On June 17th, 2024, the NMU Tourism Society hosted an engaging and informative Tourism Workshop aimed at equipping students with knowledge about the tourism industry and its numerous opportunities. The event was a resounding success, featuring a stellar lineup of speakers, including Done Louw, Mawethu Platyi, Niel Mouton, Francine Zana, and Ayanda Lande.
The workshop kicked off with an interactive session where students were encouraged to share why they chose to pursue studies in tourism. Responses varied, from a passion for travel to practical reasons like not being accepted into their first-choice programs. Despite these diverse beginnings, the consensus among students was clear: they love the field and are excited about the burgeoning opportunities in the tourism sector.
One of the highlights of the workshop was a presentation by Ayanda Lande from PLACER APP. Lande emphasized the importance of voluntarism as a gateway to more opportunities. She advised students to be proactive, follow up on opportunities, and be intentional about networking and collaboration. These, she noted, are vital tools for success not just in tourism but in any business sector.
The session proved to be highly interactive, with students eagerly engaging with the speakers. This dynamic environment fostered a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, transforming the event into a vibrant networking opportunity. Some students, who are already budding entrepreneurs in fields like nail technology, art, and music, found the session particularly beneficial as it broadened their perspectives beyond tourism.
Mpho Pebane, another distinguished speaker, shared his personal success story in the tourism industry. "You can make a career out of tourism, as I have made it work for myself. Our goal is to ensure tourism grows and creates job opportunities, involving students and young professionals in the process. By working together and being resourceful, we can achieve our mandate and support economic development in our community," Pebane stated, inspiring the audience with his journey and vision.
Pebane also suggested that the NMU Tourism Society should consider holding these types of engagements quarterly. This idea was well-received by the students, who recognized the immense value in regular interactions with industry experts and stakeholders. Such frequent sessions would provide ongoing learning, insights, and collaborations, helping students better position themselves in the tourism sector.
Francine Zana captivated the audience with her practical journey as a business owner in tourism. She detailed her humble beginnings and underscored the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and enthusiasm, or "vava-voom," especially in a people-centric industry. Her story resonated with many, highlighting that success in tourism is attainable with the right mindset and perseverance.
Prince Nathanael from the NMU Tourism Society expressed his satisfaction with the workshop’s outcomes. "The workshop was very engaging, and we have created a platform where tourism stakeholders can collaborate and be the agents of change desired by the NMB community. Moreover, our students got to learn and understand the willingness of the industry stakeholders to engage them on various challenges and opportunities available for both personal and professional development. They also realized that they do not have to wait until graduation to be involved in the industry. Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has its doors open for inputs from all stakeholders to advance the tourism sector in the bay," Nathanael remarked.
The NMU Tourism Society's workshop successfully bridged the gap between academia and the industry, providing students with invaluable insights and the encouragement to actively pursue their careers in tourism. The event underscored the sector's potential for growth and its critical role in economic development, inspiring the next generation of tourism professionals to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
For more information: Prince Matlakala