Career goals with Lee-Marque… 

Lee-Marque Jansen
Published: January 14th, 2025

Career goals with Lee-Marque…

Lee-Marque Jansen is a Marketing and Public Relations Manager at Stormsriver Adventures. He grew up in a close-knit Moravian settlement called Goesa. Lee-Marque shares a strong sentiment for strong women as he grew up surrounded by women. “Growing up in a home full of strong, remarkable women shaped my appreciation for the vital role women play in society while also instilling essential life skills, skills that my wonderful wife, Gailine, now expertly handles,” says Lee-Marque. Such values have helped to influence the kind of a man he is today. 

Lee-Marque is one of those people who are celebrated through their humble beginnings to becoming the youngest and first person of color to chair the Koukamma Local Tourism Organization (Tsitsikamma Tourism).

His love for tourism travels back as far as his high school years and working during his December school holidays. “I got my first taste of tourism early on, working through school holidays as a waitron and general assistant at Armagh Country Lodge and Spa under my late mentor, Marion Auld. She epitomized what it means to be a champion of tourism and upliftment. I started from the ground up cleaning toilets, doing housekeeping, washing dishes, and working with a spade and I learned that tourism is not just about the glamour; it’s about hard work, dedication, and a genuine desire to serve,” explains Lee-Marque. 

Truly, one can learn a lot from his dedication and ambition, as sometimes starting from the very bottom of your career prepares you to the greatest that you can aspire to be. Lee-Marque completed a leadership in tourism ambassadorship at South African National Parks, and, after completing his learnership, he joined SANParks working at Addo Elephant National Park and the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. This was his much-needed break into the tourism industry, providing the foundation of skills and experience he gained throughout his learnership. Lee-Marque also studied hospitality for three years at South Cape College, furthering his training and experience in the industry 

“These early roles shaped who I am today and prepared me for the responsibilities I now carry as the Marketing and Public Relations Officer at Stormsriver Adventures Pty Ltd.: home to the first-ever Canopy Tour in Africa. I consider Stormsriver Adventures my professional home, a place where I continue to grow and learn under the leadership of Anneline Wyatt and Ashley Wentworth. It’s an eco-tourism company that also adheres to Fair Trade principles which aligns perfectly with my values. This position exposed me to countless opportunities, from organizing events to representing the company on national platforms,” adds Lee-Marque.

For those who may not know, Stormsriver Adventures is a pioneer in eco-tourism  within the national park. More than half of their staff members are proud members of the Tsitsikamma community. As the first operator in Africa to offer canopy tours, Stormsriver Adventures has many outstanding credits and awards to showcase their commitment to the local community and their exquisite natural surroundings. While they now offer a variety of experiences, each one aims to connect visitors with nature. 

“My journey in tourism has always centered on making a difference in the community and showcasing the beauty of our country. Through both Stormsriver Adventures and Streamline Tourism Marketing and Events, I strive to uplift others and inspire them to explore the incredible opportunities that lie within South Africa. Together, we can create lasting memories for visitors while positively impacting the lives of the local communities we serve.” concludes Lee-Marque.

Being passionate about your career choice gives you a drive to put in 100% of your effort and, in the end, comes with a great benefit that enhances growth and stability. As young people, that’s one incredible thing to take away from Lee-Marque’s remarkable story. 

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