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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 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 South Africa is ranked in the top 20 tourism destinations in the world by 2020. Initiatives like the NTCE support this vision as it provides learners and educators with the opportunity to learn more about the exciting world of tourism,” said Minister Thokozile Xasa

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. This is an initiative of the National Department of Tourism, Department of Economic Development and Tourism KwaZulu Natal and CATHSSETA (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority), previously known as THETA. The expo will take place from 23 – 25 September 2011 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

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 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.

The action-packed programme of this year’s NTCE 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 also be speaking during informal sessions, sharing their inspiring stories of success from the sector.

“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 visit www.tourismcareers.co.za or visit the NTCE’s fan page on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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For more information please contact:
Balosang Sanki Lerefolo,
Media Liaison Officer (Office of the Deputy Minister)
082 836 8703
slerefolo@tourism.gov.za / balosang@gmail.com
or
Mary-Jane Itumeleng
Kaelo Engage
011 563 4942
083 200 0472
Mary-jane@kaeloengage.com