Tourism student numbers on the rise as industry opportunities grow

With the continued expansion of the tourism and hospitality industry in South Africa and the rest of Africa, prospective students are increasingly opting to qualify for a career in this industry, an expert says.

"We've seen a steady increase in enrolments for tourism and hospitality-related qualifications and courses over the past three years, which points to a growing demand in the field," says Ncumisa Makrayi, Senior Team Leader at Oxbridge Academy, which serves more than 20 000 South African distance learning students every year.

She says the industry is very attractive not only to young people, but also to those seeking a career change later in life, because of the growing and diverse opportunities at both junior and senior level. Due to the nature of the industry, there is also plenty of room for career growth and specialisation, she says.

Currently, the direct and indirect jobs in the sector in South Africa alone are estimated at more than 1.2 million. But the World Economic Forum (WEF) has estimated that sub-Saharan Africa will create about 3.2 million tourism jobs between 2012 and 2022. Additionally, the WEF expects African tourism employment to grow by 2.3% per annum.

Makrayi says it would be impossible to note all the opportunities in the industry and the fields that can be pursued, but these include positions such as hotel manager and receptionist, reservations clerk, travel agent, tour guide, waiter and bartender, barista, event planner, flight planner, travel agent, concierge and chef.

"Another major benefit in this industry is there is a lot of scope, and indeed we are seeing this happen, for suitably qualified and experienced professionals to start their own small businesses in their chosen field," she says.

But Makrayi says with the increase in opportunity, there is also an increase in competition for available opportunities, which means people wishing to enter the industry will do well to show they have mastered the basic theory in their chosen field, and they have some experience.

"The benefit is that there are many options for pursuing a qualification in your own time and at your own pace, so that you can continue earning while learning."

She adds that, before deciding on a specific field in tourism, candidates should do their research and determine which careers are best matched to their individual strengths and passion.

"For instance, travel agents research, plan and book trips for individuals and groups. Although people are starting to research and book their travel plans online, it's often easier to use an agent, as they have years of experience and knowledge, and know how to avoid expensive mistakes by making suitable flight bookings, hotel selections and transfer arrangements. So, if you're considering becoming a travel agent, you will need great organisational skills and attention to detail, and the ability to think on your feet."

Hotel managers, on the other hand, need to be comfortable with great responsibility, and must be able to juggle many balls at once.

"As a hotel manager, you will be responsible for the daily running of the hotel, including recruiting, training and supervising staff; managing budgets; planning maintenance work; dealing with customers' complaints; overseeing reservations; promoting and marketing the hotel; and ensuring the hotel complies with health and safety regulations."

For those who enjoy travelling, becoming a tour operator is the job of a lifetime.

"But it's not all sunshine and sangria. You must still be able to deal competently with logistics, and with various service providers such as bus operators, airlines and hoteliers." Makrayi says a good starting point for those who want to pursue a career in tourism, but who are not yet sure in which field, is to do a National Tourism Certificate that is registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

"That will give you a solid theoretical grounding and a foot in many doors, while you investigate exactly which field is the best fit for you," she says.

"And for those who do know exactly what they want to do, there are many fantastic short courses and skills certificates related to specific tourism and hospitality careers, which will give them the foundation they need to enter the workplace with confidence."

For further information or comment, please contact Sanet at Oxbridge Academy: (021) 883 2454 or e-mail [email protected].

Alternatively, please visit www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za.