Senior Leisure and Tourism Strategist

Our client, a prominent tourism development consultancy, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Leisure and Tourism Strategist to join their expanding team. This is a remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for developing innovative strategies, conducting market research, and providing expert advice to clients across the leisure and tourism sectors, including hospitality, destination marketing, and recreational facilities.

The role involves engaging with government bodies, private sector enterprises, and international organizations to drive sustainable growth and enhance tourism offerings. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of global tourism trends, market analysis, and policy development, passionate about shaping the future of leisure tourism. This position is ideal for an independent, analytical professional seeking impactful remote work.

• Develop comprehensive tourism strategies and business plans for destinations and private sector clients.
• Conduct in-depth market research, feasibility studies, and economic impact assessments.
• Advise clients on product development, marketing strategies, and operational enhancements for leisure and tourism businesses.
• Analyze industry trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes.
• Prepare compelling reports, presentations, and proposals for clients and stakeholders.
• Facilitate workshops and stakeholder consultations to gather insights and build consensus.
• Identify opportunities for investment, innovation, and sustainable tourism development.
• Stay abreast of national and international tourism policies, regulations, and best practices.
• Contribute to business development initiatives and proposal writing.

• Master’s degree in Tourism Management, Urban Planning, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic planning, market analysis, or consulting within the leisure and tourism industry.
• Proven ability to develop actionable strategies and provide expert advice to diverse clients.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in report writing and presentations.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and market research methodologies.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Experience with destination management organizations (DMOs) or government tourism bodies is highly desirable.
• A deep understanding of the South African tourism landscape is essential.

• This fully remote position offers exceptional flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of high-profile projects.
• Our client offers a competitive salary, potential for performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth.
• You will contribute to shaping the future of tourism in South Africa and beyond.
• The company culture values expertise, innovation, and independent work.
• Access to a network of industry experts and ongoing professional development is provided.
• This role is perfect for a seasoned strategist looking to leverage their expertise in a flexible, remote capacity, making a significant impact on the leisure and tourism sector.