Don’t neglect skills problem, warns body

The body set up to promote travel as a "career of choice" has urged the industry not to become complacent over the skills shortage as it emerged that pay remains the biggest barrier to attracting staff.

With many companies forced to shed staff or cut hours and salaries, the longer-term challenge of attracting staff is low down the agenda for the industry, the Travel Industry Careers Association (TICA) has admitted.

But TICA vice chairman Sandra Chiles warned firms that the skills shortage is as acute as ever.

"All the reasons that led to a skills shortage are still there. Nothing has changed," Chiles told Travel Today.

The work of TICA remains crucial for when the market does turn around, she added.

A study carried out by the body revealed that 83 per cent of those questioned believe the industry to be poorly paid, with half saying they would not consider a career in travel because of it.

Almost 60 per cent believed that working hours would not be flexible while 28 per cent said hours would be long.

Chiles said future strategies must aim to promote the benefits of the travel industry, including a focus on the job satisfaction felt by many already working in the industry.