Tourism symposium urges youth to consider jobs in sector

Polokwane Municipality in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) hosted a tourism symposium that attracted learners, students, educators and stakeholders in the sector at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday to discuss this year’s tourism theme being ‘tourism and jobs’ and also to expose attendees to various fields in the sector.
People with interests in the tourism fraternity filled the hall to capacity to listen to various speakers. Polokwane Municipality official responsible for tourism, Rhulani Baloyi emphasised that the industry was among the top sectors contributing to the growth of the economy and also creating much needed jobs.
She said it was important to empower youth for them to consider careers in the sector. She reckoned that all communities have something of value that can be used to attract tourists which will in turn help boost the local economy. She encouraged attendees to use such opportunities.
Ledet representative responsible for tourism transformation, Kate Mogale indicated that the annual gathering aimed to groom youngsters into future employers and not employees.

Story/photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za