Tourism boom tipped to create thousands of jobs

By Ann-Marie Johnson
Dominion Post

"Startling" new figures show the booming tourism industry is under threat unless it can attract thousands more workers to cater for growing visitor numbers.

About 31,450 new full-time workers will be needed in the next seven years, according to a tourism industry report. The sector already employs more than 100,000 workers but with tourist numbers forecast to grow from about 2.3 million this year to more than three million in 2010, the report says the industry will need to attract many more workers from New Zealand's already tight labour market. Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive Fiona Luhrs described the figures as "startling". "The report indicates that the recruitment, development and retention of staff must now become a priority for the industry," she said. Tourism-related jobs were often treated as part-time or temporary positions but that would have to change if the industry was to attract the skilled staff it needed, she said. "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. "Hospitality Association Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said the report showed there were already significant skill shortages. Recruiting enough skilled personnel was going to be a challenge every year between now and 2010. The report showed total employment in the transport sector was projected to increase by 11,091 workers or about 1,232 a year. Most of the increases would be in jobs related to air transport but coach drivers, travel consultants and transport administration would also rise. The largest increases expected to 2010 were in the accommodation, food and beverage sectors, particularly housekeeping and restaurant service workers, bartenders, restaurant and tavern managers, and chefs.

Several hundred jobs would also be created in tourist activities and attractions. Tourism Minister Mark Burton said the report posed some fundamental questions on issues such as pricing. Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation Chief Executive Gayle Sheridan said the report showed there were a strong career path and opportunities for people entering the industry.