ECTB UNVEILS TOURISM MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

One of the resolutions that were made at the Tourism Summit which took place in November last year was the fast tracking of transformation of the tourism industry. Following this, the Eastern Cape Tourism Board (ECTB) together with the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) launched the Tourism Mentorship Programme in East London at an event that was held in East Londono on Monday, 01 February 2010.

 

The Tourism Mentorship Programme, which was officially launched by the Chairperson of ECTB, Vuyo Zitumane, aims bring together established business owners and SMMEs to form a dynamic relationship of imparting experience, exchanging ideas, providing encouragement and guidance, and expanding networks in the Eastern Cape’s expanding and steadily growing tourism industry. The project will provide assistance to entrepreneurs in the following business development areas: business planning, best practices, budget management, website development, tour packaging and marketing. Additionally, mentors and business owners will have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas about the tourism industry.

 

“The participants selected to be mentors in this program have shown an interest in the development of their emerging counterparts and also assist them with securing profitable and sustainable networks. The mentees in turn have also demonstrated an interest in growing their tourism businesses while at the same time gaining invaluable insight into the industry and expanding their networks through their established counterparts,” said ECTB Chief Executive Officer, Zola Tshefu.

 

The 17 mentors and 30 SMMEs met for the first time in an orientation session where they were inducted into the programme and had face-to-face interactions. They also met with and exchanged business ideas with the other participants of the tourism mentorship programme.

 

“The partnership between ECTB and TEP is vital for the growth and development of the Tourism Industry. Each year TEP invests millions in the development of small tourism products with mentorship being a critical component as it focuses on not only the development of the business but also the entrepreneur as a person. People and leadership development is something that TEP is very passionate about,” said Akhona Maqwazima, TEP Provincial Manager Eastern Cape.