Industry calls for skilled consultants

THE need for skilled
consultants is the
biggest factor in the
industry’s job market this
year, experts say.
“Most of the positions
we have been handling
require skills of a senior
nature in both the leisure
and corporate sectors, with
few opportunities coming
up for junior or entry-level
candidates,” says Erica
Kennedy-Smith, national
travel manager of Lee Botti &
Associates.
Erica says, even though
companies are struggling
in an uncertain and tight
economy, there is a shortage
of skills across the board
within the travel industry.
“There is still a need for
travel consultants and their
specialist expertise, and
so they will always be in
demand.”
Seniors and BSP refund
staff are identified as gaps by
Charmaine van Niekerk, Club
Travel’s HR and operations
director, who also predicts
that intermediate consultants
will be much in demand in
2017 for their knowledge,
experience and ability to add
value for clients.
Will the job market grow
this year? Lee Botti &
Associates says an increase
in vacancies was noted
from 2015 to 2016, but as
much as some companies
are increasing headcounts
at present, others are
downsizing. Jean Rymer,
senior recruiter – Travel and
Tourism of PCS Recruitment
Services, says TMCs dealing
with strong competition to
keep fees down to retain
corporate business will
make do with the staff
complements they have.
The outlook for salary
increases is similarly
cautious. Erica says wages
appear to have stagnated,
while Jean says annual hikes
won’t amount to more than
6-8%. Retailers handling
government business, where
service fees are being
squeezed, will be reluctant to
award raises.
“Salary levels will depend
on market growth and
supply and demand,” says
Charmaine.
Opinions are split on
whether 2017 will be a
good year to change jobs.
Depending on reasons for a
move, Charmaine believes a
cautious approach in view of
currency fluctuations and job
security may be necessary.
But Jean says any year
is a good year to job hunt.
“There are always companies
wanting to employ. Even
during a recession,
companies still need staff.
It may be more difficult
and take longer but it is
not impossible. The most
important thing to remember
is never leave your current
job until you have secured
other employment.”