Industry figures have role to play
Travel buyers and executives should boost the travel industry by helping to create its next generation of talent.
The call comes from the UK and Ireland institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM) which wants its members to contribute to its new Academy project.
The project, launched last year with the University of Brighton (UoB), aims to develop a recognised industry degree.
ITM's Professional Certificate Course has already won an "A" classification from the UK Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC).
But the Institute said today the next stage of the project "requires the input of the industry's great and good."
It wants travel managers or buyers to create case studies on effective procurement and travel and meetings management, contribute to a degree content steering group and offer internships to students taking the ITM approved degree.
Caroline Strachan, ITM's chairman and initiator of the Academy project, said: "Now is the time for buyers and practitioners in this industry to contribute to securing the right people for the future.
"This is a real opportunity to do something big and bold for the industry and I would encourage people to put themselves forward to work with ITM to achieve our goals.
"Whether you are volunteering to contribute to a buyer case study or to put more time in directing content, there's something for any individual or company who wants to give something back."
www.itm.org.uk