Dept. of Tourism, NCPC-SA Certify New Cohort of RETP Practitioners
21 South African youths bags certificates as Green Tourism practitioners in major sustainability push
Pretoria – In a significant move to align the tourism sector with global climate goals, the Department of Tourism, in partnership with the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa (NCPC-SA), has officially certified 21 young professionals. The ceremony, held in Pretoria, marks the culmination of a rigorous 24-month Training Programme on Resource Efficiency (RETP).
The initiative, which was first launched in 2013, is designed to equip the next generation of tourism leaders with the technical skills necessary to manage energy, water, and financial resources more efficiently. By focusing on cleaner production methodologies, the programme aims to drastically reduce waste and emissions across the sector.
Bridging Skills and Sustainability
The 21 graduates completed a hybrid curriculum that combined theoretical classroom learning with extensive on-the-job training, all under the mentorship of NCPC-SA experts. This practical approach ensures that the new practitioners are not just aware of sustainability concepts but are ready to implement them in real-world business environments.
Mr. Sibonelo Nzimande, Chief Director of Enterprise Development at the Department of Tourism, highlighted the strategic importance of the event. Speaking at the ceremony, he emphasized that “greening” the industry is no longer optional but essential for its long-term survival.
“The skills that the youth have gained will go a long way to ensure that the Department attains its goals to increase the uptake of greening and responsible tourism practices among businesses in the tourism sector,” Nzimande stated.
Aligning with Global Goals
The certification programme is directly tied to the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS), which seeks to amplify responsible tourism practices. Furthermore, it mirrors the United Nations Tourism Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically those related to climate action and responsible consumption.
Nzimande noted the critical role these new practitioners will play in the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP). As certified Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) practitioners, the graduates will be instrumental in fast-tracking assessments and ensuring compliance for businesses eager to adopt green practices.
“Your skills will contribute immensely to assisting the Department to attain its objectives to increase the uptake of businesses in the Green Tourism Incentive programme,” he said. “We have a responsibility to conserve and protect our natural resources and the planet. Through this programme, we can promote responsible tourism practices and consumption, and the protection of the environment whilst contributing to the reduction of the sector’s carbon footprint.”
A Blueprint for the Future
With South Africa’s tourism industry being a major contributor to the national economy, the integration of resource efficiency is a vital step toward resilience against climate change. The graduation of these 21 practitioners signals a shift toward a more sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally conscious tourism landscape.
The Department of Tourism continues to champion these initiatives as part of a broader national commitment to a green economy. As the sector moves forward, the expertise of these newly certified practitioners will be vital in transforming South Africa’s hospitality and travel businesses into models of sustainability for the rest of the continent.
For more information, contact Ms. Tasneem Carrim, Chief Director of Communication and Spokesperson – Department of Tourism.
