As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, it is important to reflect not only on the resilience and potential of young people, but also on the responsibility industries carry in creating meaningful opportunities to grow and develop the future of tourism.
A Collective Priority
The tourism and events sector remain one of the country’s most powerful economic drivers, with the ability to create employment, inspire entrepreneurship, and connect communities. However, for the industry to truly thrive, investment in youth skills development must become a collective priority.
In line with the vision of the South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) “Members First, Industry Always” — this Youth Month serves as a call to action for tourism professionals, conference organisers, venues, suppliers, and hospitality stakeholders to actively participate in developing the next generation of industry leaders. Industry collaboration with government initiatives such as the Department of Tourism’s “INVITATION: Call for Host Employers to Participate in Tourism Skills Development Programmes” is critical in creating sustainable opportunities for youth entering the sector.
More Than Inspiration
Young people need access to structured opportunities that equip them with practical skills and real industry exposure. Internship programmes are essential in bridging the gap between education and employment by allowing young people to gain hands-on experience in areas such as event coordination, hospitality operations, technical production, destination marketing, customer service, and business management.
Mentorship and coaching programmes are equally important in nurturing future professionals. Through mentorship, experienced industry leaders can guide young people, share industry knowledge, provide career advice, and help them build confidence as they enter the tourism and events space. Coaching initiatives can further assist young professionals in developing leadership abilities, communication skills, professionalism, and entrepreneurial thinking required to succeed in a highly competitive industry.
SAACI’s Role in Youth Development
SAACI itself can play an important role in this process by creating platforms that encourage mentorship, industry networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional development for emerging talent. Through partnerships, workshops, industry engagement, and member participation, SAACI can help bridge the gap between young professionals and established industry leaders while contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector.
In addition, job shadowing opportunities, workplace training, workshops, and networking platforms can expose youth to the realities and possibilities within tourism and conferencing. These initiatives not only create employability but also inspire innovation and encourage young people to pursue sustainable careers within the sector.
Skills development initiatives must not be viewed as once-off interventions, but as long-term investments in the future of the tourism industry. By opening doors for young talent today, the sector strengthens its future sustainability, transformation, and global competitiveness.
Let’s Take Meaningful Action
This Youth Month, let us move beyond celebration and commit to meaningful action. Together, we can inspire, mentor, train, and uplift the next generation of tourism professionals who will shape the future of our industry.
Department of Tourism Call for Host Employers:
Tourism Skills Development Programme Application Form
Melukuthula Chamane
On Behalf of SAACI Gauteng