Cape Country Routes
Academy
Cape Country Routes Academy
Investing in People, building Excellence
At Cape Country Routes, we've always been committed to delivering world-class tourism experiences in a responsible and sustainable manner. As the travel industry evolves and sustainable practices shift from exception to expectation, we're doing our part to lead the way.
Central to this vision is the Cape Country Routes Academy, launched in 2024, our dedicated initiative for skills training and workforce development across our network.
Why we created the Academy
The hospitality and tourism sector holds tremendous potential for job creation and skills development. Yet many of our members operate in smaller towns where access to professional development is limited, making staff training both costly and logistically complex.
That's where we step in. Cape Country Routes centrally organizes training opportunities, often co-funded by partners like CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority), bringing quality education directly to our network.
Creating a Ripple Effect
Our workshops and training programs do more than building skills – they create opportunities!
- Staff members gain tools to advance their careers, better support their families, and contribute to their local communities.
- Establishments benefit from enhanced service quality, attracting more guests and increasing revenue.
Our Impact in 2025
In our inaugural year, the Cape Country Routes Academy hit the ground running. We successfully delivered a 2-day "Customer Service Level 4" workshop at three strategic venues across the Eastern- and Western Cape. The workshops were co-funded by CATHSSETA, and training was facilitated by G&D Training.
Customer service has emerged as a critical training priority throughout our membership base, largely due to the high service standards demanded by international visitors.
The workshops were hosted by the following CCR member establishments:
- Supertubes, Jeffreys Bay
- Waterfall Valley, Paarl
- Arniston Spa Hotel, Arniston
Expertly facilitated by G&D Training, the workshops focused on upskilling front-of-house and service staff. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with learners expressing genuine enthusiasm for the training and appreciation for the practical knowledge gained. Tools they can immediately apply in their daily roles.
Our Plans for 2026
In 2026 we will be offering a 2-day Customer Service Level 5 program, considered as a follow-up training program to Customer Service Level 4, that had been funded in 2025. We will be offering this opportunity primarily to those having attended last year’s training, as a further skill improvement opportunity.
