Tern to inspire and arm travel talent and startups with new skills

Singapore – As technology disrupts travel, fresh skills are being required of industry professionals and new jobs are being created in the fast-growing segment of online travel.

To answer this demand for new skills and address the opportunity for new jobs, a one-day travel careers event will be launched in Singapore on August 27.

The inaugural Tern, founded by Yeoh Siew Hoon of Web In Travel (WIT) and sponsored by Accor Hotels Asia Pacific, has three key objectives – to change perceptions of travel careers beyond the traditional jobs, help travel industry professionals remain relevant and adapt in a fast-changing market and address the mismatch between skills and new jobs emerging as more travel moves online and businesses adopt more technology.

“Technology has changed so much in travel with more consumers moving online and also in how travel companies have had to adapt their business models and practices and if travel is to grow at the pace it is projected to in Asia, we are going to need people to adapt and catch up,” said Siew Hoon, who founded WIT in 2005 to address the changes technology would bring to the travel industry in the region.

“Every travel company I speak to tells me people are their biggest challenge and opportunity to make a difference in the coming years and the skills they now need – for example, digital marketing, data analytics, computer programming, mobile – are not easily found.”

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, travel and tourism touches 10% of all jobs in the world and the fastest growing segment globally is that driven by technology.

According to Phocuswright, the travel industry is currently valued at $1.3 trillion (not including $100b in private accommodation and $100b in tours & activities). In Asia, online travel gross bookings have escalated from a mere $4.8b in 2002 to $137b in 2016.

“The travel industry in Asia needs to attract new, smart talent. To do this, it needs to make itself more appealing and more competitive to school leavers and job seekers. It also needs to ensure existing talent are reskilled and constantly trained to remain relevant,” said Siew Hoon.

The one-day Tern, to be held at Novotel Clarke Quay, will address the changing world of travel careers and new career opportunities, from corporate jobs to startups. It will include coaching sessions with travel industry leaders and entrepreneurs to enable networking and knowledge exchange in an informal, interactive setting.

Priced at S$20 for the full-day programme including lunch and two breaks, the event is aimed at students and graduates of tourism and hospitality schools, travel professionals working in the industry and looking to learn and startups looking to disrupt travel.

“Technology empowers us as individuals to decide how we work, live and play. With work such an important part of life, it is important we look at it in a new light. The author Thomas Friedman, when he talked of ways to thrive in a hyperconnected world, had these tips – think like an immigrant, work like an artisan and be in beta.

“Tern’s agenda will inspire you with ideas and arm you with tips and skills on how you can redefine your travel career in this new world,” said Siew Hoon.

Tern’s partners include Web In Travel, Travel Weekly Asia, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA, Singapore Chapter), SMU Travel & Hospitality Alumni, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), National University of Singapore (NUS), e27, Travel Massive.

View programme here and book tickets here.

CONTACT
For enquiries:
Marissa Trew
+65 8168 6485
marissa.trew@gmail.com