Arabian Travel Market Chief announces Careers Day to help address industry needs

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With more than 1.5 million travel & tourism professional required in the region by 2020, and with more than 300 new committed hotel projects planned between 2008 and 2011 across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the need for companies and organisations to focus their recruitment and retention efforts is paramount.

And with increased pressure for staff coming from the emerging markets of Asia and the sub-continent, employers in the Middle East are facing their biggest challenge yet.

'It is no surprise that the huge growth in the Middle East's tourism, hospitality and travel sectors has resulted in a shortage of skilled professionals. However, it is how we address this concern that will prove the deciding factor in the years to come,'

said Simon Press, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market - which takes place from 5-8th May 2009 at the Dubai International Convention Centre in the United Arab Emirates.

'We all have to take proactive steps to both enhance the region's offering, and increase the understanding of employees about the opportunities that are out there. Recruitment is a sizeable investment, both in terms of time and capital, and given the current economic climate, it is more important than ever that we get it right.' he added

To raise awareness of the issues, organisers of Arabian Travel Market - the Middle East's premier travel and tourism exhibition - have added Careers Day to the 2009 event schedule, as part of the show's enhanced learning and knowledge delivery vision.

Taking place between 3pm and 9pm, Careers Day, which coincides with Consumer Day on Friday 8th May 2009, will enable meetings between exhibitors and public with a keen interest in working within the industry or developing an existing career.

As well as face-to-face meetings with potential employers, visitors can attend specific career workshops and seminars hosted by established representatives within this industry, covering CV construction, covering letters and interview techniques.

'The travel industry is evolving to meet the ever-changing requirements of the public and there is a constant need for staff within all sectors. We see this Careers Day as way of tapping into the Middle East's buoyant skills sector and helping to evolve the market in this region. Careers Day enables those living in the Middle East to discover the various travel and tourism career opportunities available to them in a practical way; by meeting with potential employers and taking part in workshops that will aid the search for their ideal job.' said Press.

A number of other initiatives will also be retuning for 2009 including an expanded seminar programme, increased year-long web presence and networking facilities, Travel Agents Day and the show's pioneering Hosted Buyer Programme.

Arabian Travel Market is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and under the auspices of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.