Competition gets learners thinking about environmental protection

Every year the Tourism Schools Competition sees numerous schoolchildren from across the country thinking about aspects of the tourism industry.

Enhancing the environment

The topic for the 2008 competition was Responsible Tourism Development, which is about how tourism should help to protect and enhance the environment, the community and the economy, according to Environmental Affairs and Tourism Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi.

The competition was held by the Travel & Tourism Programme.

Speaking at the opening of the tourism career expo in Durban this week, the deputy minister said learners must be the focus of changes in the industry.

“It is important that we raise awareness about the tourism industry among the young people who are the leaders of tomorrow.”

A learner and educator from the Matlosana High School, who won an all expenses paid trip to Nice, France, will attend the Global Travel & Tourism Program (GTTP) international learner/teacher conference from 16 - 20 November 2008.

Growing industry

Mabudafhasi highlighted that tourism is one of the biggest growing industries in the country.

This growth, she said, can be attributed to strong economic growth; increase in disposable income and leisure time, easing of travel restrictions, successful tourist promotion, and recognition by our government that tourism is a powerful engine of growth and a generator of foreign exchange earnings.

International tourism arrivals to South Africa have surged since the dawn of democracy, when in 1994 only 3 million foreign visitors arrived came to visit South Africa.

Doubling arrivals

By 2004, international arrivals had more than doubled to 6.7 million, and in 2006 South Africa recorded 8.4 million arrivals.

“More people from around the world are visiting South Africa every year for business, conventions, leisure, education, shopping, and medical services.

“Every visitor contributes to the creation of new jobs and with visitor arrivals projected to increase substantially by 2014, and an ever-growing number of tourism developments being completed, the future of tourism industry continues to be bright,” said the deputy minister.

Key pillar

Tourism growth is one of the key pillars of South Africa's economy, and people joining the industry would be actively contributing to growth and job creation within the economy, she said.

Preparations for the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup, which are already in full swing, will result in the development of new airports as well as sport and accommodation facilities,” she explained.

“All these developments will not just create more jobs, but also bring plenty of opportunities to learn new skills for career development in the industry and for our people to be owners and managers of service providers,” said the minister.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews