Provincial focus
MEC Desbo Mohono hands over a token of appreciation to Executive Manager for Hospitality at Sun City Johan Scheepers during the 2016 Tourism Indaba.
owners, from tour guides, artists, rangers, hoteliers, chefs, marketers, crafters to everybody else who continues to contribute immensely to this industry. The men and women in this industry are helping us to realise the dream of “A Re Yeng Bokone Bophirima” as a destination of choice.
Opportunities for the youth The department also wants to ensure that the youth play meaningful role in the tourism industry. It will make it possible for a number of young people to attend the National Tourism Career Exhibition Expo (NTCE) through sponsorships. “This year we will be taking 45 tourism learners from Rooms at the Mahikeng Hotel School.
to the NTCE in Bloemfontein. The purpose of the NTCE is to expose our youth to various career options within
“Our main objective is to turn our tourists into ambassa-
the tourism industry.”
dors. They should go around spreading the word about the
“The department, through its agency – the North
excellent experiences and hospitable moments they had in
West Tourism Board, owns two hotels schools based in
the province to others. We want them to leave the province
Mahikeng and Taung where our youth can pursue
yearning for more.”
courses in hospitality management, professional cook-
MEC Mohono says the province’s tourism industry is only
ery, as well as food and beverage. Upon successful con-
as good as its operators, adding that it is important for the
clusion of these courses one can be hotel managers,
department to recognise the important role they play.
restaurant managers and lodge owners,” points out the
“We will recognise and reward tourism players and busi-
MEC.
nesses who work passionately with pride to deliver world-class products and services and in so doing, grow South Africa’s
* Dineo Lolokwane, Director: Corporate Commu-
global destination competitiveness.
nications and ICT at the North West Department
“In tourism we say our strength is in our tourism product
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of Tourism.
Public Sector Manager • September 2016