Live here this year.

In Australia, over the last eighteen months or so we’ve all become accustomed to the Tourism Australia campaign ‘Holiday Here this Year’, the social media ads, video content and the hashtag.

Of course, with state and international borders opening up we still want people to holiday here but just a different group of people! Europeans, Americans and others have been very used to the return of international travel well before the dismantling of fortress Australia. So in this context it begs the question- who is going to serve our re-established international tourism market, particularly in remote and regional Australia?

Unemployment rates are at 4%, there are significant deficits in skilled workers in the tourism industry, most critically in our kitchens and this trend is amplified in our regional cities and centres and remote locations. Hoping for a ‘quick’ solution with the international workforce returning, hot on the heals of all these guests may result in a rude shock for some operators. After all, major tourism economies around the world are facing similar skills shortages. We may be facing this talent deficit for years to come.

Those talented and passionate about the tourism industry will benefit in terms of remuneration and benefits. Smart companies who are creative in selling their company culture, career progression and workplace flexibility will attract the best, operators in regional Australia will have a challenging time competing for the best talent.

So what’s the solution? There is no silver bullet. We need to reinvest as an industry heavily in training, build awareness and support at government level and ensure the industry is an appealing option for school leavers. These are long term plays.

We’ve always been good at selling Australia abroad and in the pandemic we got better at it at home. We need to learn positive lessons from our tourism marketeers, get a bit parochial and send the message loud and clear- in 2022, live here this year!

By here- I mean in regional and remote Australia.

Having worked in Far North Queensland, the Northern Territory, the Kimberley and regional New South Wales, I acknowledge my bias, I love regional Australia. That being said, I strongly believe anyone who wants to forge a career in our amazing industry should serve it at least once in their career in a regional or remote location.

Why?

• It’s your national duty! We advertise the burnt red beauty of the centre, the tropical beaches of the Whitsundays and beyond, that awe inspiring feeling of being up close and personal with a Whale Shark at Ningaloo in our tourism commercials. Everyone benefits from these campaigns in city and country alike. So why not experience that yourself on your weekends? It is our national duty to be able to talk with authority and passion on these experiences with our international friends and visitors.

• With house prizes rising, it could be the ideal opportunity to take advantage of other financial benefits. Many resorts and hotels in regional areas offer great benefits for working in a remote area, the Federal Government also offers tax incentives in many parts of regional and remote Australia. Benefits may include, complimentary or discounted housing, energy and other incentives. Some employers offer duty meals and even holiday bonus payments. Why not save up that deposit or pay down that mortgage?

• It’s good for your career. We know from experience that the labour market in regional Australia has been competitive for over twenty years. So for a talented individual working in these areas, the opportunity for advancement literally multiply. Leaders of these businesses will take greater risks on people who are competent and customer centric to go into jobs where they may not have all the technical skills. Are you a career food and beverage technician dying to have a go at rooms division? Regional Australia is your opportunity.

• It’s good for the soul. Regional Australia is rich in Aboriginal culture, our European and explorer history, our rich natural history and Torres Strait Islander culture. You can immerse yourselves in this in many ways that you would never have the opportunity to do in the city. Another type of soul food are the friendships. By far and away the closest and most enduring friendships I have made in adult life have been in regional Australia. We keep in touch, we catch up regularly in cities and towns all over the country side, my friends bless me with the greatest experiences when I visit them at their hotels and restaurants. Most importantly we’re a great support network for one another….when we’re not drooling over someone else’s amazing Instagram pic.

It’s patriotic, it’s financially rewarding, it’s good for your career and it’s great for your soul. So what is there left to say? Live here this year. Live and work in regional Australia. It’s a move you will never regret and never forget. #liveherethisyear

Edmond Power is the Principal and Founder of Power Hotel People a boutique executive recruitment company focussing on the hotel and tourism sector and specialising in remote and regional Australia.  Edmond has lived and worked in a variety of roles from hotel General Management to Learning and Development in hotels and resorts right across regional and remote Australia in a career that has spanned 22 years.

Are you looking to enhance your career and enjoy the relaxed and unique lifestyle that Australia has to offer? Perhaps your just curious and want to find out more, you can contact Edmond directly on 0422 362 156 or
e-mail Edmond@devilbend.online for a quick and confidential discussion.