Mpumalanga opens training academy

MPUMALANGA opened its first ever tourism academy yesterday, reports BuaNews. The Provincial Hospitality and Tourism Academy was opened with the goal of providing a centre where students can learn the necessary skills, of which there is a shortage in the province, for the tourism and hospitality industry. The academy can accommodate about 120 students and will offer a variety of diploma and certificate courses. These include housekeeping, food and drink service, front office, tour guiding and operating, and ecotourism and adventure tourism. In order for the students to gain practical experience, a hotel will be opened in the coming months for the students to use as a training ground. “We also aim to develop people who want to establish their own businesses like guest houses,” said George Xaba, marketing manager for the academy. (Darren Sandras)