The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) successfully hosted the first day of the Tourism Entrepreneurship Careers Expo on 19 February 2026 at the eNcome Museum in the Umzinyathi District.

Organized in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, the Umzinyathi District Municipality, and the Nquthu Local Municipality, the expo continues to serve as a platform for knowledge development and information sharing, inspiring future hospitality and tourism innovators.

Learners benefited from career guidance sessions, interactive exhibitions and presentations that exposed them to the importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth and job creation. The sessions helped learners understand subject choices, training opportunities and study pathways required to pursue careers in tourism and hospitality.

The expo also provided learners with an opportunity to engage with industry professionals, allowing them to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of workplace expectations and the skills required to succeed in the tourism sector. This exposure played a vital role in motivating learners to consider tourism as a viable and rewarding career path.