If you’re like me, then you have been getting questions lately from friends and family asking about employment opportunities in the travel industry. As businesses staff back up, people are looking for a chance to pursue their dream jobs.
I have also heard a lot about travel agencies struggling to keep up with demand. But according to research we conducted here at TravelAge West, many companies are still hesitant to add staff: A survey of nearly 300 advisors showed that 56% are not hiring at this time. Another interesting response indicated that nearly two-thirds (64%) of agents say it is very important to create programs that attract the next generation of travel advisors, but 70% feel the industry has not done a good job recruiting those agents.
This past year and a half has been so challenging for everyone, and they have handled it with an intelligence, creativity and toughness that surpassed all expectations.
In our most recent cover story, "A Report From the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat," we shared the stories of a few of the advisors who attended this year’s Future Leaders in Travel Retreat. These agents are all relatively young in their careers, but they have the kind of talent and drive that will serve this profession well in the future.
“I was so impressed by the quality of the advisors at this year’s retreat,” said Emma Weissmann, Digital Managing Editor at TravelAge West, and one of the architects of the event. “This past year and a half has been so challenging for everyone, and they have handled it with an intelligence, creativity and toughness that surpassed all expectations.”
Although the Future Leaders in Travel retreat is an annual event, agency owners and veteran advisors should be looking at what they can do to recruit and nurture talent 365 days a year. Not only is it important to the long-term health of your business, but it can bring a fresh perspective and additional opportunities to boost your current sales and marketing efforts. The best way to fix the industry’s problem attracting new talent is to take matters into your own hands — and focus on what you can do to lead by example.
