The 2024 National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) is a collaborative effort between three partners namely: The Department of Tourism (DT), The Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Education Training Authority (CATHSSETA) and the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), and its marketing agency the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA).
The NTCE will be hosted for the first time in the Limpopo Province. Aimed at grade 9 – 12 learners, TVET and University Student, and unemployed graduates, expo provides an opportunity for information sharing among tourism curricula experts, and stakeholder, with educators and learners on the diverse careers available in the sector.
Since inception in 2008, the NTCE continues to draw thousands of learners and educators from across the country to a three-day showcase of tourism careers and opportunities. The 2024 event will take place from 08 – 10 October at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane – Limpopo Province.
Themed Tourism and Peace: 30 years of connecting people to places and cultures, the expo will 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 will include 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 that are poised to captivate learners:
- The Chefs Corner will provide a physical demonstration of the culinary arts. Learners will be enthralled by the cook-offs hosted by the graduates of the National Youth Chefs Training Programme that is facilitated by the South African Chefs Association. This is a firm favourite for youth interested in a culinary career.
- The Mixology Corner will bring the art of creating fun, enjoyable beverages to life. Mixology is a special craft and an age-old tradition of skillfully 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: The Hospitality Corner will offer insight into the diverse range of careers from hotel and event management to casino directors.
- Conservation Corner: Nature conservation has a direct impact on the future sustainability of tourism. Youth interested in nature and tourism will gain insight into how to join this industry.
- The Virtual Classroom and Recruitment Arena is the place where job seekers can engage with potential employers and get the low-down on job hunting, what employers are looking for, how to craft a CV and how to prepare for interviews.
- The Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) corner will introduce the youth to new and exciting careers opportunities that are driven by technological advancements such as digital tours, and innovative tourism solutions that are enhancing traveler experiences.
- Educators’ Seminar will provide an opportunity for educators to interact with speakers from various institutions, industry bodies and tourism organisations.
Tourism businesses, sector stakeholders and institutions of learning are encouraged to visit www.NTCE.org.za to register to attend the 2024 NTCE.