It seeks to make tourism and hospitality employers comply to these standards
The New Zealand government has unveiled for consultation its new draft of Better Work Action Plan, which includes a Tourism and Hospitality Accord, that aims to improve the tourism sector in the country.
Developed by industry representatives, the Better Work Action Plan proposes eight actions to address the challenges faced by the tourism workforce. One of these actions is the establishment of the Tourism and Hospitality Accord, which aims to set a series of workforce standards for tourism employers.
"By signing up to the Accord, businesses will send a clear signal that they prioritise their people," read the plan. "People know that by working for those businesses they will receive decent pay, appropriate training, and will enjoy a safe and supportive working environment."
Other proposed actions included the draft Better Work Action Plan are:
- Promoting a purpose-driven, intergenerational mindset
- Enabling better work through innovation and technology
- Building cultural competency
- Embracing the peaks and troughs of tourism demand
- Fit for purpose education and training
- Better tools and resources for business owners and operators
- A public campaign to showcase better work in the industry
The Better Work Action Plan is the first phase of the New Zealand government's Tourism Industry Transformation Plan (ITP), which aims to "transform the tourism sector."
"Our work with the Tourism ITP is to challenge the perception of a career in tourism from being one with low wages, long hours, and uncertainty; to one of aspiration, fulfilment, and with attractive career pathways," said Tourism Minister Stuart Nash in a statement.
"It identifies challenges and sets out actions to overcome them, including improving education and training, providing more resources for business owners and operators, and enabling better work through innovation and technology."
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The Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) said in a statement that they plan to review the plan, adding that they are looking forward to engaging with the government over it.
"TIA will be actively taking part in the consultation process, with the objective of building a more sustainable workforce model for our members and individuals who choose to build their career in tourism," said TIA chief executive Rebecca Ingram in a statement.
The action plan is open for consultation until September 14, 2022, according to the government announcement.