Booming tourism sector puts strain on talent pool
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Hospitality recruitment firm TMS Asia-Pacific has said the ongoing staffing crisis affecting the tourism sector shows no sign of abating, with demands on the tight talent pool intensifying this year.
“The economic forecast for Asia continues on the upswing, travel to the Asia region is booming and the predictions are arrivals will grow by more than 25% over the next two years - and this means more available jobs,” said the company’s Singapore-based Managing Director - Asia, Andrew Chan.
He cited major events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2010 World EXPO in Shanghai and Singapore F1 Grand Prix having a massive impact on overall tourism arrivals and new job creation this year.
“This well anticipated boom has proven a catalyst for many foreign companies who have placed heavy emphasis on either entering the Asian market or boosting their existing presence in the region,” said Chan.
The strain on the talent pool and issues regarding staff retention need to be looked at closely by the industry, he said. The is all the more important in selling the tourism industry as a career choice for potential employees as well as investing in career development programmes existing staff.
“Salary plays a part in initially winning candidates over but it’s not all about the pay packet,” said Chan.
“Employers would do well in these times to remember their staff place just as much emphasis on personal development and training as part of their overall longer term career aspirations.”
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