Skills Gaps in the Tourism Industry in Malawi A Presentation at the National tourism conference, capital hotel, lilongwe By Zandivuta kankhuni Faculty of tourism and hospitality management Mzuzu university 6th april, 2017

Contents Impediments to Tourism Growth Skills Gaps in the Tourism Sector in Malawi Tourism Value Chain Implication of Value Chain on Skills Gaps Recommendations

Impediments to Tourism Growth in Malawi Inherent challenges for the Tourism industry in Malawi Lack of strategic approach (harmonisation of policies) resulting from a highly fragmented public sector Inadequate supportive Infrastructural development Inadequate human capital – Skills Gaps Awareness

Background Objective: Explore skills development as an important vehicle for enhancing the competitiveness of the tourism industry.

Skills Gaps in the Tourism Industry in Malawi – Value Chain Steina, n.d.

Skills Gaps in the Tourism Industry in Malawi – Value Chain High level Skills Gaps common along entire value chain Communication & interpersonal skills Customer service Tourism Marketing Leadership and managerial skills Entrepreneurial ICT skills Source: Tourism Skills Gaps Survey by IPRSE on behalf of Mzuzu University (2016)

Skills Gaps in the Tourism Industry in Malawi – Value Chain Operational Level skills gaps Hospitality sector (Accommodation, Food and Beverages) – chefs, reservation staff, f & b managers, waiters/waitresses, etc. Tourism (Transport; and Travel Services and Attractions) - professional guides and attraction managers Direct retail to tourists – craftsmen

Skills Gaps in the Sector: the Context SMEs make up the majority of the economic operators in the industry. Limited time/financial/human resources Running a tourism business seen as a "lifestyle choice" rather than as a "profession“. Reliance on "learning by doing". Ironically, training is very crucial for SME employees due to wider spans of control. Why bother? ‘’High-quality client service, provided by adequately skilled staff, is the key precondition for survival and competitiveness’’

Skills Gaps in the Tourism Industry in Malawi – Issues to Note General Issues Very few individuals on professional ladders in both public & private sector have appropriate tourism related training. Absence of coherent national tourism strategic training plans that provide forecast projections for key institutions along the value chain Tourism industry not attractive to high level talent (tourism not a career of choice). ICT, finance, sciences more attractive.

Skills Gaps in the Tourism Industry in Malawi – Education & training Institutions Type of Programs Examining Bodies Remarks 4-year Degree Level Mzuzu University BIU BSc(Tourism) & BSc(Hospitality) Programs accredited by NCHE 3-year Diploma Level MIT(Local) Diploma in Hospitality Mgt Diploma in Travel & Tourism Programs approved by Govt Certificate Level TEVETA (Local)

Skills Gaps in the Tourism Industry in Malawi – Education & training Institutions Type of Programs Examining Bodies Remarks Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality ABE(UK) No practical component Single Subject Diplomas ICM(UK) Single subject Certification - City & Guilds (UK) Limited practicals but ill equipped offering institutions

Skills Gaps in the Tourism Industry in Malawi – Education & training Institutions Bulk of workforce trained in institutions offering foreign certification but without practical component and limited teaching & learning resources. No regulatory framework to monitor quality of candidates admitted for training as well as monitoring delivery of training. Type of training may not be relevant to our industry needs. No basis for ascertaining level of certification with corresponding skills & competences.

Addressing the Skills Gaps: Way forward - Industry Any level of service that a destination (or individual establishments) attains is squarely proportional to the total value invested in the training process. (World Bank, 2015) Attempt to match skills to the ever changing labour market Stakeholder deliberate effort in recruiting appropriately trained staff (enhanced by licensing for some professions + incentives). Regular refresher courses to ensure staff skills are relevant Invest in a national sector-related research capacity (forecast growth trends and HR needs)

Addressing the Skills Gaps: Way forward – Educational Institutions Developing sector-related research capacity in the academia. Senior level training tackling research, policy and strategic decision making (advanced training/executive development programmes). Specialist training to speak to the multi-sectoral needs of the industry. Establishment of a national qualifications framework to monitor & harmonise certifications. Expanding access to tertiary level sector trainings through alternative delivery modes.

Addressing the Skills Gaps: Way forward – Proposed Model for Educational Institutions All programs should have an appreciable mix of theory & vocational component. Training institutions should have adequate facilities that will allow a conducive learning environment. Training institution must have appropriately qualified trainers. Inherent focus on vocational training – practicum & internship.

Thank you!