Future of Tourism

Did you know 10% of the entire Global workforce is employed in tourism? Many countries are experiencing a shortage of trained, knowledgeable travel professionals due to this high growth industry.

Below are excerpts from research studies by the World Travel & Tourism Council; the results of a survey by Statistics Canada and Conference Board of Canada, Canadian Travel Distribution Report; and TICO, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario on the growth of tourism locally and around the world.

Quotes from The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC):

• "Global Travel and Tourism Exceeded US$6 Trillion in 2005; “We are witnessing the power, speed and vitality of Travel & Tourism and how they can bring economic opportunity and jobs to people and economies seeking sustainable development,”
  
• "The industry is expected to grow 4.6 per cent (real terms), to US$6.5 trillion in 2006
  
• The global Travel & Tourism industry is expected to produce 2.5 million new jobs in 2006, comprising 76.7 million jobs, or 2.8 per cent of total world employment.
  
• Travel & Tourism are expected to create nearly 10 million new jobs globally, for a total of 234.3 million jobs or 8.7 per cent of total employment."
  
• Richard Miller, Executive Vice President of WTTC said, "Although events like the tsunami, bombings and hurricanes, as well as a major increase in the price of oil, could have dampened demand, it appears that consumers are becoming more resilient, and Travel & Tourism continue to be a significant part of everyday life.”

A survey by Statistics Canada showed 37% of people online window-shopped for travel services, and 55% of Canadians, or more than 6 out of 10 purchased directly from a travel agency.

A study by Conference Board of Canada, Canadian Travel Distribution Report finds an even higher percentage of travellers use the services of a travel agency.

TICO, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario reports Ontario travellers spent over $4 billion in overseas travel in 2004/5. Cruises, weddings, honeymoons, luxury and adventure travel (all ages) are fast growing travel markets.

An article in the June 5, 2007's issue of Globe and Mail reports:

• "Tourism plays a crucial role as a pillar of the national economy" because it "is a multibillion-dollar force."
  
• "Canada's total tourism gross domestic product (GDP) reached $26 billion in 2006, accounting for two percent of total national GDP"
  
• "Tourism directly employed 634,700 people in 2006. Another 1 million - or 10.6% of the Canadian workforce - depend on the sector indirectly for their livelihood."
  
• "Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world, accounting for 10% of global GDP.

The Role of the Internet....

The Internet is a great way to research information however for many, the amount of information has become totally overwhelming, time consuming and at times unreliable. Customer care may be a concern as the internet is impersonal. When there is a question or concern about a product and/or service purchased online it is often difficult to secure assistance making it time consuming to resolve matters (if at all) without a 'live' person to deal with. Some companies are unresponsive to customer concerns and instead choose to "hide" behind the Internet.

Further, booking travel over the internet may be quite complex as products are not always clearly described in an accurate way; consumers do not have the advantage of best product and price comparisons without knowledge of all possible travel suppliers; insurance options are often inadequately described or explained; as is entry requirements e.g. passports, visas, health and security policies and procedures. Highly trained professional travel agents ensure important information is provided and understood by their client prior to travelling.

Highly trained professional travel agents ensure important information is provided and understood by their client prior to travelling. These are excellent reasons for travellers to use the personal services of an agent rather than book over the Internet..

Providing credit card and personal information on the Internet is required when making an online booking this in itself should be a concern to everyone. Regardless of security and firewalls, many corporations simply can't keep up with hackers and scammers.
 

The Role of Professional Travel Agents....

The services of a professional travel agent is invaluable. They are trained to research and price compare for the best tour, cruise, airline, hotel etc. and to provide information on travel insurance options; climate, entry requirements (e.g. passport, visa and health requirements) before recommending and booking the best travel product to their client.

There is a shortage of well trained staff in the travel industry due to high growth therefore it is believed career opportunities will continue to increase.

Join the many graduates now enjoying successful careers in the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry by registering today for the diploma program of your choice... 

We look forward to working with you in providing your training needs that will start you off on your successful career path in the travel and tourism industry.