Tourism safety a priority for new graduates
The deputy minister of tourism, Fish Mahlalela, encouraged the new graduates to ensure that tourists are well taken care of during their visits to the country.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2023/02/Graduations-780x470.jpg)
It was a day filled with excitement for 106 graduates who obtained qualifications in the tourism sector, as part of the Tourism Monitors Training Programme, from the Department of Tourism on Tuesday February 21 at Berg-en-Dal in the Kruger National Park.
The ceremony was officiated by the deputy minister of tourism, Fish Mahlalela, who encouraged the graduates to prioritise the safety of tourists.
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“We would like to express our gratitude to SANParks on taking this partnership forward and ensuring that the people get the necessary skills and experience to be able to complete this programme while acquiring the necessary skills. Safety is one of the deciding factors for most tourists on whether they would come back to that country or not. Our goal is to ensure that they are safe and able to explore our tourist attractions. Hence we have formed close relations with the SAPS to ensure that safety is prioritised in this regard,” said Mahlalela.
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Two hundred and fifty-nine students participated in the programme from all the parks, 106 graduated and 45 have since been absorbed into the Kruger National Park.
Some of the qualifications offered were national certificates in project management, supply chain management, occupational directed training education and development practices and tourist guiding.