The Department of Economic Development Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) provincial Department of Education (DOE), and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) recently held an inspiring and informative Provincial Tourism Career Expo, shedding light on the diverse and promising opportunities within the tourism industry at the East London International Convention Centre on the 11th of August 2023.
The event aimed at assisting learners to explore various careers in Tourism and Hospitality. Furthermore, the expo intended to address the issue of skills development, stimulate growth in the tourism sector and encourage entrepreneurship amongst learners by exposing them to prospects for careers in the tourism sector. The event served as a platform for aspiring students to engage with industry experts, gain insights into various career paths, and explore the dynamic world of tourism.
DEDEAT Senior Tourism Manager, Makhaya Zokoza said, the expo aimed to let learners know about the tourism opportunities available in higher learning institutions and the workplace to assist learners to choose a well-informed career path.
“Tourism, Nature, and Conservation is our focus point. We realised that most learners from schools in rural areas do not get much information as opposed to those from model C schools, hence this initiative,” said Zokoza.
He continued emphasizing that most learners are not exposed to tourism, environmental, agriculture and conservation studies as a result they want to promote a variety of educational opportunities and initiatives.
The expo was attended by over 300 grade 10-12 learners from different schools within the province. Grade 11 learners participated in various competitions such as baking and spelling. Winners are set to represent the Eastern Cape Province in the National Career Expo which will be held in Gauteng province competing against learners from other 8 provinces.
Onwaba Zuba, a Grade 11 learner at Jabavu High School in Alicedale said, one of his highlights of the Tourism Career Expo was the networking opportunities it provided.
“We had the chance to interact with seasoned professionals and discuss our career paths. At least now I know which route to take after matric,” said Zuka.
Sharing the same sentiment was Endinako Mqwayi, a Grade 11 learner from Vulingcobo from Idutywa said the various educational institutions and training centres at the expo, presented information about relevant courses, certifications, and degrees in tourism-related fields.
“I wasn’t sure about what to study in University, but the higher learning institutions presented a sense of insight as to what they can study when getting to the varsity level,” said Mqwayi.
Expo showcased a plethora of opportunities within the tourism sector, from hospitality and travel management to ecotourism and cultural preservation. With an impressive array of stalls, workshops, and presentations, attendees were able to dive deep into the multifaceted nature of the industry. Representatives from renowned hotels, eco-lodges, tour operators, and cultural organisations, higher learning institutions were present to provide firsthand information and guidance.
