NTCE the right platform for tourism industry
The Department of Tourism in the North West, together with the NW Tourism Board and Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education Training Authority (CATHSSETA) reviewed and further endorsed the National Tourism Career Expo as a pivotal platform in the Industry.
The endorsement was made during the NTCE business networking session held during the Africa Travel Indaba held at the Durban ICC recently.
The Partners took advantage of the number of big business in the Tourism industry present at the Indaba to review and further showcase the successes recorded during the 2018 National Tourism Career Expo held in Sun City. According to those who were in attendance, the event (NTCE) is critically important to young pupil aspiring to be part of the Tourism industry.
Speaker after speaker more especially the youth, expressed how the Career Expo changed their view of the Tourism sector and different careers within the sector. The same view was accord by MEC for Tourism in the North West Wendy Nelson. She said that NTCE is a good foundation to introduce and put into practice the do’s and don’ts within the sector.
“2018 was an eye opener for all of us in the North West Province and we have seen how the expo can expand and broaden our children’s mind-set.
The event provided an opportunity for tourism curricula experts to share the information with educators, and about 8000 learners and for stakeholders within the sector to share recent, reliable information on diverse careers available in the sector”.
“I must say that indeed last year’s event has managed to bridge the gap between the industry, government, leaners, educators and general populace who are business orientated. NTCE is unity at its best and it is not just a Departmental Tourism event, it is everybody’s affair as we have many stakeholders that helped us to host this noble episode. I must make mention of the fact that last year the NTCE saw the significance model of the value chain trend in motion. The North West saw a number of business people clinching deals through the exposure and the platform presented,” said MEC Nelson.
She said that government will strive to addressing the triple challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty.
MEC Nelson’s views were also shared by Deputy Minister of Tourism Elizabeth Thabethe. She praised young people who are now owning establishments after graduating from Departmental programmes. Deputy Minister Thabethe further called on young pupil and the Department of Education to take advantage of the NTCE as it may open doors for the future.
“NTCE will give pupil a great experience and put into practise the theory they have acquired from their text books. It will also open possibilities that they have never thought they will ever be in. Some of the pupil have never been in a hotel room and the NTCE will make that possible for them. I am also appealing to those in the hospitality, to ensure that they focus of traditional food. Most tourists prefer indigenous food, unlike their usual dish. But however please make sure that it remains in its good taste,” said Thabethe.
Product owners who participated during the 2018 NTCE, remain optimistic that the career expo is one critical venture that will make it easy for young people and encourage them to bring more innovation into the Tourism sector. The General manager of the Sun City resorts, Mr Raul de Lima, Mankwe Travel’s …., and Hilton Group’s Manager Candice Meyer all agreed that their companies will continue to support and partners with the NTCE and further ensure that they assist in nurturing careers especially of young people.
Some of the stakeholders also committed to continue offering bursaries, Internships, and offering employment to young people.
This year’s NTCE will be held under the Theme: “Broadening your horizons through tourism opportunities”
Enquiries:
Simon Mmope
Cell: 082 574 7621
Tel: 018 388 4826
E-mail: smmope@nwpg.gov.za
