Tourism Leader Calls for Industry Shift to Integrate Young Professionals
Berlin – A leading figure in the German tourism sector is urging a fundamental change in how the industry engages with and recruits young talent, arguing current event structures often segregate rather than integrate emerging professionals. Bastian Zirpel, a travel destination manager, advocates for a move away from events exclusively targeting young people and toward broader industry gatherings were they can build networks and gain real-world experience.
The concern stems from a perceived disconnect between training initiatives and practical industry immersion. Zirpel proposes a “training driver’s license” concept,shifting training from a mandated obligation to a pursuit driven by genuine interest. This comes as the tourism industry faces ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining younger workers, potentially impacting its future innovation and growth. The issue is notably pressing given the industry’s reliance on personal connections and a dynamic, people-focused approach.
Zirpel believes employers should empower young professionals with challenging tasks, particularly in areas like social media, fostering a sense of ownership and value. He acknowledges the role of webinars in ongoing training but stresses they cannot replace the benefits of face-to-face interaction. “The industry is a people’s business,” Zirpel stated,advocating for shorter,more interactive events designed to appeal to a younger demographic.
In a recent LinkedIn post,Zirpel questioned the effectiveness of solely focusing on youth-specific events,asking weather the goal is to isolate young professionals or integrate them into the core industry. He supports a balance of mixed-generation events alongside those specifically for young people, believing exposure to the industry’s vibrancy is key to inspiring the next generation. “If they can experience how lively and inspiring this industry is,” Zirpel said, “that’s how we inspire young talent.”
Sabine Schreiber-Berger reported this story.
