Education a step in the right direction for Bradley Levack
07 March 2013
Working as development practitioner for the German International Technical Coorporation (GIZ) describes only a small part of the contribution Levack makes to the city and its tourism development.
A strong believer in education and development, Levack is always sinking his teeth into a new project – be it working on his treatise, mentoring the small business owners or teaching the youth about integrated development in tourism.
“It’s a job that offers the best job satisfaction. I still wanted to live out my passion for teaching, so I decided to teach within my tourism vehicle. I also saw the need for the development of stakeholders to contribute and benefit from an industry that can have benefits for all,” said Levack, a former schoolteacher who left the profession in 2001.
His drive for product development has been evident in the exhibitions he curates at Red Location Anti-Apartheid Museum and the mentoring role he plays in supporting the Red Location Backpacker Project and the linkages to other products in New Brighton.
He is the coordinator for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) international office’s community service learning and takes pride in educational tourism. Developing cultural and heritage routes is very important to him, “I have trained many local tourist guides and advised SMME’s in tourism development. The future of sustainable tourism is directly connected and dependent on well-trained tourism product owners and stakeholders, and an integrated approach with all sectors within the industry.”
He believes that education in tourism and heritage is vital in moving forward in the industry, “Without training and education we stagnate. We have to be aware of the changes in the industry and be ahead so that we can respond to factors that may damage or grow the industry,” he added.
Levack goes on to commend his NMMU colleagues for their ‘progressive’ outlook and dedication in utilizing the opportunity presented by educational tourism.
Currently also busy finishing his treatise towards his BComm (Honours), he has chosen product development in tourism in the cultural precinct of Red Location, “I have realized that a lot has been done about destination marketing but not as much for product development. It will help to guide the developmental programme that will see this industry serving its socio-economic transformation agenda. It will advise product owners to respond to the needs of the travellers and help them prepare to meet their clients’ needs without trading off our cultural identity.”
Levack believes that heritage is an integral part of the tourism offerings and the city’s wealth lies firstly in the cultural diversity of its people and secondly in the natural beauty it has to offer.
“I feel honoured to be nominated, we all have a contribution make.,” Levack said humbly when asked what he thought of being selected as a contender for the award.
Nominate somebody
If you know of people or organisations in the tourism industry in the region who, like Levack, go beyond the call of duty, then let NMBT know so that they can be considered as nominees in the Walking the Extra Mile initiative.“It is clear from the nominations received in last year’s competition, that we have some very special people out there that share in our love and passion for our city. They are without a doubt leading examples of what it takes to go the extra mile and we believe that it is important that we acknowledge these contributions to the local tourism industry,” said NMBT chief executive, Mandlakazi Skefile.
A winner will be selected who will receive exposure in the Imvaba newsletter, syndicated to over 2 000 readers, on the NMBT Facebook page and are in the running for the overall title, announced at the final NMBT membership meeting. Send all Walking the Extra Mile nominations to Reuann Smith at membership@nmbt.co.za or phone 041 582 2575 by the 19 April 2013.
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