Over a hundred high school students in Far North Queensland were recently given a remarkable insight into the workings of the tourism and hospitality industries. The venue? The illustrious Cairns Convention Centre is an epicentre of the area’s tourism industry. This event was part of the highly anticipated Queensland Tourism Industry Roadshow, an initiative launched by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) in 2021.

Over 100 high school students from across Far North Queensland were given an insight into the workings of the tourism and hospitality industries at a recent Queensland Tourism Industry Roadshow at the Cairns Convention Centre.

The primary goal of the roadshow was to reveal the broad spectrum of career opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sector to future industry leaders. The exhibit successfully provided students with a comprehensive view of the industry, presenting a mix of practical learning and expert advice.

Among the highlights of the day were a cooking masterclass led by the Cairns Convention Centre’s Executive Chef David Hart, a mixology masterclass presented by Lyres’ Global Brand Ambassador Jeremy Shipley, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the recently expanded event spaces at the Cairns Convention Centre. These experiences were all engineered to expose students to the diverse opportunities within the industry.

Benjamin Boudaud, Culinary Services Director at the Cairns Convention Centre, lauded the roadshow for its effectiveness in spotlighting the broad range of opportunities in the tourism sector. Boudaud said, “Career roadshows like this are vital as the tourism and business events sector begins to regain momentum.”

Boudaud continued to emphasize attracting fresh talent as the industry rebuilds and recovers. He affirmed the roadshow’s effectiveness in demonstrating the intricate layers of event management, from maintaining client relationships to ensuring optimal operation of audio-visual equipment.

Inspiring the next generation with a career in Tourism

“But, at the end of the day, we are making people happy,” said Boudaud. This sentiment permeated the entire event, evidenced by the laughs and smiles during the mixology course.

QTIC Chief Executive, Brett Fraser, was equally enthusiastic about the event’s potential impact. Fraser emphasized equipping the next generation with the necessary skills to navigate a challenging economic environment. He stated, “Supporting emerging professionals is now more important than ever. Not only does their future depend on it, but so does the future of our industry.”

The Regional Tourism Career Roadshow symbolizes a proactive approach to the workforce challenges currently facing the tourism industry. Through initiatives like these, the tourism and hospitality industry can cultivate a fresh influx of talent and effectively steer towards recovery and continued success.

As the roadshow continues to make waves across Queensland, it is clear that this event is more than just an exhibit. It’s a celebration of the diverse opportunities within the tourism and hospitality industries, a beacon of hope for future professionals, and an inspiration for the next generation of tourism leaders.

The initiative’s ultimate success will be measured by the sparks of interest kindled in these young minds and the resultant workforce ready to take on the future challenges of the tourism industry.

Written by: Jill Walsh

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