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Gauteng Tourism Authority

Jobs beyond 2010 a possibility says GTA

Tue, 12 May 2009 13:59

Recent unemployment statistics show that nearly 24% of the nation is struggling to find jobs due in part to the decline of the key mining and motor industries.

Yet, there is one industry with abounding potential that is gathering in Durban to discuss growth opportunities.

The South Africa Tourism Indaba, Africa's leading travel exhibition, offers participants the opportunity to maintain and build relationships key to the continued growth of the industry as a whole for future job creation in the country.

The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) is one such participant looking to position itself as a premier African tourist destination. The organisation guides local entrepreneurs in the industry partly as a way to assist in the alleviation of unemployment.

GTA Chairman Senior Manager of Destination Marketing, Nonnie Kubeka, says: "We are delighted to be a part of such a prestigious event and look forward to sharing ways to continually improve and stimulate the tourism industry within our province."

It is not yet midway into the year and the (GTA) has achieved some of its key goals to ensure that the province's tourism industry is top notch. As the key heritage site to the Soweto precinct, the refurbishment of the Mandela House Museum is part of the province's wider plans to make Vilakazi Street in Orlando West a heritage site.

The area holds historical significance for a number of occurrences, not least of which is the June 1976 student massacre by police for which the photograph of Hector Peterson is known.

The GTA aims to assist in job creation, financial sustainability and encourage product development for black SMMEs in the tourism sector. In line with the SAT mandate, the GTA took a total of 31 SMMEs to the Indaba.

"We're proud to assist the growing tourism industry in Gauteng to ensure that we maintain a high standard going forward," GTA Board Chairman, Khehla Mthembu, said.

"Our strategic and analytical approach to our industry gives us the edge we need to keep Gauteng's tourism industry constantly evolving for the better. Our vision is to continue on this path to create the strong foundation that will ensure that South Africans benefit from tourism in our country."

With many global sports events being hosted in South Africa, the tourism sector's immediate growth prospects are positive.

"The key for us is to ensure that the jobs created in our industry are carefully thought out to ensure that as many as possible are sustained past these prestigious temporary events in order to bolster our economy and enable our nation."