The second annual Free State Provincial Tourism Careers Expo (PTCE) 2023 gathered about 250 Tourism, Hospitality, and Consumer Studies Grade 10 – 12 learners from across the Free State at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein this past weekend.
According to the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea), there were 67 tourism exhibitors and industry experts including tourism graduates, and final-year students in attendance as well.
The programme included motivational talks hosted by industry leaders and experts in the field. Learners had the opportunity to engage with exhibitors on topics in the field.
“As a multi-stakeholder initiative, the PTCE is envisaged as one of the key initiatives intended to rebuild the tourism sector in the province, pre Covid-19, the sector and its sub-sectors were one of the leading employers, as this sector is known for diverse employment opportunities as well as entrepreneurship prospects,” Destea said.
The PTCE is a joint venture between Destea, the Free State Department of Education, the Central University of Technology, Motheo TVET College, CATHSSETA as well as the Free State Gambling, Liquor, and Tourism Authority.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
