GEORGE TOWN – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) plans to help Malaysia overcome the acute shortage of workers in the tourism industry following the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the country emerges from almost two-years of multiple lockdowns, the Tourism Cabinet Committee member and Pata Malaysia chapter chairman Datuk Musa Yusof said that its major agenda is to provide the next generation of workers for the leisure industry.
“They must be multi-skilled and committed to be part of the tourism recovery process,” Musa said, adding that out of 100 organisations in Pata, nine are educational institutions, while three are from Malaysia.
“Therefore, it is natural to work with the institutions of higher learning to meet the needs.
"We will also work with various parties to organise career fairs for the travel industry and to ensure proper matching of jobs and skills."
Musa said that one of the lingering consequences of the pandemic is an acute shortage of workers, particularly in the hotel, food and beverage sectors as well as in tourism landmarks.
This is attributed to the migration of the young to the gig economy such as ride and food share services, online businesses and part time jobs which allow them more freedom.
Founded in 1951, Pata is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of tourism within the Asia Pacific region.
Musa, who is former Tourism Malaysia director-general, said that Pata is serious about helping the industry overcome staffing attrition rates.
This includes liaising with their regional counterparts to find ways to reduce the shortage, such as engaging with neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, who may be interested to share their human resources with Malaysia.
“Full tourism recovery can only be expected by 2024 based on the United Nations World Travel Organisation's projection,” Musa said after attending the Tourism Reconnect seminar, which was organised by the Penang Convention Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) at the Royale Chulan Hotel here.
Penang state exco for tourism and creative economy Yeoh Soon Hin said that Penang is ready for the reopening of the international borders within two weeks where it would emphasise on ensuring that the standard operating procedures such as masking and physical distancing is consistently adhered to.
“The state also has the second highest vaccination rate in the country - this should convince foreign tourists to revisit the state.”
PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said that the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions scene is roaring back.
Penang has 28 events lined up from now until the end of the year, and bookings have been received until 2030. – The Vibes, March 25, 2022
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