The tourism industry is an extremely exciting career avenue to pursue precisely because there are many opportunities one may look into. These opportunities include some of the following:
- Sightseeing
- Attractions
- Entertainment
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Food & Hospitality
This list is not exhaustive, there is much more that can be done. The potential target market is also diverse including both holiday makers and businesspeople. Within that diversity one can determine their specific niche, deciding to operate on a local basis, a national one or on the international field.
Those who express interest in the tourism industry can find opportunities in the following areas:
Opportunities in Government
Tourism is one of the industries that continues to grow, even when South Africa is experiencing a challenging economic climate. As such, it is one of the industries that the government looks to for establishing economic growth opportunities for municipalities.
Look out for career opportunities within the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, where you can apply for a post as a Tourism Officer amongst others. The Department of Local Economic Development (LED) and Planning deals with small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMME’s) and Tourism where the focus is building local economies through tourism.
Within those departments there are various opportunities. Be on the lookout on their websites for positions.
Opportunities in the Private Sector
Opportunities in the private sector are endless for those with a background in tourism. Here are just a few:
- Travel Agent: work with travel agencies helping people book their trips and holidays
- Tour Guides and Tour Operators: here you would be responsible for taking tourists to their desired destinations
- Hotel Operations: hospitality is at the heart of the tourism industry and many positions in hotels require a person who has been educated in tourism and hospitality
- Sales and Marketing: If you are interested in marketing as well as travel, consider establishing yourself in the sales or marketing of tourism.
- Event/Conference Organising: with a big contingent of the tourist population being businesspeople, event and conference organising is a strong career opportunity
Opportunities for the Entrepreneur
Holiday makers are often looking for a unique experience. With South Africa being such a culturally diverse place, the opportunities to make your own business harnessing that diversity are endless.
If you can provide an experience that is both safe and entertaining, with the right marketing on online tourism and government sites, then you can potentially tap into a very fruitful market.
If the entrepreneurship route speaks to you, put together a sound business plan and consult the government departments mentioned above to see what help you may get in terms of accessing funding for your business idea.
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