The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), continues to play a pivotal role in building tourism capacity among educators across the province.
On 8 March 2025, the annual Educator Awareness Seminar took place at Mpekweni Beach Resort, aiming to empower high school educators in effectively teaching tourism and hospitality subjects. ECPTA’s Regional Tourism Development Manager, Nomfundo Zondwa, emphasized educators’ critical role in preparing students for promising careers in the tourism industry, highlighting the sector’s substantial potential for job creation and economic growth. The seminar equipped teachers with practical industry knowledge, innovative teaching methodologies, and renewed confidence in delivering curriculum content.
Building on this educational momentum, ECPTA further partnered with Buffalo City Tourism Subject Advisor Mpume Zulu to host a celebratory awards ceremony at Gren’s Primary School. This event honoured educators whose dedication and resilience contributed significantly to improved 2024 matric results in tourism studies. Zulu praised educators for their commitment, resilience, and passion for shaping future tourism leaders, urging them to maintain their pursuit of excellence.
At this event, Nomfundo Zondwa reiterated tourism education’s practical importance, detailing diverse career paths such as tour guiding, travel consultancy, hospitality management, and entrepreneurship. She encouraged both educators and students to recognize tourism as not just an academic discipline but a vibrant industry with abundant career opportunities.
Through these integrated initiatives, ECPTA reaffirms its commitment to supporting tourism education, enhancing teaching standards, and recognizing educators whose efforts lay the groundwork for the future of the province’s thriving tourism sector.
