The City of Cape Town praised the teachers for shaping the future of the tourism leaders. The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth – Alderman James Vos spoke this weekend at the Tourism Teachers’ Conference on the importance of tourism and education in Cape Town’s economic landscape.
Reportedly, in the conference, held recently, organised by the Western cape Government Education Department with the contributions from the City’s Economic Development and Investment Department. It sought to emphasise the collaborative efforts that is being made to foster tourism education in schools and the young students of the town.
Alderman James Vos praised the educators, by calling them ‘the bedrock of the society’ and highlighting their role in shaping the future leaders in tourism.
According to him, an increased interest has been seen in tourism among young people, with 22,000 Grade-12 leaders in the Western Cape by taking the Tourism National Senior Certificate Examination this year, with an interest that will support the Cape Town’s tourism potential.
However, the conference underscored the critical link between the education and tourism, by improving the strategies to ensure the Cape Town’s continued growth as a top global destination.
Vos explained the statistics and mentioned that every 30 new tourists create one new job. The tourism contributes 8.6% to the economy accounts of South Africa for 9.2% of total employment.
With these statistics, it showcases the importance of the subjects such as tourism. This sparks interest in learners and drive for this vital sector and steer them in this direction as a possible future career.
The teachers are also helping to invest in the tourism of the sector of the city by teaching the next generation the value of the industry. He exclaimed that the industry is continuing to grow, as seen by recent successes, including record-breaking visitor numbers and significant economic impact.
Alderman James Vos, said that Cape Town International Airport processed just under 11 million passengers in the past year, a record high. He said that now they connect Cape Town with 31 destinations and receive 215 international flights every week.
Looking forward, Alderman Vos outlined the ambitious plans to sustain and elevate Cape Town’s tourism industry. He also said that they will re-target the key source markets in North America, Europe, South America and Asia, while increasing the each in China.
He added to his statement that their main focus is on responsible tourism who will ensure that Cape Town will remain a captivating, safe and enriching the destination for all.
Vos enlightened that by working together and embracing Cape Town’s unique spirit, they can empower the tourism industry and communities. Including the volumes and values that will drive the business, create jobs and will make Cape Town the city of their choice.