Interview: Jojo Tsheola, Tsheola Dinare Tours founder
01. Dec, 2009
5 Comments
My name is Jojo Tsheola, founder and managing director of Tsheola Dinare Tours. Tsheola Dinare is a 100% black owned company that was formed in 2007 to offer the industry a real choice when it comes to tour operating services. Our focus is to both local and international corporate organisation and services offered include conference shuttles and tours.
What were you doing before launching your tourism business and what inspired it?
I worked as a cleaner for Shongololo Express Train from 1999, I was provided with an opportunity to drive a tour bus and I was then promoted to professional tourist guide.
I left the company in 2004 and became involved in various tour operating projects. During the research period, I identified a gap for improved quality services in the tour operating field, and that inspired me to form a company targeted towards a niche market.
What is your educational background?
Matric and a certificate in National Tourist Guiding.
What three industry blogs do you read daily, to stay abreast of your sector?
There is a number of blogs that I read as often as I can, including Travelwires.com.
What does a press release mean to your business?
It gives my business a platform where it can be efficiently marketed and gives the business exposure to as many clients as possible. It also motivates me and the Tsheola Dinare team to see that our hard work and contribution in the industry is recognized.
Social media is the current buzz word, is your business active in that space?
Our business believes that social media is the next big thing that can shape tourism and any other business. This could have a huge positive impact to the growth of tourism businesses, as this could give any service provider a marketing platform for their product.
What role does the annual Tourism Indaba play for your tourism business?
Tourism INDABA is South Africa’s largest tourism event, however Tsheola Dinare has never participated at the event but personally I have strategically visited Tourism INDABA a few times to network, learn, and make new contacts. That has shaped me in a big way and the next time my business gets an opportunity to participate I am confident that we’ll secure deals which will help Tsheola Dinare Tours become South Africa’s number one transport service provider.
Does your tourism business belong to any professional trade organization?
We are members of Gauteng Tour Operators Association (GATOA)
What are your short and long term goals for your business?
There is so much that we are hoping to achieve, in terms of growth and expansion. One of our main focus is to continually recognise opportunities within as well as outside our country.
Maintaining our current client base and attracting new clients is what we work towards. Another big venture that is on the pipeline is to open satellite branches throughout the country.
What are major challenges that are a stumbling block in growing your tourism business?
One major challenge is that potential clients are reluctant to use our services because we are relatively new to the industry, however, that is beginning to change as our brand is becoming well known.
What role does your website play in your business and are you happy with its current format?
We are currently working on revamping our website, making it more functional and ensuring that the website will portray what our business hopes to achieve in this industry.
How do potential guests/clients reach your business?
They can call (011) 943 3632 or email us: tsheola@telkomsa.co.za or visit www.dinaretours.com. We will also be hosting a number of events in the near future, so people should look out for those.
My name is Muzi Mohale a full-time travel blogger, your host at Travelwires.com responsible for all editorial on this blog. I blog about the travel and tourism industry in Africa. Apart from blogging about tourism, I also run 
Well done to you Jojo. I have started up my own tourism website but am a long way away from packing in my day job. Hopefully next year.
lochlomondo´s last blog ..Tullie Inn Balloch
Lovely, one step at a time and you’ll see the results with a bit of commitment and dedication.
Muzi Mohale´s last blog ..Interview with Dumisani Mthembu, Siyeza Car Rental and Shuttle Services founder
Shoo, three cheers for Jojo, thats what we need people with vision and tenacity, I really take my hat off to you and many others out there doing the same, offering the class of service that is just not seen anymore.
Agreed Evelyn, its very inspiring to see young people also participating in the tourism economy, the cake is big for all of us to share…