1 - 30 September
Tourism Month is an annual celebration held in September to focus on the importance of tourism to the economy of South Africa.
The theme for the 2015 Tourism Month “A million New Experiences are a Sho'tleft Away" presents an opportunity to highlight the economic impact of each tourist that partakes in those million experiences.
This year, the theme aims to make tourists aware of the importance of responsible tourism by encouraging them to respect cultures, protect heritage, save energy and water and most importantly buy regional products to support local jobs.
Annually South Africa celebrates Tourism Month in September to provide the tourism industry with the opportunity for a heightened focus on the importance of tourism to the local economy. It also serves as an opportunity to promote domestic tourism and create a culture of travel amongst South Africans.
Tourism Month will this year showcase the Limpopo Province as a destination with its endless leisure activities. In addition to the launch taking place here, the Department of Tourism will host a business breakfast in Bela-Bela; conduct a ministerial visit to Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site; hold a public lecture at University of Venda and celebrate World Tourism Day at the Phalaborwa Gate in the Kruger National Park.
A crucial part of Tourism Month is to educate South Africans on the importance of this industry to the economy. According to Statistics South Africa, its direct GDP contribution was R103,6 billion in 2013, rising from R93,5 billion in 2012.
Domestic visitors contributed 57 per cent (R124,7 billion) of total tourism spend in 2013, while international visitors contributed 43 per cent (R94,2 billion).
The Department of Tourism leads the celebrations with a number of events. Below are some of the 2015 events details:
Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2015
Time: 8h00
Venue: Limpopo
Tourism Month Business Breakfast
Date: Thursday, 3 September 2015
Time: 6h00
Venue: Bela-Bela, Limpopo
National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE)
The National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) marks its seventh year in existence, as the 2015 version was launched by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, in Bloemfontein on 25 August.
The tourism sector abounds with opportunities for young South Africans to achieve gainful employment. As one of the highest contributing sectors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product in 2014, initiatives like the NTCE provide valuable insight into employment in the sector, and aims to light a fire of passion and excitement in tourism as a profession of choice.
The seventh NTCE takes place at the Sand Du Plessis Theatre in Bloemfontein from 1 – 3 October 2015. This will be the first in a cycle of three years that the Free State Province will play host to the event, having previously seen successful events in the Eastern Cape for three years, and prior to that in Kwa-Zulu Natal for three years.
Details:
Date: Thursday, 1 - 3 October 2015
Time: 8h00
Venue: Sand Du Plessis, Bloemfontein, Free State
The NTCE’s primary audience are learners from grade 9 – 12 doing tourism and hospitality at school, FET College and University students, unemployed tourism graduates, educators and lecturers in the subject as well as industry product owners.
More on National Tourism Careers Expo.
Tourism South Africa has more information on tourism in South Africa.
Tourism authorities in the provinces
