‘Future Leaders’ to connect top travel executives with best-in-class students during the next edition of ITB Asia.
SINGAPORE –Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia has announced a new strategic initiative for this year’s show, Future Leaders, to help attract and groom young talent for the fast-growing travel industry.
Taking place on 19 October, the inaugural event aims to bring together eminent business leaders from the industry and over 100 of Singapore’s brightest sparks to provide a strategic solution to the industry’s manpower needs. Now in its fifth year, ITB Asia 2012 will be held from 17-19 October at The Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
In partnership with the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), the invitation-only event will target the top 10% of travel, tourism and hospitality students from Singapore’s five polytechnics. With support from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in attracting high-achieving business leaders, the event aims to raise the calibre of individuals who already have a keen interest in the industry and in doing so, develop and even secure the next generation of talent.
“In the increasingly competitive Asian travel market, attracting and retaining talent are integral to a business’ success. Future Leaders will give industry professionals access to some of Singapore’s brightest minds, and serve as a platform to formulate talent management policies. The initiative also reinforces ITB Asia’s aim to bring together our partners to share knowledge and build networks to future-proof their businesses,” said Nino Gruettke, Executive Director of ITB Asia.
Starting with a panel discussion with speakers representing the different segments in travel, the half-day event will give students key industry insights in an engaging format. Moderated by an industry leader and a student, the discussion will address students’ concerns and questions about their potential career paths within the industry upon graduation.
Students will also be able to benefit from hands-on learning opportunities available through the initiative. The mentorship programme, piloted by key executives from prominent businesses including BCD Travel, FCm Travel Solutions, Parkroyal on Pickering, Sentosa Leisure Group, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore and SACEOS, will connect young and vibrant industry executives with students through discussions and activities, providing opportunities to network and exchange insights.
“With Asia becoming a growth engine for the global tourism industry, there is a critical need to groom the next generation of talent through strategic partnerships and innovative talent programmes. SACEOS, the Association representing Singapore’s MICE industry, will partner ITB Asia for the inaugural Future Leaders,” said Rosalind Ng, President of SACEOS.
“SACEOS will also bring together a group of young Singapore MICE Leaders as part of its efforts to increase awareness of the dynamic MICE industry in Singapore amongst the public and the tertiary institutions. SACEOS hopes that this effort will lead to further talent attraction to maintain Singapore’s leadership position in the region,” added Ng.
Future Leaders will conclude on a high note with a networking session attended by the human resource personnel of key industry players, as well as representatives from top universities Singapore Institute of Technology and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in search of the brightest students from travel, tourism and hospitality. A platform presenting opportunities for internships, employment and scholarships, the session encourages students to share their resumes with industry and university executives to kick start their career and higher education development.
After ITB Asia 2012, Future Leaders will continue to engage its alumni through social media and industry-related activities throughout the year.
ITB Asia attracted over 7500 attendees from over 90 countries last year, and is also a partner event of TravelRave a mega travel and tourism festival week organised by the Singapore Tourism Board to be held in Singapore in October 2012.
ITB Asia 2012 will take place at The Sands Expo and Convention Center, from 17 to 19 October. It is organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
