Our Largest Export Industry Is a Serious Career Option

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand says more needs to be done to encourage young people to consider a long-term career in tourism.

Chief Executive of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) Judy Chen has welcomed the announcement of a careers package to attract 40,000 new employees in the next five years.

Today, Tourism Industry Aoteoroa (TIA) announced a three-year package of initiatives designed to attract New Zealanders to careers in the tourism industry, where TECNZ is part of the working group contributing to this work.

TECNZ Chief Executive Judy Chen says TECNZ has been working for some time to encourage careers in tourism and she is pleased to see further work being done to attract and retain people in the tourism industry.

‘’For too long tourism has been considered a temporary option until something else comes along.

Our industry is not only New Zealand’s largest export earner, but it is continuing to grow at a rapid pace and it is essential to our reputation as a visitor destination that we attract and keep new talent.

Because of this need, we established ‘YoungTEC’ some years ago as a subsidiary of TECNZ to encourage networking within young tourism professionals and to develop new leaders in our industry.

We now have a professional development programme, an annual Summit, and a Leadership Day course aimed at supporting young tourism professionals in their career path.

We also offer YoungTEC members regular networking events and a partnership programme with the New Zealand School of Tourism where students get a glimpse of what it is like to work in the tourism industry through a ‘speed-dating‘ initiative.’’

The new package announced by TIA today is designed to: improve knowledge and perceptions of tourism and tourism careers, make it easier for young people to experience tourism careers through activities like industry open days and placement programmes and ensure those entering tourism employment have a positive experience so they stay in the industry.

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand
The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that represents the interests of the inbound tourism industry since 1971. Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members). TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz.

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