ITB Asia aims to find future leaders of travel

A new initiative will be undertaken at this year’s ITB Asia trade show, trying to find the future leaders of the travel industry.

Taking place on 19 October, the inaugural event will bring together business leaders from the industry and more than 100 Singaporean students in an effort to provide a solution to the industry’s manpower needs.

The invitation-only event, which is being held in association with the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), will target the top 10% of travel, tourism and hospitality students from Singapore’s five polytechnics. With support from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in bringing in top travel executives, the event’s overall aim is to secure the next generation of industry talent. 

“In the increasingly competitive Asian travel market, attracting and retaining talent are integral to a business’ success. Future Leaders will give industry professionals access to some of Singapore’s brightest minds, and serve as a platform to formulate talent management policies. The initiative also reinforces ITB Asia’s aim to bring together our partners to share knowledge and build networks to future-proof their businesses,” said Nino Gruettke, Executive Director of ITB Asia.

The half-day event will include a panel discussion, with speakers addressing students’ questions about the potential career paths available in the industry. A mentorship programme, piloted by key executives from prominent businesses including BCD Travel, FCm Travel Solutions, Parkroyal, Sentosa Leisure Group, Ritz-Carlton and SACEOS, will also connect young industry executives with students.

“With Asia becoming a growth engine for the global tourism industry, there is a critical need to groom the next generation of talent through strategic partnerships and innovative talent programmes. SACEOS, the Association representing Singapore’s MICE industry, will partner ITB Asia for the inaugural Future Leaders,” said Rosalind Ng, President of SACEOS.

“SACEOS will also bring together a group of young Singapore MICE Leaders as part of its efforts to increase awareness of the dynamic MICE industry in Singapore amongst the public and the tertiary institutions. SACEOS hopes that this effort will lead to further talent attraction to maintain Singapore’s leadership position in the region,” Ms Ng added.

The event will conclude with a networking session attended by the HR personnel of several travel companies, as well as representatives from the Singapore Institute of Technology and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, giving students the chance to share their resumes.

This year’s ITB Asia will take place at the Sands Expo & Convention Center from 17-19 October.