University of South Africa: Guiding future tourism professionals to make informed choices

The National Tourism Career Expo (NTCE) 2022, organised by the National Government Department of Tourism, was held from 30 September to 3 October 2022. The event hosted Grades 10 to 12 learners from across South Africa for comprehensive career guidance in various tourism and related industries programmes.

The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) and the Gauteng Tourism Authority coordinated the successful event. Invited universities, industry stakeholders and tourism organisations interacted with over 7000 learners and educators from all nine provinces, helping them to make informed decisions about their career choices in the tourism sector.

Unisa’s College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS), represented by the Department of Applied Management in collaboration with the Department of Institutional Advancement and Unisa’s School of Business Leadership, explored tourism-related qualifications and all programmes offered by the university with the learners.

Unisa staff assisted Grade 12 learners with submitting their online applications for the 2023 academic year. In addition, CEMS’ Prof Nellie Swart, delivered a presentation on career opportunities in the tourism sector. Nosiphiwo Mahlangu was an adjudicator for consumer studies’ student presentations.