Women in Tourism Eastern Cape Chapter launches in East London
The ‘Women in Tourism Eastern Cape Chapter’ launched yesterday in a vibrant and colourful event, which was held at The Venue@Hemingways and saw delegates from all over the Eastern Cape, don ‘the doek’ in celebration of this exciting new era.
The event was organised by the interim committee of the WIT East London Branch, and was attended by delegates invited from the 5 Eastern Cape branches namely, East London, Port Elizabeth, Mthatha, Queenstown & Aliwal North, with a potential 6th branch in the pipeline.
The event was vibrant and buzzed with excitement as 100 women from all sectors within the tourism industry dressed up, donned their ‘doeks’ and traditional beads… and celebrated the launch of WITEC.
Interim Chairperson of the East London Chapter, Lizelle Maurice, owner of Park Place Boutique Guesthouse, welcomed all the delegates who represented local businesses such as accommodation establishments, tourist attractions, action and adventure, and many more. She officially launched the NGO which is designed to unite women in the industry, facilitate access to information, train and up-skill business owners and staff, and highlight resources and opportunities for businesswomen in the industry.
Throughout the event the ladies were entertained by local Mdantsane muso’s, ‘The Sweet Voices of Africa Ensemble’, a talented classical crossover group that had the delegates singing and dancing to their beautiful sound. Their encore of ‘This Is The Moment’, was an ‘Aha!’ moment for everyone who realised that this was in fact ‘The Moment’ for change and opportunity for women within the tourist industry.
WIT is a business run, government supported initiative. The launch was also attended by Maylene Broderick (Chief Director of the National Department of Tourism), Dimakatso Malwela (CEO of Women of Value SA) and Nopasika Mxunyelwa (Chief Marketing Officer for Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency) who praised the enthusiasm and drive of the women, and who stated that it was evident that the ‘Women in Tourism Eastern Cape’ chapter was without a doubt going to be an indomitable force within WIT.
Membership for WITEC is R500.00pp per annum and is only open to women who own businesses or work in the tourism sector. To become a member, please complete the attached application form and email it to lizelle@parkplaceguesthouse.co.za (SUBJECT: WIT EL App + your name). You will be contacted to confirm acceptance at which time you will be given the bank account details for your membership fee’s.
The East London branch (with sub-branch King Williams Town) would like to encourage all women within the Buffalo City tourism industry to join us in this exciting new venture. We look forward to welcoming the wonderful women in tourism in our metro to the WITEC East London branch.
Article & Photographs: Sandy Loppnow