The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Conference continued to deliver impactful conversations as Anelisa Vena from the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) led a thought-provoking panel discussion focused on skills development, enterprise growth and inclusion within the tourism and maritime sectors. Ms Anelisa Vena holds an MPhil in Maritime Studies with a focus on Coastal and Marine Tourism.
Driving Skills Development in the Ocean Economy
The panel highlighted the urgent need to develop relevant skills that align with the demands of the growing ocean economy. Discussions emphasized:
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Building capacity for marine and coastal tourism careers
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Strengthening training and education pathways
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Bridging the gap between academic learning and industry needs
Panelists agreed that investing in skills is essential to ensure that local communities can actively participate in and benefit from the sector.
Empowering Enterprises for Growth
A key theme was the importance of supporting small and emerging enterprises, particularly those operating in coastal, township and rural areas.
The discussion explored:
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Market access opportunities for SMEs
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The role of partnerships in scaling businesses
Panelists encouraged stronger collaboration between government, private sector and institutions to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Inclusion as a Catalyst for Transformation
Inclusion remained central to the conversation, with a focus on ensuring that women, youth and previously disadvantaged communities are fully integrated into the tourism value chain.
The panel emphasized that inclusive growth can:
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Drive job creation
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Promote equitable economic participation
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Strengthen local economies
Open Dialogue and Industry Insights
The session was marked by an open and interactive discussion, allowing panelists to share real-world experiences, challenges and practical solutions.
This collaborative approach provided valuable insights into how stakeholders can work together to build a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready tourism sector.
Shaping the Future of Coastal Tourism
Hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay, the panel reinforced the conference’s broader mission—to unlock the full potential of Africa’s coastal and marine tourism industry through skills, innovation and inclusive economic development.
Anelisa Vena’s leadership of the discussion highlighted the importance of people-driven growth, ensuring that the ocean economy creates opportunities for all.
