Misperceptions make showcasing our industry more important than ever, says Travel Weekly’s Lucy Huxley
The travel industry’s challenge in promoting itself as a serious career choice is certainly not new – in fact, it was precisely this challenge that underpinned the launch of Travel Weekly’s annual prospectus-style publication Take Off in Travel a decade ago.
As was the case then, the industry has a job to do to persuade young people, their parents, teachers and careers advisors that travel and tourism can offer lifelong employment and progression opportunities.
And as WTM research suggested, with 60% of consumers not viewing travel as an attractive industry to work in, it is clear the events of recent years have, unsurprisingly, done nothing to improve perceptions.
These perceptions – and often misperceptions – mean Take Off is more important than ever, and I am immensely proud that the publication and website made a post-pandemic return this week with a launch at our first People Summit.
Once again, we are fortunate to have had the support of Abta in its production and are indebted to our headline sponsor Hays Travel and more than 30 travel brands which have also lent their backing as we showcase our industry.
As a business-to-business publication with a predominantly travel trade audience, our own challenge is getting this fantastic resource in front of as many people as possible – and that is where we ask for your help. All the content in Take Off is freely available for you to use in your own recruitment and outreach efforts. You can find out more about it here and by heading to takeoffintravel.co.uk.