Women in Tourism empower its members in growing the sector
Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) together with North West Women in Tourism (WIT) recently hosted a two day session aimed at developing WIT 2021 plan of action, inducting and empowering its members on opportunities to promote and sustain their businesses at Stonehenge River Lodge, in Parys.
Women in Tourism (WIT) is an initiative by the National Department of Tourism (NDT) to address the economic inequalities and challenges faced by women in the tourism sector. NDT is implementing the programme in collaboration with provincial departments responsible for tourism across all the nine provinces.
In delivering message of support, MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) Mme Kenetswe Mosenogi encouraged women to develop a detailed and clear plan of action that will improve the tourism sector as it was negatively affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.
MEC Mosenogi highlighted that Government is currently promoting domestic tourism especially hidden gems in townships and rural areas and urged them to cater for the local market as this will contribute towards growth and development of their businesses. “Your focus should be on improving your skills to be able to accelerate women economic empowerment, said Mosenogi.
In addition, Mosenogi indicated that she has requested the North West Tourism Board to develop a viable marketing strategy as part of provincial tourism recovery plan to promote tourism products inclusive of those in township and rural areas. I urge you to partner with us and be ambassadors of this sector as it is pillar of economic growth as well as social unifier.
Part of the programme was a presentation by Mr Koos de Villiers: North West University Communication Department who shared with participants on the importance of using social media to grow their businesses.
De Villiers indicated that entrepreneurs need to use social media as marketing tool as it is cost effective, able to create an individual experience, know their audience and learn more about the industry. He further said that as entrepreneurs they must have brand that is purposeful, unique and authentic and also develop hash tags but not too many.
WIT members were also taken through the issues and trends on women in the tourism sector by Professor Nellie Swart from University of South Africa. She advised women to always be up to date with latest Covid 19 restrictions, familiarise themselves with the new technology and platforms and enhanced their social marketing skills.
The department will continue to offer support by providing skills development programmes and also with profiling women owned enterprises in tourism businesses. The Department will also ensure that the WIT plan of action is aligned to government programme of action especially in the tourism sector.
The session was attended by representatives from the executive District structures launched recently.
Enquiries:
Dumisa Seshabela
Cell: 079 522 7375
E-mail: dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za
