On 17 September 2019 on a sunny Tuesday afternoon the UP Campus Tours group had the honor of attending the Tshwane Trade and Investment Summit for the tourism session. The summit took place at the CSIR International Convention Center in Pretoria. 

The Historical and Heritage Studies Head of Department, Professor Karen Harris triggered the group’s interest in the summit after getting an invite via the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Tawana Kupe. It was a well-planned event with exhibitions from different companies and a number of industry sessions. The UP Campus Tour guides were accompanied by Mr Hannes Engelbrecht from the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies.

The panelists consisted of six guests who are CEOs and COOs in different companies that are in the tourism industry. The theme of this session was “Challenges and opportunities in growing Tshwane’s Tourism Sector”. It was an informative session that covered important topics within the tourism sector and was worth every minute because all the attendants left there with new information and insights about the industry.

UP Campus Tours members at the summit

When asked about the summit Tanaka Matongera said

“I knew from the moment I got there that it would be an event worth attending. I received my name tag which was written ‘delegate’ and I felt like one indeed. From having lunch on the deck to attending the tourism session I had not only a great time but also an informative experience. All I can say is that indeed we were treated like delegates and for that reason I would do it all again so I’ll keep an eye open for Tshwane Tourism Summits because it is my industry and I am always happy to attend enriching and informative events like the Tshwane Trade and Investment Summit.”  

UP Campus Tours is part of the Honours degree in Heritage and Cultural Tourism offered by the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies.