4 rewarding reasons to study Tourism and Events
Do you enjoy creating distinctive experiences for guests? Love the thrill of organising mega events?
If you do, consider pursuing a career in tourism and events.
Popular with business and leisure travelers, Singapore is well placed for the growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conference, and Events) market.
Our island lies in the confluence of fast-growing markets like China, India and ASEAN. More than 300 airlines fly to 400 cities worldwide from Changi Airport.
Visitor numbers remain strong. For the past two years, tourism receipts and visitor arrivals hit record highs here. Tourism receipts rose by 3.9 per cent to S$26.8 billion in 2017.
Capital investment in Singapore’s tourism industry is expected to rise 4.5% to $20.9 billion in 2018. It will grow by another 5% per annum over the next decade to reach $33.9 billion in 2028. (Source)
Indeed, the forecast looks bright for Singapore to be a leading MICE destination in Asia.
Career opportunities in Tourism and Events
Tourism and Events is a multifaceted discipline. It covers transport, hotels, destination planning and management, ecotourism, and event management.
As a Tourism and Events graduate, you can apply for a variety of positions within the sector. They include
- Tourism Marketing Manager
- Destination Marketing Manager
- Ecotourism Project Manager
- Events Manager
- Sports Entertainment Events Manager
- Regional Tourism Coordinator
Drawn to the diverse and dynamic nature of these roles? Here are 4 good reasons to join the industry.
1. Shortage of talent in the local MICE industry
The MICE sector is a key contributor to Singapore’s economic and social growth. However, it faces a talent crunch.
In an article by Visit Singapore, Kingsmen Creative’s head honcho Benedict Soh shared why it was challenging to grow his company to 1,800-strong in 19 cities.
He said, “The trade show and event business – where we build ‘dreams’ and ‘castles’ within a few days on site – entails our people sacrificing their personal time, working odd hours and often under pressure.”
If working odd hours and occasional weekends do not faze you, the opportunities are certainly available here.
2. More global events held in Singapore
Singapore currently plays host to a number of global events like the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix. It has also ushered in notable business events like the Singapore FinTech Festival and Money20/20 Asia.
Beyond these anchor events, new attractions such as the Michelin Street Food Festival, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Fight Night Singapore, and Digital Light Canvas promise to enliven our tourism scene.
With the addition of the Singapore Sports Hub, the sporting and gaming scene here looks set to heat up too. One example is the inaugural Asean eSports tournament happening later this year.
As Singapore ushers in world-class events, the tourism scene will continue to flourish.
3. Technology to drive further growth
If you love both technology and travel, you are in for a treat.
From online travel agencies and digital concierge services to transport-sharing and local guide booking apps, technology has given the industry a new sheen.
This fits nicely with Singapore Tourism Board’s MICE2020 plan “to give visitors a real taste of Singapore” using technology. (Source)
“Innovation will bring new strategies, tactical plans, products and services to the market, and Singapore will be able to present a unique offer, a business solution, and not just a destination,” said Oscar Cerezales, chief operating officer of MCI Singapore, in an interview with The Business Times.
4. Increasing focus on travel experiences
Many of Singapore’s attractions today integrate MICE facilities with leisure offerings that promise unique experiences beyond the boardroom.
Examples include the S.E.A. Aquarium, River Safari, Gardens by the Bay, and Universal Studios Singapore. Great for team building, these venues provide fun, memorable and meaningful experiences for delegates from abroad.
As a Tourism and Events professional, you can mix business with pleasure! Plus you can ride on the growing global demand for travel experiences.
Kickstart your career in tourism and events with a Degree at Murdoch University
Murdoch University offers the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Events, available in both full-time or part-time arrangements.
Covering practical core modules such as Destination Management, and Festival and Events, you will gain the required expertise to work in the tourism industry.
You will also be equipped with specialist knowledge in managing top-notch destinations and large-scale events.
You can also opt for a double major. An excellent combination is Tourism and Events and Marketing, which will give you an added edge in understanding consumer behaviour.
Another possible double major is Tourism and Events and Web Communication. This programme empowers you to master strategy and design for the web – a highly sought-after skill in today’s digital-first tourism space.
To find out more about the programmes, register for a preview session or request for a prospectus today.