Professor Marina Novelli, a globally renowned scholar in the field of tourism policy, planning and development and a recipient of a prestigious Leverhulme International Fellowship (IF) recently visited TUT as part of her programme of research and knowledge exchange on ‘Accelerating youth entrepreneurship in tourism for sustainable development’ in Kenya and South Africa.
During her visit, Prof Novelli, who is currently a Professor of Marketing and Tourism at the Nottingham University Business School, was welcomed by Assistant Deans Prof Edward Rankhumise and Prof Ndivhuwo Tshipala.
On her first week at the Pretoria Campus, where the Entrepreneurship Hub and the Centre for Sustainable Tourism are located, she delivered a Peer-to-Peer capacity-building workshop at the Tourism Management Department with 14 staff members and 11 Masters & Doctorate students attending. Attendees were provided with essential new knowledge on research programme development, conceptualisation of research ideas and one-to-one mentorship sessions on how to better navigate their ‘research journey’, whether as an Early Career, Doctoral or Masters’ researcher.
Participants described the session as ‘inspiring’ as Prof Novelli provided essential advice on how to navigate the complexities of doing research in teaching intensive institutions by exploiting opportunities through pedagogic research and others available in the city and wider region. Beverly Ntshabeleng said: “Prof Novelli opened our eyes to exploring new local research project opportunities as well as how to enhance the reach and impact of our research through community engagement.”
Dr Pascal Tauoatsoala, Head of TUT’s Department of Tourism Management said the Department is privileged to have a scholar of Prof Novelli calibre visiting. “Her visit has enriched our academic environment, fostered knowledge exchange and enhanced our understanding of critical topics in the tourism field. On behalf of TUT, we express our sincere appreciation for her dedication and look forward to the continued impact of her scholarly endeavours, as well as signing several future projects between TUT and her University,” he added.
Dr Portia Sifolo (Senior TUT Lecturer) commented: “Prof Novelli led a refreshing and mutually beneficial programme of activities at the Mbombela Campus. She engaged in critical conversations on how to get involved in research. Her input aimed at fostering improved research skills, stronger collaboration and increased research visibility, which is seeing a considerable impact on staff motivation to further their engagement in research. By sharing her personal experiences and challenges, she enabled a valuable and inclusive exchange of ideas for researchers, especially early career scholars. Her presentation enhanced our sense of belonging and a supportive research environment,” she added.
Together with Dr Patrick Ebewo, Head of Department of Entrepreneurship, Prof Novelli visited Soweto and got an opportunity to experience diverse practices on how entrepreneurship is accelerated at the University. She also enjoyed lunch from one of our TUT alumni restaurants (KEK Restaurant Food and Events). During the trip they also explored entrepreneurship in Kliptown, where Dr Ebewo even motivated matriculants who started their business through selling cupcakes, through to selling the brand T-Shirts of Kliptown.
Prof Novelli also presented a session on ‘Community Based Tourism’ to 100 Ecotourism and Adventure students at the Mbombela Campus; a session on ‘Business Planning for next Gen Entrepreneurs’ for 112 Tourism Management and Events Management students at the Pretoria Campus; and an online session on ‘Niche Tourism Planning and Development’ for students and staff from all TUT campuses.
Prof Novelli visited the Tshwane School for Business and Society, where staff engaged with her on various levels, learning more about her incredible journey as an academic focussing predominantly on researching tourism in Africa. Areas of collaboration were top of the agenda and it is hoped that conversations started, will continue into the future. She also delivered lectures to PDBA and MBA students – the theme of these lectures were Being a Woman in (Tourism) Business: The ‘Good’, the ‘Bad’ and the (occasionally) ‘Ugly’.
Aligned with Prof Novelli’s Leverhulme International Fellowship objectives, new knowledge on innovative ways in which youth entrepreneurship can contribute to sustainable tourism development emerged will inform the next phase of collaboration between Prof Novelli and staff across the two TUT campuses,” said Dr Sifolo.
Dr Edgar Nesamvuni, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, thanked Prof Novelli for her contribution and the impact she has had at the Faculty of Management Science during her month-long visit.
From left are Dr Portia Sifolo, Prof Marina Novelli, Dr Edgar Nesamvuni and Dr Pascal Tauoatsoala.