Here's an opportunity for members of the travel and tourism scene in the U.S. to help change the perception of the industry.
A new campaign from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) will give industry insiders the chance to create 15-second videos to explain why they love working in travel and tourism. Chris Nassetta, president & CEO of Hilton Worldwide, is one of the industry leaders kicking off the Instagram campaign, which is intended to demonstrate the career opportunities available throughout the business.
The campaign comes on the back of new research from WTTC that suggests travel and tourism can offer opportunities for job creation, while also addressing youth unemployment and gender inequality issues across the world. The industry employs a higher proportion of young people and women compared with the global workforce as a whole.
However, serious challenges have been identified when it comes to the understanding and profile of the sector among undergraduates. WTTC’s research shows that travel and tourism companies are missing out on the best new talent among graduates due to negative perceptions of a career in the industry.
David Scowsill, the WTTC's president & CEO, said in a statement that many people need to be persuaded to consider a career in travel and tourism, in spite of the industry's advantages. “Travel and tourism helps transport people to all corners of the world, immerse them in different cultures and experiences and provides a livelihood to millions worldwide," he said. "It’s a fantastic Industry to work in but we need to increase awareness of career opportunities. Graduates need to be moved away from always only considering banking or finance or law as careers with opportunities for progression and security and see travel and tourism as an excellent career option.
“Travel and tourism’s flexible nature, requirement for skilled and unskilled staff, entrepreneurial spirit and strong growth prospects means the sector has a significantly higher youth and female employment rate than the overall labor market. Travel and tourism provides a way to overcome the issue of youth unemployment, which undermines young people’s futures and the economy’s overall growth potential. The sector also thrives on entrepreneurship and offers prospects for self-employment for women, which are less accessible in other sectors.”
In the video, people are being asked to answer one of the following questions:-
1) How or why did you decide to start a career in the Travel &Tourism industry?
2) What has been the most fulfilling (or inspiring) moment in your T&T career?
3) Who has been most influential to you in your T&T career?
4) Why would you recommend a career in T&T to someone?
5) How has a career in T&T affected/changed your life?
The videos then need to be uploaded to Instagram, tagging @WTandTC and hashtagging #TourismMatters for a chance to win a prize. First prize is $1,000, and runners-up will receive prizes of $500 and $250 to spend on a travel event of the winner’s choosing.
Take a look at this video to learn more about the campaign.