The Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ), Fiona Luhrs says the new report Tourism Workforce and Skill Projections is a major step forward in the maturity of the industry.
“For the first time the impact of the forecast year on year increases in visitor numbers has been quantified in terms of people and skill requirements through to 2010.
“The Report indicates that the recruitment, development and retention of staff must now become a priority for the industry. It also gives considerable clarity for the training organisations and government as to priorities for workplace learning and industry training.”
Ms Luhrs says the Report is very clear about the type of service the industry desires to deliver to visitors and what that means in terms of the personal attributes and skills of the people it needs to employ.
“And it is not just about the bottom line and return to investors. But a matter of national pride. When the people who work in tourism welcome and host international visitors to our country, New Zealanders deserve to be confident the industry is representing our communities, our heritage and our whakapapa with respect, pride and skill. This includes everyone - whether a guest is passing a member of the housekeeping staff in a hotel corridor, taking a kayaking trip in a National Park or trying out our food and wine in a restaurant.
“Cultural awareness, an ability to anticipate guests’ needs, interpersonal skills, and a strong service ethic. These are just some of the competencies tourism businesses need and must foster to deliver the world class service we are offering,” says Ms Luhrs.
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