Tourism body to help women

Businesswomen in the tourism sector have launched a new Women In Tourism chapter, which aims to recognise, represent and reward women and drive transformation in the sector.

The non-governmental organisation, which comprises women with tourism businesses, ranging from shuttle tour operators to accommodation establishments, was launched at The Venue@Hemingways in East London.

The structure has branches in Nelson Mandela Bay, Port St Johns, Mthatha, King William’s Town and East London.

Park Place Boutique Guest House owner and EL branch chairperson Lizelle Maurice said the NGO aimed to facilitate access to information, business resources and opportunities for businesswomen.

The event was attended by delegates from the national department of tourism, chief director of enterprise development transformation and domestic tourism Maylene Broderick, Women of Value SA CEO Dimakatso Malwela and Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency’s chief marketing officer Nopasika Mxunyelwa.

They were among about 100 other tourism establishment owners and government officials at the event.

Broderick appealed to women to make use of the R300m grant funding available over the next three years and to forge partnerships to take on big tenders available in the industry.