Training helps meet demands of tourism

A major employment shortage in the tourism industry has prompted the Sir George Seymour National College of Tourism and Travel to start a course in cultural tourism.

The college's general manager, Lyndon Leabourn, says tourist numbers are predicted to increase in the next seven years and that the present number of new graduates will not be enough to fill all job openings.

Leabourn says around 31,450 new full-time workers will be needed with tourist numbers forecast to rise from 2.3 million a year to more than 3 million a year by 2010.

Leabourn says interest in tourism courses is high, with courses being developed to meet industry demand.

"We are looking at introducing new courses because the industry isn't only booming, it's evolving and changing all the time," he said. "Our job boards are packed, the best graduates getting several job offers, and all from reputable companies. This is certainly a good time to be looking at a career in tourism."

Leabourn says there is a trend towards tourism jobs being seen more as a career than just a casual or part-time job.

"We are finding more students are interested in a long-term career in the industry, and these are the types the country really needs," he said.

"It is certainly up to education providers to encourage new entrants into the market and arm them with the appropriate skills.

"But the industry, as a whole, needs to work hard to retain and develop those valuable, experienced staff at a time when they need them most."