The Department of Tourism, the Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Education Training Authority and the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism – and its marketing agency, the Limpopo Tourism Agency – are collaborating in the 2024 National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, on October 8-10.

Aimed at grade 9-12 learners, technical vocational education and training college and university students and unemployed graduates, the NTCE is an opportunity for information sharing among tourism curriculum experts and other stakeholders, including educators and learners, on the diverse careers available in the sector.

Since its inception in 2008, the NTCE continues to draw thousands of learners and educators across the country to the three-day showcase of tourism careers and opportunities. For the first time, the 2024 event is in Limpopo.

Themed “Tourism and Peace: 30 years of connecting people to places and cultures”, the expo aims to inspire and uplift young people to think outside the box and pursue sustainable livelihoods in tourism through innovation, entrepreneurship and government-led programmes.

NTCE 2024 highlights

Entrance to the 2024 NTCE is free and includes motivational talks by leading local sector entrepreneurs and personalities, tourism educator seminars, exhibitions by local tourism products and related services. It will also feature the following live engagements poised to captivate learners:

• Chef’s corner with culinary arts demonstrations. Learners will witness cook-offs hosted by graduates of the National Youth Chefs Training Programme facilitated by the South African Chefs Association. This is a firm favourite for youth interested in a culinary career.
• Mixology corner will bring the art of creating fun, enjoyable beverages to life. Mixology is an age-old tradition of skilfully mixing various drinks and ingredients to create cocktails with or without alcohol. While mixology and bartending are related, it is generally accepted that a mixologist creates innovative cocktails, often using unique or uncommon ingredients, and researches and reimagines classic cocktails.
• Hospitality corner offering insight into the diverse range of careers from hotel and event management to casino directors.
• Conservation corner showing the direct impact of nature conservation on the future sustainability of tourism. Youth interested in nature and tourism will be informed about joining this industry.
• Virtual classroom and recruitment arena for job seekers to engage with potential employers and learn about effective job hunting, what employers seek, how to craft a CV and how to prepare for interviews.
• Digital and artificial intelligence corner introducing youth to new and exciting career opportunities driven by technological advancements such as digital tours and innovative tourism solutions enhancing traveller experiences.
• Educators’ seminar providing an opportunity for educators to interact with speakers from various institutions, industry bodies and tourism organisations.