One of the resolutions that were made at the Tourism summit which took place in November last year was the fast tracking of transformation of the tourism industry.
Following this, the Eastern Cape Tourism Board (ECTB) together with the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) launched the Tourism Mentorship programme in East London at an event that was held in East London today, 1 February 2010.
The Tourism Mentorship programme, which was officially launched by the
Chairperson of ECTB, Vuyo Zitumane, aims to bring together established business owners and small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) to form a dynamic relationship of imparting experience, exchanging ideas, providing encouragement and guidance, and expanding networks in the Eastern Cape’s expanding and steadily growing tourism industry.
The project will provide assistance to entrepreneurs in the following business development areas: business planning, best practices, budget management, website development, tour packaging and marketing. Additionally, mentors and business owners will have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas about the tourism industry.
“The participants selected to be mentors in this programme have shown an interest in the development of their emerging counterparts and also assist them with securing profitable and sustainable networks. The learners in turn have also demonstrated an interest in growing their tourism businesses while at the same time gaining invaluable insight into the industry and expanding their networks through their established counterparts,” said ECTB Chief Executive Officer, Zola Tshefu.
The 17 mentors and 30 SMMEs met for the first time in an orientation session and were inducted into the programme and had face to face interactions. They also met with and exchanged business ideas with the other participants of the Tourism Mentorship programme.
“The partnership between ECTB and TEP is vital for the growth and development of the tourism industry. Each year TEP invests millions in the development of small tourism products with mentorship being a critical component as it focuses on not only the development of the business, but also the entrepreneur as a person. People and leadership development is something that TEP is very passionate about,” said Akhona
Maqwazima Zitumane, TEP provincial Manager Eastern Cape, in her speech at the launch, emphasised that ECTB will review and assess the programme in order to ascertain that the aims and objectives of the programme are being met and that the learners are getting optimum value from the programme.
If you require more information or an interview about the programme, please contact
Veliswa Mhlapo
Tel: 043 701 9600
Cell: 079 891 8624
Fax: 043 742 0769
E-mail: vmhlapo@ectourism.co.za
Issued by: Eastern Cape Provincial Government
1 February 2010
