Targeting learners, unemployed youth and educators, the action-packed programme includes a cook-off with celebrity chef and NTCE ambassador, Chef Citrum Khumalo, mixology sessions with non-alcoholic drinks, a CV writing workshop and an interactive exhibition showcasing the wide range of careers available in the sector. Young tourism entrepreneurs will be also be speaking, sharing their inspiring stories of success from the sector.
For more information visit www.tourismcareers.co.za
Tourism could be the answer to SA’s unemployment challenges. Speaking at the launch of the National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE), Deputy Minister of Tourism, Thokozile Xasa, said that the tourism sector would be instrumental in creating jobs and developing skills for South Africans. The National Tourism Sector Strategy aims to create at least 225,000 jobs by 2020 and contribute R429 billion towards the country’s GDP during the same period.
“The National Tourism Sector Strategy is also focussed on ensuring that
With tourism contributing more than 8% towards the country’s GDP (R189 billion) and foreign tourist arrivals to South Africa growing by 15.1% compared to the global growth of only 6.7% in 2010, the Deputy Minister indicated that tourism is one of the key sectors that performed well even in the face of recession. “The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ boosted the sector, however we need to sustain the growth and image that the World Cup helped us create. The growth of tourism also has a positive impact on other related industries like construction and financial services,” commented Minister Thokozile Xasa.
“The theme for this year’s expo follows the tune of themes of previous years which were “LIVE YOUR DREAM” and “OWN YOUR DREAM”. This year we are saying to the young people and to all of us “MAKE IT HAPPEN”” said Minister Xasa.
The expo is one of the main highlights of National Tourism Month in September and will see over 50 exhibitors from leading local and international private sector companies, training companies and the public enterprise sector providing 15 000 learners, educators and members of the public with the chance to learn more about the hospitality, travel, sport and other tourism-related industries. “Skills development in the sector is one of the most important aspects in ensuring the growth we want to see from tourism. We need young people to understand that strong skills are the only way they will be competitive in a difficult job market, and that these skills will enable them to create successful tourism enterprises,” said Xasa.
“We want people in tourism to be proud of being in the sector, and events like the NTCE are a wonderful showcase of the wide possibilities available to learners. As the partners and organisers of the expo, we are merely here to provide a platform of interaction and knowledge. It is my firm belief that learners must use this opportunity and take it upon themselves to make it happen,” concludes Xasa.
To register to attend the expo, and for any organisation interested in exhibiting for free at the expo please visitwww.tourismcareers.co.za
