Kiwi tourism operators struggling with staffing
Industry insiders reveal that staffing is one of the biggest headaches for New Zealand tourism operators right now, even though their businesses continue to be impacted by the closed borders.
According to a new industry survey by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), just over half (53.23 percent) of the 318 respondents reduced staff numbers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But ahead of the usually busy summer season, 60 percent of respondents have sought to employ additional staff over the past three months, with 45 percent saying it has been difficult to find suitable candidates.
The results of the survey were released earlier this week at the sold-out event, Tourism Summit Aotearoa where over 300 tourism leaders and stakeholders gathered at Te Papa in Wellington, to focus on the revival and revitalisation of New Zealand’s tourism industry. This key annual event is hosted by TIA and brings together business and government leaders from all sectors of the industry.
TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts said the latest survey shows that operators have got over their initial state of shock and are now resigned to working with what business is available, with an eye to the future recovery.
“Respondents are resolutely staying in business in spite of losing their international customers. Many have been able to expand their offerings to the domestic market. There’s a degree of confidence returning, tempered by the realisation that there are still tough times ahead,” Mr Roberts says.
The responses to questions on staffing suggest that businesses have reached a point where employment levels have stabilised at a new level. Many are now focused on retaining key staff and hiring new people to meet demand.
“Getting the staff they need is a considerable challenge. The ‘lumpy’ nature of domestic tourism, with demand happening at weekends and school holidays, means many of the roles that need to be filled are part-time and temporary. Some respondents commented that New Zealanders were unwilling to take on roles that were not fulltime and permanent.
“Immigration settings are also highlighted with visas not being renewed for existing employees and no access to overseas workers.”
The survey found that the most important measure needed to help the industry recover is to find ways to open our borders, although operators recognise that a high level of care will be needed and borders should only be reopened when it is safe to do so.
A targeted grants scheme for impacted tourism businesses is also seen as a way the Government can provide further support.
“Looking to the future, there is strong commitment for improvements to the post-COVID tourism industry, with high value and sustainability being seen as important,” Mr Roberts says.
Click here to view the full survey report: https://tia.org.nz/assets/3316f2d8a4/Industry-Survey-Report_Nov-2020.pdf
Tourism Summit Aotearoa is supported by Marsh New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, NZ Māori Tourism, ServiceIQ and the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust.
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