Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Cullinan Diamond Mine

It was reported that a huge white diamond (507 carats rough) was discovered at Cullinan Diamond Mine on 24 September 2009. It is speculated that it might be a Type I diamond and amongst the top 20 largest high quality rough diamonds ever found worldwide. More details on the diamond will be released as soon as the diamond has undergone appropriate analysis.

The Cullinan Diamond Mine is situated in Cullinan, 40 km east of Pretoria. It was established in 1902 and became world renowned in 1905 when the Cullinan Diamond (3,106.75 carats rough) was discovered. Other significant diamonds from the mine include the Golden Jubilee (755 carats rough) and the Centenary (599 carats rough). Cullinan Diamond Mine is also the only significant source of blue diamonds in the world. De Beers sold its historic Cullinan Diamond Mine in 2007 to a consortium led by Petra Diamonds.

Cullinan Diamond Mine

507 Carats (rough) diamond


For more information about the mine and the diamonds visit their site.

For more information on the courses we off please visit Drum Beat Academy’s Tourism and Event Support website.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Tour Operator Workshop

What is the difference between a Tourist Guide and a Tour Operator? A Tour Operator is a person / company that make all the arrangements regarding transport, accommodation, tour packages, etc. Basically the Tour Operator is the person that sits in the office and makes all the preparations. A Tourist Guide is the person that guides visitors, for a fee, interpreting cultural and natural heritage and is effectively in charge of the group for the duration of the tour. The Tourist Guide has no part in the organising component of the tour.

Drum Beat’s Tour Operator Workshop has been designed for Tour Guides, Entrepreneurs and Existing Tour Operators to gain knowledge and information on the industry. During this five day course the following will be covered:

* Legal Implications (driver’s license, P.D.P, R.T.P, C.O.F, pax liability)
* Marketing in the Tourism Industry
* Technical Management (services, tyres, fuel, oil)
* Itinerary (Designing a Guided Experience)
* Infrastructure (office, staff)
* Product Knowledge (accommodation, STO & Rack rates, single supplement)
* Administration (reservations, confirmations, vouchers, payments, cancellations, filing)
* Guides (qualifications, personality & appearance, tour preparations file, payment, loyalty, registration)

This workshop will help you make the best of your business, helping you grow through marketing, building a great reputation through well thought out and executed tours, using only the best guides to fit your company image and making sure that you comply with all the legal implications.

For more information on this workshop visit Drum Beat Academy’s Tourist Guide and Event Support website.