The Department of Ecotourism at the Durban University of Technology recently attended the 2026 Tourism Entrepreneurship and Careers Expo (TECE), hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) in partnership with the uMzinyathi District Municipality. The two-day expo was held at the iNcome Museum and focused on tourism development, entrepreneurship, career pathways and stakeholder collaboration within the tourism sector in KwaZulu-Natal.

The expo targeted high school learners interested in tourism, with 49 schools from the uMzinyathi District Municipality in attendance. In addition, 30 companies and institutions of higher learning participated, including other universities offering tourism-related qualifications as well as the Durban University of Technology (DUT).

Public tourism and conservation entities in attendance included Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the Moses Kotane Institute, the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA), the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute, the National Department of Tourism, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), among others.

Mr Sanele Khubone led a team of DUT representatives, including Masethembe Mzizi, Innocent Mhlongo and Philiswa Shongwe. The team engaged directly with high school learners, promoting the Diploma in Ecotourism offered by the DUT Department of Ecotourism.

During these engagements, discussions focused on explaining the qualification structure and focus areas, clarifying entry requirements and subject prerequisites, providing guidance on application processes and timelines, highlighting potential career paths upon graduation, and presenting DUT’s institutional identity, values and industry relevance.

The objective was to position the Diploma in Ecotourism as both an academic and entrepreneurial pathway within the tourism value chain.

“We also brought representatives from the DUT Cooperative Education Department to strengthen external stakeholder engagement. This was aimed at fostering stronger industry partnerships and formally inviting companies to participate in the upcoming World of Work (WoW) programme scheduled to take place in August. The platform enabled us to explore additional Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities,” he highlighted.

The expo aimed to encourage learners to identify entrepreneurial opportunities within tourism while promoting tourism as a viable business and career pathway. Discussions also emphasised tourism as a driver of local economic development, sustainable enterprise development and youth empowerment.

“The 2026 Tourism Entrepreneurship and Careers Expo was a strategically significant engagement platform that brought together 49 schools and 30 tourism-related organisations. The event effectively empowered learners with career and entrepreneurial insight while strengthening industry partnerships and institutional collaboration within KwaZulu-Natal,” said Mr Khubone.

Pictured: DUT attendees at the 2026 Tourism Entrepreneurship and Careers Expo.

Story: Supplied