By Sisi Segalo

“As we commemorate World Tourism Day, it’s essential to recognise the resilience of this industry, which has adapted and evolved in response to challenges, including the recent global health crisis”, said the Secretary General of the UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili.

Pololikashvili says tourism brings the world together and it lays the foundations for co-operation which drives growth and prosperity.  

Gavin Ferreira who is in charge of two businesses; the lodge and the restaurant in South Africa’s (SA) Kruger National Park is evident to the sector creating jobs. He ensures that the local communities at least benefit from their presence in the area.

"This is one of the first lodges of its kind where we have built a lot along the old railway line, which is the bridge over the Sabi River. This business about 265 staff members within employed and I'm very happy to say that from that 265 people, 60% of them have never really worked before and we have taken the task to make a small impact into the larger debate of unemployment within the country, ‘said proudly, Ferreira.

With the higher unemployment rate in SA, young people, particularly in developing countries, are encouraged to go the tourism entrepreneurship route.

--ChannelAfrica--