Did you know 10% of the entire Global workforce is employed in tourism? Many countries are experiencing a shortage of trained and knowledgeable travel professionals due to the industry’s rapid growth.
Also, did you know according to data from World Travel and Tourism Council, the travel and tourism industry generated 10% of the global GDP in 2014 (US $7.6 trillion)?
Canadian Tourism Resource Council has stated the travel services industry is expected to see a 14.2% increase in labour demand between 2010 and 2030. By 2030, demand for labour could support over 49,000 full-year jobs in the travel services industry. Labour supply is predicted to increase by just under 13,000 (30%) reaching 55,000 by 2030.
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.
Conference Board of Canada, Canadian Travel Distribution Report finds an even higher percentage of travellers use the services of a travel agency.
This makes choosing a career in one of the world’s fastest growing industries – travel and tourism – a great career choice.
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 booking online, this 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 career opportunities 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 providing essential training to help start you on your successful career path in the travel and tourism industry.