service providers to integrate them into experience designs.
• Develop compelling product narratives and marketing materials.
• Prototype and pilot new experiences, gathering feedback for refinement.
• Ensure experiences are sustainable, culturally sensitive, and benefit local communities.
• Work with marketing/sales teams to launch and promote new products.
• Stay updated on best practices in experience design and travel trends.
• Manage timelines and budgets for experience development.
• Build relationships with Northern Cape tourism stakeholders.

Skills

Tourism product development

Experience design

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Market research

Education

Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management/Marketing/Geography or related field

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative tourism development company focused on showcasing the unique cultural and natural attractions of the Northern Cape , is seeking a creative and experienced Tourism Experience Designer. This role is based in Upington, Northern Cape , and involves creating compelling and authentic travel experiences for domestic and international visitors. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the tourism industry, strong creative flair, and the ability to translate local assets into captivating itineraries and activities. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and prototyping new tourism products and experiences, working closely with local stakeholders, service providers, and government agencies. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of tourism in the Northern Cape , contributing to economic development and promoting sustainable tourism practices. You will be instrumental in crafting unique journeys that highlight the region's distinct offerings, from the Kalahari Desert to the Gariep River. Your role will be to design unforgettable adventures that resonate with modern travelers seeking authentic connections.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative tourism experiences and itineraries that leverage the unique attractions of the Northern Cape .
• Conduct market research and feasibility studies to identify opportunities and trends in the tourism sector.
• Collaborate with local communities, businesses, and service providers (accommodation, transport, guides) to integrate them into experience designs.
• Develop compelling product narratives and marketing materials to promote new tourism offerings.
• Prototype and pilot new experiences, gathering feedback for refinement and improvement.
• Ensure that all designed experiences are sustainable, culturally sensitive, and provide economic benefits to local communities.
• Work with marketing and sales teams to launch and promote new tourism products.
• Stay abreast of best practices in experience design, sustainable tourism, and global travel trends.
• Manage project timelines and budgets for experience development initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with tourism stakeholders across the Northern Cape region.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in tourism product development, experience design, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in creating and launching new tourism experiences or packages.
• In-depth knowledge of the tourism landscape, particularly in South Africa and the Northern Cape region.
• Strong creative thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Understanding of sustainable tourism principles and community-based tourism models.
• Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management, Marketing, Geography, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with flexibility for hybrid arrangements.
• Proficiency in creating compelling presentations and reports.
• A passion for travel, culture, and the natural environment.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate and potential for project bonuses.
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the tourism sector of the Northern Cape .
• Exposure to diverse cultural and natural landscapes.
• Professional development opportunities in tourism innovation and design.
• Travel opportunities within the region for site visits and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to sustainable development and community empowerment initiatives.