The South African Tourism Sector is on the Rebound
The South African Tourism Sector is on the Rebound
The South African Tourism Sector is on the Rebound.
Post by Eduvos, July 20, 2023.
After being heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the South African tourism industry is on the rebound and recovering in leaps and bounds, making it an excellent career to consider.
Data indicates tourism contributes 3.7% to South Africa’s GDP, this is in fact more than the industries of agriculture, utilities and construction (Mackenzie, 2022). Did you know the tourism sector adds significant value to our economy and the country’s development?
Stats SA’s latest Tourism and Migration Stats, released by our Tourism Minister show that nearly 5.7 million visitors toured our country last year, which is an increase of over 150% from 2021.
The South African government has committed to boosting the tourism sector with the implementation of the eVisa reform (Department of Home Affairs, 2022). A South African online visa, also called an electronic visa or eVisa South Africa, is a digitally obtained travel authorisation to travel to South Africa. The introduction of an online visa application process has made it much more convenient for foreign visitors and tourists to get an entry permit to the country without undergoing the hassle of visiting the South African embassy. The entire process is now completed online. Therefore, one can apply from any part of the world, at any time of the day.
Sales in higher leisure spending (travel and accommodation sector) grew by 49% this year according to 2022 results released by Standard Bank. The tourism sector has nearly rebound to pre-covid levels of spending. Not only are we seeing more tourists in our country, but there has also been a noticeable increase in Tourist Spend, which was more than R25 billion in the first quarter of 2023. Which not only helps sustain and create jobs, but further invests in South Africa’s tourism infrastructure.
Considering the above statistics, we offer two qualifications that will provide students with the foundation to navigate the growing tourism industry.
We’ve recently introduced a Higher Certificate in Business Management (Tourism), this qualification focuses on key areas of Business Management, HR and Tourism. It is a great stepping-stone for those who may have not met the entry requirements for a degree.
On completion of the Higher Certificate in Business Management (Tourism), you can apply for one of our Bachelor of Commerce degrees. One of which includes our Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Management, the relevance of this qualification lies in the fact that the degree has 2 additional majors, Business Management and Marketing Management. This degree has Work Integrated Learning (WIL) modules, which ensure students apply theory to practice while obtaining exposure to the growing and changing tourism work environment even before completing their degree.
Eduvos students have often been offered positions at the companies they completed their WIL, which speaks to the quality of the degree. Companies have also approached Eduvos to recruit Interns and Alumni for vacant positions. In addition to this, students complete a yearlong research project in their third year, with topics ranging between Tourism, Marketing or Business Management. The skills gained in this project provide them with a competitive edge in both post-graduate studies and the work environment.
An addition to both our Higher Certificate in Business Management (Tourism) and Bachelor of Commerce (Tourism Management) curriculums, you will be trained by professional providers to obtain professional certificates in Domestic Fares & Ticketing as well as Global Distribution Systems certificates that will increase your employability as these certificates are required by Travel Agencies.
Enrol to study at Eduvos. Pursue a career in Tourism and contribute to the growth and prosperity of South Africa's tourism industry.
