The most practical way through which gender balance in the country’s tourism industry can be achieved is through effective training. Realising this fact, the Department of Tourism has announced that it will partner with what it calls a ‘distinguished South African business school to provide an Executive Development Programme for women in the tourism sector.
Shedding light on the plan, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, …said: “Our first priority is to involve as many of our stakeholders from within the sector, as well as those in education and academia to partner with us in programmes that provide skills development for our people – with a specific focus on women and the youth.”
The minister added that her department will
provide in-depth training at the core of running a successful business such as finance, strategy, leadership, marketing, organisational dynamics and globalisation, governance and ethics.
According to the Minister, the programme is envisaged to be accredited at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 8, and tuition fees will be covered by the department.
The minister said tourism offers the potential for women’s leadership, but women still only represent one-fifth of all tourism ministers and tourism board chairs globally.
