Singapore’s tourism is recovering strongly, with visitor arrivals reaching 12.4 million in 2024, a significant increase from the pandemic lows that is in line with increasing global flight connectivity and capacity, and growth in international travel demand.
Singapore, with its high degree of internationalisation, well developed infrastructure, world-class facilities and business friendly environment, is a solid choice for organisers of MICE events. The Singapore Tourism Board’s global campaign to position Singapore as the “World’s Best MICE City” further cements the city as a destination of choice for event organisers.
The hospitality, tourism and MICE industry is showing a robust recovery post pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, hotels in Singapore took the opportunity to reposition themselves for the future, most notably by improving manpower productivity and upskilling their current workforce and learning the use of automation. The industry is expected to be buoyant, with trends such as automation, digitalisation and data analytics driving the creation of higher-value job opportunities.
As more players in the MICE sector recognise the importance of building digital capabilities, Singapore’s MICE industry will evolve to offer more hybrid events that combine physical conferences with an online audience. This will allow local MICE professionals to tap on a broader global market. It will also lead to an increased demand for talents with digital skills in areas such as livestreaming and cybersecurity.
TYPICAL ROLES FOR FRESH GRADUATES
Hotel Operations
- Front Office Agents/Executives
- Guest Services Agents/Executives
- Housekeeping Staff
F&B Services
- Restaurant Servers
- Bartenders
- Kitchen Staff
Travel Agencies
- Travel Consultants/Agents
- Customer Service Officers
Event Management
- Event Assistants
- Operations Support Staff
Sales and Marketing
- Marketing Executives
- Sales Executives
Management Trainee Programs
- Management Associate or Trainee
Customer Service
- Customer Service Representatives
- Guest Relations Officers/Executives
CAREER PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
As a fresh graduate looking to enter the hospitality, tourism and MICE industry, it is essential to keep an open mind and embrace trends. This will help you adapt to current industry needs. Career progression is likely as hotels, event management companies and tourist attractions continually upgrade their workforce to cultivate agility and nimbleness among their employees.
Roles in change management, revenue management, customer engagement, data analytics and digital marketing are exciting options for those in the hospitality, tourism and MICE industry. Adaptable individuals who can work across various job functions are particularly prized in the industry. Additionally, human resource professionals with experience in talent and change management will also be in demand as job redesign becomes more pervasive in the industry.
The MICE industry is stepping up its efforts in creating hybrid events. Digital events managers – individuals with both event management and digital skills will be in high demand as a result.
RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
- Degree in hospitality management, tourism, or business administration or related disciplines like business, marketing, or communications
- Passion for travel and service, with an interest in building a career in the sector
- Strong communication, interpersonal and persuasion skills
- Resourcefulness and agility, with the ability to learn quickly on the job
- Problem-solving skills
- Organisational and time management skills
- Cultural awareness
- Technical skills management software, reservation systems and basic accounting can be advantageous
WHAT RECRUITERS LOOK FOR
- Digital literacy coupled with the ability to embrace and learn new technologies
- Familiarity with travel, business and consumer trends
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Resourcefulness and ability to work under pressure and manage complexity
- Great personality and service orientated
- Strong work ethics
- Adaptability and flexibility