Tourism is not just about breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. It is also a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth.
This was a message from Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille at the opening of the Middle East Africa (MEA) future leaders who challenged the future leaders of Middle East Africa (MEA) in Johannesburg this week.
“Tourism plays an important role in our economy and has the potential to create more jobs,” Delhir told participants.
“But to really unlock that potential, we need a skilled and adaptable workforce, especially among young people,” the minister said.
De Lille believes that the majority of solutions to youth unemployment lies in filling the skills gap through targeted education and innovation.
“We need to develop and leverage key skills such as digital literacy, AI-driven customer service, digital marketing, data analytics, and sustainability. These are no longer options. They are essential,” she said.
The event brings together 18 tourism and hospitality schools' upstarts and is part of the G20 tourism hackathon, with the aim of finding creative and technical solutions for the tourism industry. According to De Lille, such initiatives are essential to preparing the next generation of tourism leaders.
“We must empower young people who have not only skills but also opportunities for mentorship and real leadership. Let's turn young people into creators of tomorrow's work.”
The Tourism Bureau is currently reviewing its training and development strategies in line with the National Tourism Sector Strategy and other national growth frameworks. An important focus is to ensure that education is consistent with industry needs, especially in a post-population world where digital nomads and remote areas are reshaping global travel trends.
“South Africa must learn from countries like the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, and more. It embraces digital nomadic tourism. You need a reliable infrastructure. Think seamless mobility, high-speed internet, and remote work hubs.
She emphasized that this transformation cannot occur alone.
“Public-private partnerships are essential. We need businesses, universities and governments to work together, invest in skills training and create jobs. This is not just about tourism. It's about our future.”
With the rise of empirical travel and a global shift towards work during exploration, South Africa has the perfect opportunity to establish itself as a top destination for digital nomads and skilled young professionals.
“The world is changing, let's make sure the young people are ready to lead that change,” Delhir said.
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