Networking breakfast to promote women in tourism

Emphasis on inspiring voices and stories that shape the country

THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism is putting more emphasis on supporting women in tourism, particularly black women in the small business sector. The department, in partnership with Travel Massive, hosted the annual Women in Tourism networking breakfast in Cape Town yesterday.

Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa said that as South Africa this month commemorates the 61st anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March, women had an opportunity to tell their stories and follow in the footsteps of the women who led the struggle against apartheid.

“We are here to be inspired and listen to women who have made it, and following in the giant footsteps of women who started the struggle that we celebrate today.”

Xasa said the department wanted to foster a strong network of women in tourism, which was a growing and resilient sector of the economy.

“With proper interventions, with concerted efforts, with integration of our efforts, I am sure we can move miles.

“We are here today to be part of the bigger movement that begins to say that, if the voices of women become consolidated, we can shape the country, we can shape the economy of South Africa because South Africa is a sought-after destination. When people come to South Africa, they not only come to holiday, they also come for trade, which is where we want our women in tourism to open their eyes even wider.”

Xasa said the Women in Tourism project was established in 2014 to drive programmes that support the development and empowerment of women.

“We want to give women in the industry much-needed training, which is why we came up with the executive development programme. We cannot allow obstacles such as a lack of education and training, to keep women from growing. Women are ready to challenge the obstacles in the