The hospitality and MICE industries were severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic but they are now seeing a sharp resurgence in business as travel restrictions are lifted globally. Hoteliers and event professionals alike welcome the strong recovery.
The hospitality and MICE industries are undergoing a robust recovery with travel restrictions lifted worldwide. Throughout the pandemic, hotels in Singapore took the opportunity to reposition themselves for the future, most notably by improving manpower productivity and upskilling their current workforce and learning the use of automation. The industry is expected to be buoyant, with trends such as automation; digitalisation and data analytics driving the creation of higher-value job opportunities.
As more players in the MICE sector recognise the importance of building digital capabilities, Singapore’s MICE industry will evolve to offer more hybrid events that combine physical conferences with an online audience. This will allow local MICE professionals to tap on a broader global market. It will also lead to an increased demand for talents with digital skills in areas such as livestreaming and cybersecurity.
CAREER PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
As a fresh graduate looking to enter the hospitality and MICE industry, it is essential to keep an open mind and embrace trends. This will help you adapt to current industry needs. Career progression is likely as hotels, event management companies and tourist attractions continually upgrade their workforce to cultivate agility and nimbleness among their employees.
Roles in change management, revenue management, customer engagement, data analytics, and digital marketing are exciting options for those in the hospitality and MICE industry. Adaptable individuals who can work across various job functions are particularly prized in the industry. Additionally, human resource professionals with experience in talent and change management will also be in demand as job redesign becomes more pervasive in the industry.
The MICE industry is likely to step up efforts in creating hybrid events. Digital events managers – individuals with both event management and digital skills – will be in high demand as a result.
RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
- Degree in tourism and hospitality management or related disciplines
- Passion for travel and service, with an interest in building a career in the sector
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and persuasion skills
- Resourcefulness and agility, with the ability to learn quickly on the job
WHAT RECRUITERS LOOK FOR
- Digital literacy coupled with the ability to embrace and learn new technologies
- Familiarity with travel, business, and consumer trends
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Resourceful, able to work under pressure, and manage complexity
- Great personality and service-oriented
