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Laugardagur, júlí 5, 2025

Network Next Generation Initiative Aims to Solve UK Travel Industry Recruitment Crisis

A new initiative, Network Next Generation, is making waves in the travel industry, aiming to resolve the ongoing recruitment crisis by connecting employers, educators, mentors, and students. Founded by David Clare, the managing director of the Business Travel Network, this initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by younger generations as they begin entering the UK workforce. With a particular focus on Gen Z (born from the mid-1990s to 2010) and Generation Alpha (born 2010 onwards), the initiative hopes to bridge the gap between the aspirations of today’s youth and the travel sector’s growing need for fresh talent.

Upphaflega, Network Next Generation will concentrate on the business travel sector, but its aim is to eventually encompass the entire travel industry, including leisure travel (both inbound and outbound) and domestic markets. The initiative hopes to drive innovation and recruitment in the sector by emphasizing sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, themes that are crucial to the younger workforce’s values.

Fostering Engagement and Understanding

The recruitment challenges faced by the UK travel industry are not new, but they have reached a tipping point in recent years. Clare emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges in a unified manner, noting that the industry is facing a “silent crisis” that could significantly affect its future success if not addressed effectively. He added, “Gen Z and Generation Alpha are different from previous generations entering the workforce—they were born into a digital age, and their views on sustainability, inclusion, and technology use are shaping their approach to careers.”

The initiative will feature a series of events, digital content, and learning experiences designed to break down barriers and foster mutual understanding between employers and future talent. This effort will focus on educating both sides about the opportunities available in the travel sector and the values that matter most to the younger generation. The objective is to highlight the global possibilities and career opportunities available within the industry, from corporate travel to leisure tourism.

Industry Leaders Throw Their Support Behind the Initiative

The official launch of Network Next Generation is scheduled for September, with an industry event in London bringing together senior leaders, changemakers, and future talent from across the travel sector. Many prominent industry figures are already backing the initiative, including Abby Peston, Stofnandi myexec.uk and former CEO of the Focus Travel Partnership, who believes that collaboration is key to the future of the industry.

“I’m proud to support Network Next Generation,” Peston said. “It’s time we take shared responsibility to ensure we’re not only developing future talent but also listening to and learning from them. This isn’t just good for business, it’s essential for survival.”

Á sama hátt, Suzanne Horner, global CEO for Gray Dawes Travel, commented on the importance of supporting the next generation of travel professionals. “I am delighted to support Network Next Generation. This industry has given me 40 amazing years, and I call on all my peers to join us and give back.”

Addressing Gaps in Corporate Travel Education

One key issue raised by industry experts like Mel Phaure, Stofnandi Blue Cube Travel, is the lack of exposure young people have to the corporate travel side of the industry. Many students graduate with a degree in travel and tourism but are unfamiliar with the nuances of corporate travel. Phaure stressed the importance of promoting from within and exposing students to all facets of the travel sector, especially the corporate side, where opportunities are often overlooked.

“Our industry still falls under the radar even at inception, where young people could spend up to five years at college and university studying travel and tourism and still come out not knowing a thing about corporate travel,” she said. “We need to promote from within, and if anyone can do this, Dave can.”

A Bright Future for the Travel Industry

The Network Next Generation initiative comes at a crucial time, with the travel industry seeking to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and build for a more sustainable and inclusive future. By addressing the aspirations, motivations, and cultural differences of younger generations entering the workforce, the initiative hopes to shape the future of travel and tourism.

Clare’s initiative is not just about filling jobs; it’s about creating meaningful, lasting careers in the travel sector. By tapping into the values of today’s youth, the program aims to foster an environment where travel professionals can thrive and make a significant impact on both local and global scales.

For employers, this initiative offers the opportunity to rethink recruitment strategies and engage directly with the younger workforce. For young talent, it’s an opportunity to understand the vast potential the travel industry holds and be part of a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.

With the official launch just around the corner, Network Next Generation looks set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK travel sector, ensuring that it remains competitive, inclusive, and forward-thinking in the years to come.

Source: TravelWeekly.co.uk