Twentytwo13

‘Future’s bright for hotel, tourism industry’

The Covid-19 pandemic had ravaged the tourism and hotel industry across the globe.

As Malaysia transitions into the endemic phase, and with the nation’s borders finally opened in April, those who survived the various lockdowns over the past two years were eager to make up for lost time.

Yet, after two months of being back in business, industry players and hoteliers realise that there were still several hurdles.

The lack of manpower across the service industry has crippled certain sectors.

The hotel and tourism industry has been described as “vulnerable”, following the massive layoffs and closures over the past two years.

The retention of manpower, especially among the younger generation, is also a challenge.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), however, remains optimistic, and stressed that the lessons learnt from the pandemic would help the industry pivot in the future.

UiTM signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Marriott International on Friday to ensure its graduates were able to secure jobs upon graduating.

There are 22 hotels in Malaysia – including St Regis, W Hotel and AC Hotel – in the Marriott International stable.

UiTM lecturer Muhammad Aliff Asyraff, from the Hotel Management and Tourism Faculty, and was directly involved in the MoU event, said the partnership between both parties goes beyond the placement of students.

The signing ceremony was held at Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. It was attended by UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Roziah Janor, and Emma Jones, Area Director of Human Resources (Malaysia, Singapore and Maldives), Marriott International.

“The industry has seen many challenges throughout the pandemic. This partnership will benefit both parties in many ways,” said Aliff.

“For starters, our diploma and degree holders are assured of job opportunities at any of the 22 hotels, once they graduate from UiTM. For the hotels, they are assured of qualified manpower, and this will help them in their operations.”

Aliff added that the arrangement was not restricted to just the students alone.

“Lecturers will also benefit by undergoing refresher courses carried out by the hotel management. This will ensure that the lecturers are up to speed with the real-world demands of the industry and prepare the students accordingly.”

Aliff, who was with Tourism Malaysia before signing up as a lecturer in UiTM in 2020, said he was well aware of the challenges in the tourism and hotel industry.

However, the issue of manpower will continue to plague the sector.

Following the pandemic, parents and students remain cautious of venturing into sectors that are deemed “vulnerable”. They include tourism, hotels, and even sports.

Also, hoteliers seem to favour diploma, instead of degree holders, due to the salary structure. Some hotels are still reeling and are cash-strapped due to the effects of the pandemic.

Aliff acknowledged that such concerns were real, but stressed that UiTM and industry players would do the necessary to correct the situation.

“It’s time we move forward… The future is bright for the tourism and hotel industry. Through this partnership, we hope to show that there’s plenty to look forward to and remain optimistic of the growth, and the present and future prospects of the industry.”