Increase in Tourism in Malaysia and the World means more Jobs for Tourism Graduates

The World is getting smaller! The United Nations World Tourist Organisation’s Tourism 2020 Vision forecasts that international

arrivals are expected to reach nearly 1.6 billion by the year 2020. East Asia and the Pacific, Asia, the Middle East and Africa are forecasted to record growth at rates of over 5% year, compared to the world average of 4.1%.

International tourist arrivals grew by over 4% in 2011 to 980 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. With growth expected to continue in 2012, at a somewhat slower rate, international tourist arrivals are on track to reach the milestone one billion mark later this year. International tourist arrivals grew by 4.4% in 2011 to a total 980 million, up from 939 million in 2010.

“International tourism hit new records in 2011 despite the challenging conditions,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “For a sector directly responsible for 5% of the world’s GDP, 6% of total exports and employing one out of every 12 people in advanced and emerging economies alike these results are encouraging, coming as they do at a time in which we urgently need levers to stimulate growth and job creation,” he added.

Therefore, there is a demand for graduates in hotel management, hospitality management and or tourism management courses.

Please fill up the form for more information. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Please make sure you give a correct email address and check your email including the SPAM or JUNK email folder within 48 hours as we will email you the information. 

Increase in Malaysian tourism industry therefore more jobs available for Hotel Management & Tourism Management graduates

As the fifth largest industry and one of the fastest growing sectors in the country, the Tourism NKEAs would focus on

increasing tourist arrivals and growing yield in terms of receipts. Requiring a funding of RM 204 billion, the Tourism EPPs & BOs been developed across five themes to deliver significant results within a 10-year timeframe.

The governments plans to ensure an adequate supply of hotels with a better mix and rates. An estimated additional 7500 tour operators and guides would be needed. Malaysia plans to achieve 3 times growth in the following areas by 2020

• Affordable luxury
• Family Fun
• Events
• Entertainment
• Spa & Sports
• Business tourism
• Nature Adventure

In 2010, Malaysia registered 24,577,196 tourist arrivals which was an increase of 3.9% as compared to year 2009, making Malaysia as one of the top 10 tourist destinations. Tourism has become a key revenue generator to the Malaysian economy. A record of MYR 56.5 billion in tourist receipts was generated in 2010; a growth of 5.8% as compared to MYR 53.4 billion in 2009.

The Malaysian government is aggressively promoting Malaysia as a tourist destination. With ever increasing tourist arrivals and increased disposable incomes of Malaysians, the tourism industry is on the rise. According to the World Tourism and Travel Council in the “The 2007 Travel & Tourism Economic Research” report:

• Worldwide in 2007 Travel & Tourism is expected to post US$7,060.3 bn of economic activity (Total Demand), growing to US$13,231.6 bn by 2017.
• World T&T Economy employment is estimated at 231.2 million jobs in 2007, 8.3% of total employment, or 1 in every 12.0

  

  jobs.

• The 76.1 million T&T Industry jobs account for 2.7% of total employment in 2007 and are forecast to total 86.6 million or 2.8% of the total by 2017.
• Malaysia’s Travel & Tourism Economy (direct and indirect impact) in 2007 is expected to account for 13.3% of GDP and 1217000 jobs (11.4% of total employment).
• Malaysia’s Travel & Tourism is expected to grow 4.5% in 2007 and by 6.6% per annum, in real terms, between 2008 and 2017.”

The number of Malaysians travelling outbound has been increasing in the recent years proving that the demand for international tourism has great potential.

Malaysia has a lot of tourism resources, beautiful natural landscapes as well as culture and multi-ethnic customs that has attracted tourists the world over. Collaborations between the private sector and the government saw many efforts in restoration and maintenance of tourist destinations.

The many effective promotional campaigns has placed the tourism industry as one of the fastest moving industries. This has

resulted in the growth of businesses directly and indirectly related to the tourism industry such as hotels, tour agencies, air travel, buses, restaurants, shopping malls, spas, and more.

With the increased growth of these businesses, there is a demand for well trained professionals in hospitality, culinary and tourism.

Some of the jobs openings include administrative jobs such as front office assistants, hotel supervisors and managers, food and beverage managers, chefs, culinary services, hotel maintenance and marketing.

Study Tourism & Hospitality in Malaysia at the Best Universities and Colleges

Your hotel & tourism qualification is a passport to an international career or an exciting career locally.

Students have to choose colleges or universities in Malaysia that would be able to provide them the necessary skills and knowledge supported by good facilities.

Students with 3 credits in SPM or 3Bs in UEC can go through the Diploma for 2.5 years before entering into the degree at Year 2 for another 2 years. If you have 5 credits in SPM or 4Bs in UEC, you can take the Foundation for 1 year and then go into the degree for 3 years. UEC students with 5Bs can enter directly into Year 1 of the degree programme.

Students with 1-2 credits in SPM or UEC can take a Certificate course for 1 year before going into the diploma in hotel management or hospitality management.

Some of the best colleges and universities in Malaysia for hospitality and tourism courses are YTL International College of Hotel Management, KDU College Penang, Reliance College, KBU International College, UCSI University, KDU University College, Nilai University and UCSI University Sarawak. Students can also consider studying in Singapore at MDIS Singapore.

Who should work in the tourism industry

Hospitality business is a service-oriented sector therefore well trained staff are regarded as an important asset to hotel and other companies in the hospitality business. To fill vacancies, hotels and other businesses look for graduates with relevant academic qualification from a good university and are able to communicate well in English.

For students who love to travel, explore new cultures, a love for history, like to talk or help people, and outgoing – a career in tourism is the answer! These people are natural leaders, love to organize events, able to solve problems quickly, highly energized, adventurous, creative, multi-taskers, possess communications skills and a love to help people have fun. This is a job without boundaries and the world is your office.

Career opportunities in the Hotel & Tourism Industry in Malaysia

There are many jobs out there that you can work in the tourism & hospitality industry. Many graduates work for travel and

tourism related companies such as:

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Retail
• Transportation
• Travel agencies
• Tour companies
• Tourist attractions
• Leisure, recreation and sport

You can work in marketing, public relations, front desk, concierge, Food & Beverage Manager, for hotels or in theme parks like Sunway Lagoon or Genting. You can work in sales or marketing in retail in shopping malls or as a tour guide taking groups to Pulau Redang or Gunung Kinabalu.

Tourism Industry – Tourism, Sports & Entertainment: Theme Parks, Golf Clubs, Equestrian Clubs, Casinos, Sports Clubs

• Travel Consultant
• Travel Agency Manager
• Tour Operator
• Travel Itineraries Design Specialist
• Owner of a travel agency