Tourism is a viable option
MIDRAND - Hospitality consultant Salman Khan has shared some of his experience in order to improve the tourism industry in townships around Midrand.
“I have been working in townships as a social and welfare worker. [I’ve worked with many organisations] as well as done career guidance for the youth.”
He said he noticed a knowledge gap especially in areas like Tembisa, Ivory park and Rabie Ridge as their youth unemployment rate is high.
According to Khan, the South African tourism industry is booming, with millions of tourists expected to visit the country between this year and next year. “The tourism sector is the fastest growing segment of our economy and currently contributes R151 billion to GDP and is destined to grow exponentially in years to come,” he said.
It is for this reason that Khan advises unemployed youth to steer their interest towards tourism.
“In our country, we are still sluggishly rowing the tourism sector to generate less than 200 000 jobs. This is not enough,” said Khan. “The high rate of unemployment, poverty and inequalities are so ripe that government should pay close attention to the opportunities that are offered and should set aside a budget to create a platform to further growth in the industry.”
Khan mentioned standardisation as being a challenge. “The dilemma we face is that the waiters and front line service staff are not yet formally recognised in our country; there are not set standards in this field.”
“It is a commonly known fact that people who do not find a job resort to becoming waiters or bar staff. In Europe one first needs to acquire a minimum of a six month City and Guild vocational qualification before any restaurant or hotel considers your CV.”
Khan advised Midrand and surrounding areas’ youth to contact him on affordable and short vocational courses.
“If you are a peoples person, enjoy working under pressure and want to represent South Africa by meeting a multitude of foreign nationals from all around the world then this is the industry for you,” said Khan.
Details: cesarritzha@gmail.com; 082 691 6048.
How are you planning on taking advantage of the tourism industry in South Africa? Comment below, and let Midrand Reporter know.
