International Journal of Tourism Research · 2001 · 94 citations · 0 references
ManagementHospitality ManagementTourism ManagementHospitality MarketingSmall Business ManagementTourismHospitality OperationsTalent DevelopmentTourism MarketingMarketing For Small FirmsSmall-scale Tourism Enterprises
The Australian tourism and hospitality sector is dominated by small businesses, making it difficult for training providers to accurately assess industry-wide needs and deliver tailored programs. In 1996, Tourism Training Victoria surveyed operators’ training needs, finding that cost, inflexibility of hours, and delivery location impede further education. The survey revealed a shortage of skilled staff and owner‑managers lacking management training, who acknowledge their need for additional education, particularly in marketing and business. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abstract The Australian tourism and hospitality industry consists of at least 80% small business operators scattered over a wide range of urban and rural environments, consequently it has not been easy for training providers to assess accurately the needs of the industry as a whole and provide specialised programmes. During 1996, Tourism Training Victoria conducted a survey of training needs of tourism and hospitality operators. Results indicate that there is a shortage of skilled staff and owner‐managers with little management training or qualifications, who nonetheless recognise their shortcomings and needs for further education and training, particularly in the marketing and business areas. Barriers to further training include the cost of training and inflexibility of hours and place of delivery. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.