Travel recruitment specialist Gail Kenny has told delegates attending the Advantage Travel Partnership’s annual conference that businesses need to work on how they are perceived as an employer if they want to put an end to the staffing shortages that have plagued the sector post-Covid.

To attract new people and retain those already in the industry, companies need to communicate their expectations and goals clearly while creating a healthy work environment and rewarding those employees that go the extra mile.

“It’s not about giving someone a pat on the back, it’s sharing their successes on social media, it’s calling out for people that go above and beyond for your organisation,” she said on Monday (22 May). 

The executive has also told travel companies to be there for employees throughout their whole work cycle, from recruitment to resignation. 

Kenny, who has been in the travel recruitment business for over 20 years, particularly stressed the importance of maintaining a good relationship with people even after they leave.

“When somebody leaves your organisation, you want to keep them as an ambassador, you want them to say great things about you as an employer,” she told delegates in Benidorm. 

The executive then turned to recruitment, urging the industry to widen the talent pool and consider people in other industries as well as those coming from different paths of life – including stay-at-home mums, people with disabilities or unemployed youths. 

“I don’t think we should be overly precious about travel,” she said. “I think there’s definitely a pool of talent waiting to be contacted.”

Kenny’s words come as Advantage has announced a new partnership with apprenticeship provider AS Training. 

As part of the deal, Advantage members will have access to a range of courses, including customer service, travel consultant and team leader courses.