The Future of Work in Travel and Tourism

Date 16 Jan 2026

Time 16:00–17:00

Location Room 730A, Cheng Yu Tung Building, CUHK Business School

Speaker Prof. Haiyan Song
Associate Dean (Research) and Chair Professor
Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism
School of Hotel and Tourism Management
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The global Travel and Tourism sector stands as a formidable economic engine and a major source of employment worldwide. However, beneath this promising growth trajectory lies complex challenges that threaten the sector’s ability to capitalise on its potential. Key issues include severe difficulties in recruiting and retaining talent, evolving employee preferences for flexible arrangements, and the urgent need for technological and sustainability skills. The analysis reveals significant gaps between current proficiencies and future requirements across all job roles, from operational to executive levels. To future-proof the industry, collaborative action among businesses, governments, and educational institutions is advocated. Recommended strategies focus on enhancing the sector’s attractiveness, facilitating career progression, integrating technology, and fostering lifelong learning to build a resilient and skilled travel and tourism workforce.

 

https://www.bschool.cuhk.edu.hk/events/the-future-of-work-in-travel-and-tourism/