G20 member states to promote upskilling in tourism industry

Efforts to bridge (the gap between) future tourism actors and entrepreneurs must be promoted by the government, particularly in educational and tourism administration. This must not only be promoted at the national level but also at the global level,

Chair of the G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) Frans Teguh affirmed the G20 member states' determination to promote reskilling and upskilling in language and education aspects for human resources in the tourism industry.

"Efforts to bridge (the gap between) future tourism actors and entrepreneurs must be promoted by the government, particularly in educational and tourism administration. This must not only be promoted at the national level but also at the global level, particularly among G20 member states," Teguh said in a statement in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, Tuesday.

The application of new digital technologies as a medium of training will also be the focus of the G20 member states, he remarked.

During G20's TWG 1 forum, delegates deliberated issues on human resources, particularly matters pertaining to employment, expertise, entrepreneurship, and educational aspects, he noted.

Related news: Govt to discuss people's role in tourism transformation at TWG 1

The chair highlighted that the presence of quality tourism and creative economy human resources, with appropriate competencies, is indispensable for boosting the creation of new jobs and business opportunities in the sector.

Sustainable reskilling and upskilling programs should be conceived and managed properly by G20 member states to ensure continued progress in the industry, he emphasized.

Related news: Eid a time to synergize, script G20 success: minister

"Tourism industry plays a significant role in the economy and employment, not only in Indonesia but also at the global level," Teguh remarked.

The global tourism industry has been severely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the chair noted, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic-related mobility restrictions pose a significant challenge that may affect the industry, particularly its employment aspect.

"Hence, we need to devise ways to adjust training programs and the educational curriculum for the tourism sector to create advanced tourism human resources with appropriate expertise that they need in the future (after the COVID-19 pandemic)," he stated.