The South African tourism industry is standing in wait to cash in on the 2010 FIFA World Cup which will be held for the first time in Africa. ...more

The newly renamed Tourism & Business Institute of Southern Africa (TBISA), formerly known as the Entrust Management Academy, has launched a series of short courses due to the urgent need for hospitality training that is of immediate value. ...more

A record 10 million tourists are expected to pass through South Africa’s ports of entry this year, says Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk. ...more

Tourism Websites

• South African Government Information: Tourism
• The Digital Guide to Tourism
• Environment and Tourism Department
• Lonely Planet: South Africa
• Tourism Business Council of South Africa
• Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa
• Rainbow Nation
• Umzantsi Afrika

Regional

• Gauteng Tourism Authority
• Gauteng Tourism Authority
• Tourism North West Province
• KZN-Natal Tourism Authority
• Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency
• Limpopo Tourism and Parks
• Eastern Cape Tourism Board
• Tourism Cape Town
• Cape Nature

President Jacob Zuma says tourism is a key driver of economic growth and has a huge potential to create jobs after the devastating recession. ...more

A new tourism industry course has been launched that offers students a distinctive combination of knowledge and practical skills. Course Director Riaan Oosthuizen from Entrust Management Academy explains that it reflects the essential skills required in both the tourism and hospitality industries. ...more

Tourism was recognised in a report by the Standard Bank as being the “New Gold” of the South African economy, with foreign exchange proceeds from tourism contributing 7%, or R100 billion, to the Gross Domestic Product. In 2010, tourism is expected to contribute roughly 12% of the country’s GDP.

Needless to say, training in hospitality service is hotly sought-after, with about 400 graduates entering employment in the 470 000-strong industry every year.

While one hears figures such as “for every R1 million of direct tourism expenditure, 17 jobs are created,” it is often safer to say that tourism expenditure supports the local economy, and should be encouraged from that perspective. Travel and tourism training makes use of important sites while securing revenue, reducing management costs and spreading awareness.

According to the Nation Labour and Economic Development Institute (Naledi), the hospitality sub-sector has the least amount of “employer recognised qualifications” per employee. And yet, the conservation, leisure and gambling sub-sector tends to have the highest.

Hospitality training programs and courses seek to give those who work in the industry accreditation while adding to their education - thereby boosting SA tourism. If you’re looking for a hospitality training centre or tourism training details, have a look in our training directory.