Tourism professionals share secrets of success in tough times

Tourism industry leaders will give students an insight into how to succeed despite the current economic crisis in a series of Industry Days to be held across Southern Cross University’s three campuses in Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Tweed Heads beginning this Friday July 17.

Entitled, ‘Ensuring career success in tourism and hospitality industries during economic uncertainty,’ the Industry Days will include presentations from industry professionals followed by mock employment panel interviews.

The first of the Industry Days kick off at SCU’s Coffs Harbour campus this Friday, followed by sessions at the Lismore campus on Monday, July 20, and Tweed Heads on Thursday, July 23.

Julia Caldicott is an internship officer and associate lecturer for Southern Cross University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

“The Industry Days aim to show students how to make the most of opportunities and progress their careers in the tourism industry, even in the current tough economic environment,” said Ms Caldicott.

“Industry representatives with expertise in areas including event management, tourism marketing and development and resort management will provide information on industry trends and career planning and development - as well as practical advice and feedback on writing employment applications and succeeding in interviews.”

Each campus will be allocated a board of industry representatives who will share their knowledge and put students through their paces in mock interviews. Board members participating in the Industry Days will include John King, managing director of tourism marketing and development consultancy Global Tourism and Leisure; Geoff Beames of Wine Lodges Group; David Beirman, director Israel Tourism Office Australasia and Elizabeth Rich, manager of tourism and conference company Agenda Pty Ltd.

They will be joined by professionals varying according to venue from a range of local organisations including Gold Coast Tourism Corporation, Lismore City Council, Opal Cove Resort, International Fusion, Bonville Golf Resort and Multicap, who will share tips and hints for success in an increasingly competitive work environment.

“Feedback from the Industry Days from both students and the tourism industry over the past years has confirmed the importance of this experience,” said Ms Caldicott.

“Engaging with a range of tourism and hospitality representatives throughout their studies results in students who are better prepared to transition from the university environment to the workplace – which is more important than ever in today’s economic environment.”


Photo: John King, managing director of the tourism marketing and development consultancy, Global Tourism & Leisure and an adviser to tourism authorities and industry organisations will share some of his knowledge with tourism students.