Date Published: 06 Jul 2006
The professionalising of the Tour & Travel Services is given a boost with half a million dollars from the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to fund training under the Tourism Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) system. The funding support will provide 100 training places for new entrants into the industry, and 700 training places for in-employment upgrading of existing workers over the next two years.
2. There is an urgent need to raise the skills and service standards of the industry as a sector-wide survey had shown that many travel agents did not invest enough in training of their workers. According to the “Survey on Manpower Demand and Skills Needs for the Travel Industry” commissioned by WDA, Ministry of Manpower and the Singapore Tourism Board in 2005, about 60% of travel agents in Singapore did not send their staff for any form of training. The survey also pointed out many travel agents were aware that they need to raise their service standards and develop new products and services to capitalise on the growing opportunities in the Tourism Sector.
3. For a start, WDA will work with Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS), the official training arm of National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), to offer certificate courses in Tour & Travel Services to operational staff. These workers have the option to focus on Travel Services or Tour Operation. TMIS is also working with travel agents to offer a “Place-and-Train” programme for locals who wish to join the Tour & Travel Services sector. Travel agents are encouraged to send their existing operational staff for skills upgrading at TMIS. Employers can enjoy up to 90% of course fees subsidies and training allowance.
4. Today, WDA, NATAS and TMIS jointly organised a Presentation on Tourism WSQ to more than 200 travel agents, to show them how they can skill up their workers effectively with minimal disruptions to their daily operations. The Guest-of-Honour for this event is Mayor North West District and Member of Parliament for Bukit Panjang Dr. Teo Ho Pin.
5. In Dr. Teo’s address to the travel agents, he said, “Training must be viewed as a necessity and a healthy long term investment. Travel agencies which invest in staff training are definitely on the right track as training will contribute to a company’s bottom-line, enhance effectiveness of workers and raise productivity. “
6. WDA’s Deputy Chief Executive Mr Goh Eng Ghee said, “Travel agents have often feedback it is difficult to find resources and time to train their staff. In designing this WSQ training programme that comprises both classroom learning and on-the-job training, we ensure that their concerns are addressed. We hope this will enable travel agents to proactively develop a more structured training strategy for their staff and help more of their workers attain nationally recognised certification.”
7. Mr Robert Khoo, CEO of NATAS said, “We must emphasise the need for constant re-examination and renewal of everything we do, especially long established practices and procedures. The real challenge of the travel business today is to understand what the customer wants. Service quality is the new keyword. “
8. Chief Executive of TMIS Mr H.P Loi pointed out, “Tourism WSQ is very suitable for the Tour & Travel industry as it provides a clear progression pathway for the workers. With the attractive funding support and flexible modules, it will make training more relevant and affordable to travel agents. I hope travel agents will take this opportunity to upgrade their staff so that they can remain competitive not only locally but globally."
9. Tourism WSQ is a national qualification system jointly developed by the tourism industry and WDA, covering the tourism sectors of Hotel & Accommodation Services, Attractions, Travel & Tour Services, MICE (Meetings, Incentive Trips, Conventions and Exhibitions) & Events. Tourism WSQ was launched by Manpower Minister and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen in June 2006.
