As inbound visitor numbers to New Zealand climb back to  86 % of pre‑COVID levels  (3.35 m arrivals to Feb 2025, Tourism New Zealand), discover how on-the-job training can give your tourism business a competitive edge. 

Tourism is New Zealand's second-largest export earner, contributing approximately $28.7 billion annually – around 7.5 per cent of the nation's GDP. From the smallest coffee shop to large 300-room hotels and our globally recognised major tourist attractions, success for owners and their teams depends on providing a world-class visitor experience through memorable customer service to ensure repeat custom, great reviews, and more visitors. 

At ServiceIQ, we believe this starts with development and training for the highly qualified, highly engaged and motivated 300,00-plus people directly and indirectly employed in tourism (Tourism Industry Aotearoa) – and those seeking a new career in this exciting sector.

In a previous blog, ServiceIQ explained how flexible training can easily be integrated into any hospitality business. With tourism and hospitality so intertwined, now is also the time to invest in the benefits of rebuilding and retaining tourism teams with on-the-job practical training. 

The most effective practical training centres on delivering in real-world situations – hands-on experiences with supervised practice, which develop an employee's skills right in the workplace. Did you know that 68% of employees prefer to learn and train at work (Research.com) as it provides immediate practical know-how while boosting confidence and job satisfaction?

Many employers don’t know where to begin when it comes to training their teams, which is why ServiceIQ offers nationally recognised, task-based courses delivered almost entirely in the workplace. Participants learn and earn at their own pace, alongside their team leader and online, keeping the roster running at full strength. 

This type of training also addresses the concern that training is disruptive and unrelated to the business's needs. It’s relevant, provides employees with a qualification, and is flexible – meeting the needs of the 85% of employees who want to choose training times that fit their schedule (HR Drive). 

There's a longstanding appeal in working in the tourism sector. It offers diverse opportunities, career growth, and potential for travel. However, like any industry, it comes with its challenges. The tourism business that offers clearly defined career pathways and improved access to opportunities for professional development and upskilling will be more attractive to current and future employees than the one that doesn’t.

How does practical training help employers? It enables businesses to cultivate the culture and values that will propel them forward. For example, high employee retention increases morale and positivity, reduces turnover, and demonstrates to employees and customers that their employers are genuinely invested in their success.

Effective training programmes also help the bottom line, boosting employee productivity by 37%, according to the IBM Training Study/BuildEmpire. Additionally, some studies suggest that training can even lead to higher profit margins. When skills are improved, workers become more efficient in their tasks and display smarter problem-solving and better decision-making skills. Moreover, employees are keen to learn – 59.7% of tourism workers seek further training and development in their roles, according to a 2024 Hospitality and Tourism Employment Report from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. 

The global impact of Covid created a raft of opportunities for employers to tap into a previously inaccessible deep pool of highly skilled, highly experienced employees with unique skills looking for a career change. With a new generation of younger workers also entering the job market, now is a great time to combine the diverse talents of your workforce, fill knowledge gaps and create the ultimate dream team. 

Start developing a team that gives every visitor a five-star experience and make today the day you grow your people and grow your business with affordable on-the-job tourism training for your employees. ServiceIQ, the workplace training specialist for the hospitality, retail, tourism, aviation, travel, and museums sectors, New Zealand wide.