Tourism and hospitality education at a secondary (high school) level could help bridge the necessary skills gap in South Africa’s tourism industry.
In South Africa, tourism as a subject has grown exponentially – from 2 968 learners in grade 12 in 2000 to 220 000 in 2022, according to Chief Examiner for the exit level examinations (grade 12) in Tourism, Elsabé Engelbrecht.
She said there were currently around 550 000 learners studying tourism from grades 10-12 across 3 153 schools, with about 4 500 tourism teachers.
Tourism as a subject has also maintained a very positive pass percentage (grade 12 results). It had achieved an over 98% pass rate in each of the last four years. For public schools, the matric class of 2023 will be receiving their results tomorrow (January 19).
“Tourism and hospitality as a subject at high school can have significant benefits in terms of job creation and poverty alleviation in South Africa. By incorporating tourism and hospitality education into the curriculum, schools can equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding of the tourism industry, which can open up exciting career opportunities in the future,” Lee-Anne Singer, FEDHASA Cape Chairperson told Tourism Update.
What are students taught?
The three-year tourism curriculum from grades 10 to 12 gave learners an overall introduction into all aspects of the tourism industry, with awareness of service delivery, career opportunities and awareness of South Africa as a tourist destination, said Engelbrecht.
Associate Professor Nellie Swart of the Department of Applied Management at the University of South Africa and Chairperson of Tourism Educators South Africa, added: “Learners are introduced to some of the practical and operational aspects related to tourism studies, such as time zone calculations, tour planning and how South Africa is marketed as a tourism destination, amongst others.”
Rosemary Anderson, FEDHASA National Chairperson, noted that tourism as a subject at a secondary level allowed students to evaluate if roles in hospitality, such as managing a hotel or restaurant, fitted their skills and interests.
“Students can experience first-hand tourism's dynamics, diverse operations, and required competencies, as well as explore potential paths as travel agents, tour operators, event planners, and more. It also allows South African high schools to foster our future generation of tourism leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, shaping well-informed, skilled learners who may enter the tourism and hospitality workforce or decide to pursue a career in the industry.”
She added that the curriculum could also provide insight into the diverse opportunities within the sector and open doors for international work and travel.
“Beyond specific positions, tourism education creates awareness around entrepreneurship in the industry. For students with dreams of starting their own hospitality business one day, the subject provides a strong foundation in the realities of owning and operating a hotel, lodge, travel company, or other venture.”
Pursuing tourism as a subject in high school also demonstrates passion and early interest in the tourism and hospitality industry.
“This sets students apart when applying for higher education programmes or jobs in the sector after graduation. It also shows prospective employers and universities that learners have built foundational knowledge and skills in the field over multiple years,” Anderson said.
Opportunities after high school
Singer believes students with a secondary education in tourism and hospitality often have a competitive advantage after high school.
“They are already familiar with industry terminology, basic operations and customer service principles, allowing them to integrate into entry-level positions more seamlessly than those without such education,” said Singer.
She did, however, state that while a high school education laid the foundation, further studies were highly important for those looking to advance in the industry.
“That does not necessarily mean that there are no opportunities for students after high school. The tourism and hospitality industry offers abundant opportunities for dynamic careers with strong potential for growth. Due to on-the-job training programmes, the barrier to entry is low for motivated individuals who possess key soft skills.
“Many hospitality employers provide in-house training tailored to their specific business needs. Hands-on knowledge and vocational skills are often taught on-site once hired. This makes hospitality roles accessible for those with the right traits and attitude,” said Anderson.
She added that for most hospitality recruiters, soft skills were more important than previous experience.
“Key qualities sought include honesty, strong work ethic, energy, friendliness, kindness, and a natural talent for pleasing guests. Emotional intelligence to handle complaints and transform dissatisfaction into satisfaction is highly valued. With the right service-oriented mindset and people skills, ambitious individuals can build expertise on the job and rapidly advance in hospitality.”
Singer informed Tourism Update that there were several partnership opportunities that could provide high school students with the opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain diverse exposure to various sectors within the industry.
“From tourism industry associations to local businesses and government tourism, these partnerships and collaborations could have the potential to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to industry needs and equips students with the skills demanded by employers, thereby increasing their chances of securing employment in the tourism sector and facilitating a smoother transition from school to the world of work.
“FEDHASA actively supports students by providing networking opportunities, access to industry professionals, and resources for starting their careers. Via our FEDHASA Young Professionals Chapter, we facilitate apprenticeships, mentorship and workplace readiness support. Our role is bridging the gap between education and employment,” Singer concluded.
