Tourism & Cultural Exchange
This Community of Practice is aligned with and supports, (1). SDGs 8[Decent work & Economic Growth], 9[Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure] and 16[Reduced Inequality], as well as, (2). the third BRICS Pillar (Culture and People to People Exchange).
Tourism is a major contributor to the global GDP. Although in 2019, prior to COVID pandemic, tourism contributed 784 billion ($US), indirectly it accounted for 10.5% of all jobs (334 million) and 10.4% of global GDP (US$ 10.3 trillion). Due to COVID-19, tourism went down to $351 billions in 2020 and regained its glory by 2024 to prior COVID levels at $916 billions. Travel and tourism contributes significantly too to the BRICS economies.
The objective of this CoP is to foster research and innovation that recognizes the role of Travel and tourism in the BRICS nations. The COP promotes interdisciplinary research and builds partnerships across BRICS-Plus and BRICS Partner nations.
COP lead, Prof Reshma
Projects
Tourism & Cultural Exchange CoP
Prof Reshma
Snenhlanhla Mokoena
Biography
Snenhlanhla Mokoena is a doctoral researcher in the Department of Entrepreneurial Management at Durban University of Technology, where she is pursuing her PhD with a specialization in Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) sustainability. Her scholarly focus examines the viability and sustainable development of tourism SMMEs within contemporary economic frameworks.
Ms. Mokoena currently holds a position as an administrator within tourism Community of Practice (COP), a role that provides her with practical industry context that enhances the empirical foundation of her research. Additionally, she serves as a tutor, contributing to the academic development of students while refining her own pedagogical approach. Her professional background includes experience as a board secretary, where she developed proficiencies in governance and strategic documentation. Through her doctoral research, Ms. Mokoena aims to contribute to the academic discourse on entrepreneurial sustainability within the tourism sector and advance theoretical frameworks for SMME development.