© Anthony KASCHULA – Walking Guide
For all of us in the Tourism Industry, visibility and networking are key, but having a marketable product (in yourself) is essential for this visibility and networking to work in your favour.
The Z.P.G.A. has Zimbabwean representation at local, regional, and national level and that offers a wide range of opportunities that can lead to enhanced business relationships and, ultimately, greater success. Here are 10 reasons why joining the Z.P.G.A. is well worth the time and effort:
You do not need to hold a Professional Guides or Hunters License to join, you could join up as an Associate Member
It is not compulsory as a Professional Guide or Professional Hunter to be a member of the Z.P.G.A. and in fact it is restricted to individuals who comply with our strict criteria for consideration before membership is granted. But aligning oneself, if one qualifies, with an organisation like the Z.P.G.A., with a strong legacy of maintaining industry integrity and standards provides Agents with a standard to sell and Guests a superior quality product to buy into. Simply put, individuals with an affiliation to the Z.P.G.A. are automatically synonymous with the toughest Guiding standards and – more importantly – principles, in Africa
The Z.P.G.A. is the recognised examining partner with Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority, whereby qualified Members volunteer and actively participate as examiners, invigilators and markers at all of the Learner Professional Hunters exams, the Proficiency Shoots, the Proficiency interview and of course the Proficiency exam. Ensuring fair participation and transparency at all levels of qualification, a point often overlooked once qualified
Collectively Members, through the Z.P.G.A. have greater representation and lobbying power on matters that directly relate and affect our industry. Through participation Members have a greater chance at directing new as well as amending or correcting old legislation
The Z.P.G.A. encourages members to maintain current skills relevant to their field and area of operation – and assists by facilitating various courses/advanced education and training programs through affiliated partners as seen to be necessary and/or feasible
Taking advantage of the Z.P.G.A. resources can help members earn and maintain an edge over non-members, thanks to access to inside information derived from members working closely with industry leaders, as well as access to a broad network of professionals for knowledge and opportunity within the association
The Z.P.G.A. members are granted access to special rates on products and services, saving members money on industry specific goods and services which include motor spares, security, medical rescue, training courses, group injury/loss of income insurance, accommodation and many others as negotiated by the Z.P.G.A. from time to time and when a specific need is identified by fellow members.
The Z.P.G.A. lets you stay on top of new initiatives and innovations within the Tourism Industry, helping you maintain a competitive and informational edge on matters that might not be so obvious to Professionals working without affiliation and addresses important matters that affect the integrity, reputation, and profitability of our Professional qualifications.
The Z.P.G.A. donates towards community projects and events and provide member volunteer support and participation as a group. Recent community initiatives have included name-tagging trees at schools throughout the country as well as encouraging schools to plant trees for education and the future.
Perhaps the most important benefit of the Z.P.G.A. is that membership provides you with an excellent opportunity to network with other professionals and entrepreneurs within the Tourism Industry, an affiliation that holds and implements distinguished standards, corroborates our members legitimacy, and evidences a Professional qualification over and above the Professional licence held, promoting a Professional culture of responsibility, honesty and integrity.
In short – membership in the Z.P.G.A. provides safari industry professionals with added legitimacy to existing credentials, a platform from which to enhance one’s personal brand, knowledge and standing in both the local and tourism community and access to industry specific discounts and special offers.
Z.P.G.A. is a non-profit Association governed by its members through an agreed constitution.