THRIVE ISSUE 5 DECEMBER 2024 12 The role of Higher Education in developing a Sustainable & Impactful Tourism Industry: A Public Lecture by Patricia De Lille, MP On 21 October, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille, MP delivered a special public lecture at the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) reflecting on the role of higher education in developing a sustainable and impactful tourism industry. Speaking alongside the Minister was UJ Vice-Chancellor, Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi, STH Director, Prof Diane Abrahams and Academic Head for Tourism at the STH, Prof Tembi Tichaawa. The public lecture formed part of the university’s yearlong commemoration of 30 Years of Democracy, exploring this theme through the lens of tourism and hospitality. De Lille opened her lecture by providing an overview of tourism in the post-democratic era and highlighting its economic value. “Tourism brings billions of rands into the economy, as last year, in 2023, foreign direct investment from tourism stood at R95millon and R121billion from domestic tourism. In the first quarter of 2024, tourism’s contribution to GDP was 8.8%, more than that of mining, agriculture and transport sectors. The minister acknowledged that whilst the sector is doing well, many reports show that “South Africa still lags behind its full potential”. - Patricia De Lille Click here to Watch the recording of the day’s proceedings Minister of Tourism: Patricia De Lille
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