ITI Articles

New Zealand’s Tourism Minister has acknowledged the invaluable contribution that the Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS) makes to the success of the country’s tourism sector.

The Honourable Mark Burton (pictured right), who was speaking at PIHMS 10th Anniversary celebrations, told the audience that PIHMS graduates were exactly the type of employees needed to ensure New Zealand’s tourism industry continues to flourish.

“Tourism's continued success rests in no small part with the interactions the hospitality sector has with our visitors,” Burton said.

“And so, the supply of staff and the need for skills that meet the requirements of the tourism industry are key growth and sustainability issues. New Zealand's strong economic performance and corresponding low unemployment rates mean that the tourism industry is competing with other growing industry sectors to attract quality employees, such as the graduates who come through this school.”

Last year, the Tourism Workforce and Skills Projections report identified the future labour force requirements for the tourism industry. It was found that in excess of 31,000 additional people are required to meet the needs of the projected expansion in the industry to 2010. And on current trends, a further 89,000 people (or 12,750 per year) will also be required as replacement staff to cover turnover in the tourism industry.

“This is good news for the students here, as there are clearly ongoing career opportunities for highly skilled people in this industry,” he said.

“I would encourage graduates to stay and work in New Zealand! And if you go overseas, I encourage you to eventually bring your international skills back here, to enrich the hospitality industry, because clearly what is good for the hospitality industry can only be good for the wider tourism industry - and the New Zealand economy.”