Two new children’s books have been introduced to inspire future careers in tourism, addressing industry staffing shortages.
- The books are supported by the European Travel Commission and the University of Surrey, targeting children aged five to eleven.
- These publications highlight tourism’s value, countering its perception of low wages and challenging situations.
- Both books focus on personal growth through tourism jobs, showcasing skills like communication and teamwork.
- The initiative also features a research paper on transferable skills in tourism, supporting educational goals.
The tourism industry faces a significant challenge: a shortage of skilled staff, which has prompted an innovative response in the form of two new children’s books. Supported by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and the University of Surrey, these books aim to inspire young readers, aged five to eleven, to consider tourism as a viable and exciting career path.
Highlighting the valuable skills and personal growth potential available through careers in tourism, the publications address common misconceptions of the industry. Often viewed as offering lower wages and demanding work environments, tourism jobs are reimagined in these narratives as providing opportunities for learning crucial life skills.
The books, ‘Dee and Flee at the Theme Park’ by Julia Hubery and ‘Searchlight: The Rock’ by Ann Bryant, feature characters navigating careers in tourism. Through their adventures, they develop essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, underscoring the personal development that the industry can offer.
This initiative is further underscored by a research paper from ETC and the University of Surrey, which focuses on the transferable skills learned in the tourism sector. These skills not only enhance individual capabilities but are also highly valued across various professions, making a career in tourism a strategic choice for young people.
Teodora Marinska, ETC’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes the project’s importance: “Ensuring a skilled and fulfilled body of European tourism professionals is crucial to the ongoing success of our industry.” Her comment highlights the dual challenges of embracing green and digital transitions while maintaining a skilled workforce.
Brigitte Stangl, a senior lecturer at the University of Surrey, voices similar sentiments: ‘Working on this project has been an honour, crafting books that reveal the magic of the tourism and hospitality industry to kids. These stories not only showcase the creation of memorable experiences but also the vital life skills gained by working in this sector.’
The introduction of these books represents a proactive effort to enrich the tourism workforce and inspire the next generation to view tourism and hospitality as rewarding career paths.
