Northstar

In addition to the Responsible Tourism programme, ITB Asia has forged new partnerships with leading travel industry experts representing UNWTO, MCI, National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), Panacea Publishing Asia, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), Asia Cruise Assocation (ACA) and strengthened existing programmes with WTTC, PhoCusWright, TTG Asia Media and Web In Travel, delivering over 3700 minutes of high quality content altogether. Fuelling today’s talent, for tomorrow’s needs Renewal is required when it comes to fuelling the industry’s needs and ensuring a fresh and sustainable pool of talent is available for a healthy growth and progression. That is why trade associations and institutions are not just holding their own, but are in partnership with other key industry makers to create enough jobs and engage the younger generation to understand their interest and needs, assist them with the transition and development and at the same time raise the level of calibre for every individual who are entering the industry. The Pacific Asia Travel Association for example, has partnered the Lyceum of the Philippines University during its Travel Mart in Manila, held in September. During the show, active discussion on what’s important and what’s not, particularly in the future of travel and tourism, was held – with the students in the hospitality faculty. And these are the kind of effort that the industry requires. While furnishing the next generation with the right knowledge and giving them industry insights, the interaction also serves as a feedback to survey what’s lacking in the education system, or the industry’s effort in progressing and managing talent. At ITB Asia, the same concept applied. In partnership with The Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), an invitation-only event was targeted at the top 10 per cent of ravel, tourism and hospitality students from Singapore’s five polytechnics. Starting with a panel discussion with speakers representing the different segments in travel, the half-day event will give students key industry insights in an engaging format. Moderated by an industry leader and a student, the discussion will address students’ concerns and questions about their potential career paths within the industry upon graduation. Students were able to benefit from hands-on learning opportunities available through the initiative. The mentorship programme, piloted by key executives from prominent businesses including BCD Travel, FCm Travel Solutions, PARKROYAL on Pickering, Sentosa Leisure Group, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore and SACEOS, will connect young and vibrant industry executives with students through discussions and activities, providing opportunities to network and exchange insights. “With Asia becoming a growth engine for the global tourism industry, there is a critical need to groom the next generation of talent through strategic partnerships and innovative talent programmes. SACEOS, the Association representing Singapore's MICE industry, will partner ITB Asia for the inaugural Future Leaders,” said Rosalind Ng, President of SACEOS. While its aim to connect, develop and secure the next generation of talent is generous in its intent, perhaps this can be extended to all students, and not limited to just the top 10 per cent. The truth is, the crux of the matter may lie in the very 90 per cent of the cohort who may have very well desire a place in the working world, pertaining to what they have learnt in school. Perhaps, these are the students that we, as trade professionals need to focus on, entice and gain support from to feed tomorrow’s needs, by training and tailoring the talents of today. The next approach For next year, ITB Asia already has a promising line-up in its agenda of events. For starters, the event will be bigger. According to Messe Berlin (Singapore), organisers are planning to take up two floors of exhibition space next year, across level 6 and level 4. This year, the show recorded almost 8500 attendees, a 12 per cent increase from 2011, representing 92 countries, making it one of the region’s most international travel trade events. ITB Asia 2013 will move back to its venue in 2011 – but this time, to a newly refurbished one. Suntec Singapore Convention Centre will play host once again to the trade show, from October 23 to 25, 2013.

• Cover