Subject: Invitation – IPTGSA Educational Tour & Free State Uncovered Expo
Dates: 19–20 September 2025
Cost: R1,000 per person (Limited Spaces)
Dear Colleagues,
The IPTGSA is excited to invite you to a special two-day educational tour in Bloemfontein this September, combining professional development with one of the Free State’s key tourism events.
Itinerary:
Friday, 19 September 2025 – Depart from Johannesburg and travel to Bloemfontein. Enjoy a guided educational tour with local tourist guide Toy Horn, exploring the city’s rich cultural, historical, and heritage attractions.
Saturday, 20 September 2025 – Attend the Free State Uncovered Expo, where you’ll have the opportunity to network, discover new tourism products, and engage with fellow industry professionals. Depart back to Johannesburg in the afternoon.
Details:
Open to: All registered tourist guides (IPTGSA members and non-members welcome).
Cost: R1,000 per person
(Includes transport from Johannesburg, accommodation, and entrance fees. Meals for own account.)CPD Points: Earn Continuing Professional Development points for your participation.
Spaces: Limited – early booking is essential.  BOOK HERE BY CLICKING THIS LINK
This educational offering not only provides valuable CPD points but also first-hand product knowledge to enrich your guiding expertise and strengthen your professional network.
To confirm your booking, please reply to this email and secure your place by arranging payment as soon as possible.
We look forward to exploring Bloemfontein with you and showcasing the best the Free State has to offer.
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Report Back: Bloemfontein Educational & Explore, Engage Free State University Expo
The planned Bloemfontein educational for 19–20 September unfortunately had to be cancelled due to numerous last-minute cancellations. Despite this setback, Johan and Sam represented IPTGSA at the Explore, Engage Free State University Expo on Saturday, 20 September.
Their participation proved highly valuable. The expo brought together a variety of museums and tourism stakeholders, creating an excellent networking platform. Several meaningful contacts were established that would have been beneficial for other members to experience firsthand.
The event also facilitated engagement with a few Free State-based tourist guides—there are not many in the province, but good connections were made, and a potential new recruit expressed interest in joining IPTGSA.
Overall, despite the educational’s cancellation, the expo visit was a success and highlighted a positive and growing sense of enthusiasm within the Free State tourism community.