By KAMOGELO POOE
The North West Province is ready to host yet another successful National Tourism Career Expo (NTCE). The NTCE which is set to run FROM 19-21 September 2019 in Rustenburg.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlahlela said the initiative was officially launched in Potchefstroom recently.

Mahlahlela further said the NTCE is an initiative of the National Department of Tourism, CATHSSETA and the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism as the host province.

“It is aimed at bridging the information gap between industry, government educators, learners and training authorities within the Tourism sector and its related fields.

“The significance of the NTCE and its objective to contribute meaningfully to the economy by creating sustainable jobs. Tourism is one of the rapidly growing sectors and the NTCE is a catalyst for growth and development within the sector,” he said.

Mahlahlela added that regardless of the economic challenges they are facing globally, Tourism has proven to be a sector which remains competitive.

“It has the potential to create valuable and sustainable jobs and therefore we need to steer efforts towards developing and introducing new growth paths.
“We are pleased with the impact the NTCE has made in terms of skilling young people and raising awareness of the opportunities that are presented by the sector and its multifaceted industries”, said Mahlalela.
The 2019 edition of the NTCE is the 11^th of its kind since establishment and will be running for the second year in the North West.

The MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi announced that the NTCE attracted over 4000 learners from all provinces in 2018 and this year 5000 learners are targeted to attend.
“In our efforts to diversify and grow the provincial economy we are committed to invest in Tourism. Tourism has contributed largely to the Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and we can exponentially grow our efforts. As a province we are inspired to do extraordinary things to achieve that growth, while working together with our industry players.

“It is for that reason we are certain that this installment of the NTCE will be a great success, ” said Mosenogi.

She said under the theme “Broadening your horizons through tourism opportunities”, the 2019 NTCE will be hosted at the Royal Marang Hotel outside Rustenburg.

Mosenogi said amongst others the event will offer a variety of unique features including Chef’s Corner, Barristers and Mixology platform, Hospitality as well as the Responsible Tourism platform.

(Edited by: Reginald Kanyane)

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