Travel professionals are increasingly being recruited into technology, corporate and people management roles as employers recognise the industry’s highly transferable skills, according to the Australian Travel Careers Council (ATCC).
The organisation has made a formal submission to the NSW Department of Education through the NSW Industry Training Advisory Body, arguing that travel professionals possess technical, operational and risk management capabilities that are valuable across multiple sectors.
Industry skills extend beyond travel
The submission identifies seven core competency areas developed through careers in travel, including digital literacy, commercial acumen, risk management, customer engagement, leadership and cultural awareness.
ATCC said the industry’s adaptability was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many travel professionals transitioned into corporate operations, enterprise risk management, technology implementation, human resources and client relationship roles.
Workforce mobility in focus
ATCC CEO Rick Myatt said the organisation was encouraging governments and employers to view travel qualifications through a broader workforce lens.
“Our mission has always been to inspire and guide professionals into rewarding careers, but the modern market demands that we look at qualifications through a cross-sector lens,” Myatt said.
“Travel professionals are uniquely equipped with deep structural competencies, exceptional crisis-counselling capabilities, and the emotional intelligence required to lead teams through high-stakes environments—making them an invaluable asset to corporate HR and digital sectors alike.”
Myatt, who has also been appointed to the judging panel for the 2026 NSW Business Awards, said the businesses performing best were increasingly seeking adaptable and resilient employees with strong people skills.
The ATCC said it would continue working with government and industry partners to improve recognition of the travel sector’s transferable skills and support workforce mobility across the broader economy.
