Eeger: Game-changer for Australia’s tourism, hospitality, and travel workforce

The Tourism, Hospitality, and Travel industries in Australia are set for a transformative shift with the launch of eeger, a revolutionary careers and training platform.

Designed to tackle workforce development challenges, skills shortages, and career growth, eeger aims to reshape these vital sectors and strengthen their workforce capabilities.

Read the print edition of AccomNews HERE

The announcement comes as the tourism sector reaches new heights, with 691,000 direct jobs recorded in the Australian economy in 2024—an impressive 5.7 percent increase from the previous year and a staggering leap from 443,000 jobs in 2022.

A first-of-its-kind solution

Dubbed “eeger – where people grow”, the platform integrates innovative technology, industry expertise, and tailored resources into one digital hub, making it the first initiative of its kind in Australia. More than just a job board, eeger offers a comprehensive space for education, training, and career development, catering to both employers and job seekers.

Developed and managed by Accommodation Australia, the peak body representing the accommodation sector, eeger also benefits from the guidance of an industry advisory committee representing the broader tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors.

Growing opportunities

With jobs in these industries projected to grow 6% in the next five years and 12% in the next decade, the platform’s launch is timely. It aims to address the workforce gap as an estimated 55,000 new roles are expected to emerge within five years, placing these sectors among Australia’s top five for projected employment growth.

Government and industry support

Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell highlighted the importance of eeger, stating, “This one-stop shop will help tourism and hospitality workers grow their skill sets, continue to build their careers, and help businesses find the employees they need.

Reflecting on his own experience, Farrell added, “My first job was in tourism, and I know firsthand the opportunities, development, and growth it offers. The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with Accommodation Australia to make it easier for Australian businesses to find staff and provide greater opportunities for workers.

Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin expressed enthusiasm for the platform’s potential, saying, “This is the right time for this project. The industry-led platform aims to inspire and empower job seekers, support employers, and strengthen the visitor economy workforce at every stage of their journey.

Mr Goodwin hopes eeger will not only fill gaps in the workforce but also ignite passion for careers within the sector. “I hope individuals will discover careers they may not have known about—careers that are more than just jobs but pathways to fulfilling lives in a thriving sector,” he said.

$10 million in Government funding

The project is supported by a $10 million grant from Austrade, highlighting the Australian Government’s commitment to the tourism and hospitality industries.

Eeger is set to become a cornerstone for building a resilient and dynamic workforce in one of Australia’s most vibrant sectors, ensuring it remains competitive and innovative in the years to come.