The nation’s peak tourism accommodation body has stepped up its support for online industry and development courses in an effort to help employees get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson told WILLIAMS MEDIA with more than 300 accommodation hotels closing nationwide last month alone, the continued health and well- being of staff who have been stood down through no fault of their own remained a top priority of the Association.

“With a lot of our employees now on JobKeeper, there is a great opportunity to give them purpose through allowing them to do training from their own home," he said.

At a glance:

• Tourism Accommodation Australia is promoting online industry and development courses to assist employees through the Covid-19 pandemic.
• This includes working with TAFE NSW, The Hotel School and William Angliss College on a range of initiatives.
• Courses include the graduate certificate in global hotel leadership run by The Hotel School, which offers a complimentary six-week transition program to assist those returning to learning.

"While we work with different institutions each year, this is the first time we have really focussed on the digital space and given people already within the industry the opportunity to upskill.

“Ours is an industry which prides itself on putting the health and well-being of staff first – that is why TAA is working closely with our partners on online and personal development training courses."

The TAA is working closely with organisations including TAFE NSW, The Hotel School and William Angliss College on a range of initiatives.

Courses include the graduate certificate in global hotel leadership run by The Hotel School, which offers a complimentary six-week transition program to assist those returning to learning.

Mr Johnson said there was a variety of other incentives for those looking to further their development in the industry.

“The Hotel School is also offering special rates for e-learning on Opera, the most common industry-used property management system (PMS)," he said.

“William Angliss is offering reduced rates on their licensee training and advancing licensee training courses to particularly support managers in our venues.

"Working together, we are able to give our many hotel employees and managers some mental support, stimulation and purpose as we await the relaxing of current travel restrictions allowing us to return to doing what we do best.”

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