Well done to the TEC (Tourism Export Council) for getting behind “Young TEC” (IT 881).  Despite having too many grey hairs to be involved personally the initiative is fantastic.

Having come to be involved in tourism as part of my mid life crisis I can see the real benefits of the formal networking forum.  As we all know tourism at times struggles to be accepted as a “real” career by many of the uninitiated, bodies like Young TEC will help change this misguided perception.

I have been involved as an industry representative on the Governments review of tourism qualifications (TRoQ).  From 150 plus different qualifications the aim is to reduce this dramatically and get some real consistency and relevancy to the courses.  Making them attractive for both students and the employers.

“Young TEC” at a mere $75 membership fee for non TEC members is a bargain.   I urge all operators to get behind this and stump up the $75 to get your 18 – 36 year old staff involved.  We need to invest in this generation so they can take over from my generation and keep me in the lifestyle to which I am not accustomed.

Well done to Loren(Nelson Tasman Toursim), Stephen (AOT) and Lesley Immink for getting behind it