There has never been a better time to start or develop your career in the tourism industry. Since the launching of the Uniquely Singapore brand campaign, tourism has surged. In 2006, we surpassed targeted goals and achieved an impressive 9.7 million visitor arrivals.

The future is bright for those already in the tourism industry or planning to join this hot career field. The increase in visitor arrivals and tourism dollars spent in Singapore means tourism workers can expect new jobs, more job opportunities, careers with competitive pay, job security, and new and exciting training opportunities.

::: Exciting New Developments.

Today's strong outlook in Singapore's tourism industry is driven by new developments being planned for Singapore. By 2010, we will have two integrated resorts, the Singapore Flyer for tourists to savour panoramic views of Singapore, a theme park built by Universal Studios, an oceanarium, and many other attractions to attract and delight visitors. In addition, Singapore will be hosting the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix from 2008.

Aside from creating new developments, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is also rejuvenating existing tourist shopping belts and tourist destinations like Clarke Quay, Orchard Road, Marina Bay and Sentosa, Buskers, bazaars, sidewalk cafes and new shopping experiences that have made Orchard Road more vibrant. St James Power Station and Vivocity have also added new dimensions to local entertainment and shopping. At Clarke Quay, riverside dining and pubbing have been given new life with funky, avant-garde architecture, and 24-hour entertainment licences.

To top it off, Singapore is encouraging innovative concepts which revitalise its nightlife and entertainment scene. Two examples are Rochester Park and Tanglin Village, which are refreshing destinations for tourists. Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Singapore, they offer visitors appealing wining and dining options amidst natural, tropical surroundings.

::: New and Interesting Jobs.

These developments could potentially bring about fresh job opportunities and career options into the tourism sector. Such new career options could range from interesting careers in the integrated resorts, such as casino operation positions, or new jobs related to the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, to the running of the largest observation wheel at the Singapore Flyer. Job seekers searching for something different and interesting to do in Singapore could have many new possibilities to explore in the near future.

::: Refreshing Existing Jobs.

Existing jobs at hotels, restaurants, MICE organisations and travel companies are being transformed by the current rejuvenation of Singapore's tourism industry. Concierges at hotels and tour consultants are challenged to keep up with the latest dining, shopping, and entertainment options to recommend to visitors. Retail personnel are learning how to "go the extra mile" to win loyal customers and ring up more sales. Everyday offers something new for those in the tourism industry.

A national initiative called "Job Re-creation Programme" has been launched to make jobs more attractive for Singapore's locals. Employers are urged to re-create jobs in ways that will enhance job worth, improve working conditions, job prospects, and the overall image of jobs. The objective is to produce an increase in job productivity and quality that justifies a meaningful increase in workers' pay, which in turn will attract more locals to take up the jobs.

::: Higher Demand for Tourism Workers.

Businesses behind these new developments are looking for dedicated and qualified employees - that is, people just like you - to fill the many positions that will be created. Other tourism businesses cashing in on these new developments are also recruiting aggressively. Already, the shortage of tourism workers can be felt in the industry.

Wherever you turn, you will find a tourism employer ready to recruit and reward potential employees. In terms of manpower, the two integrated resorts combined are expected to create some 50,000 to 60,000 jobs throughout the economy when both are fully operational. About 20,000 workers are expected to be directly employed by the integrated resorts.

::: World-Class Training Opportunities.

Behind some of the new developments are world-renowned brand names such as Las Vegas Sands and St Regis Hotel. These provide employees with a more international outlook and with training programmes aimed at enabling employees to deliver against the demanding standards of excellence expected of international establishments. Under their stewardship, you will pick up invaluable communication, service, as well as valuable decision-making and problem-solving skills.

::: Greater Variety for Jobseekers.

Employers, too, are being challenged to change and innovate. In meeting these challenges, they are finding new ways to recruit, reward, retain, and motivate employees - all of which leads to a greater variety of jobs, opportunities, benefits, perks, and opportunities for job seekers.

::: Continuous Training Opportunities.

Employers are now investing more time in both training and re-training workers to meet the demands of transformed jobs. Tour agencies and operators, hotels, restaurants, event organisers, exhibition companies and attractions are participating in nationwide training efforts spearheaded by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

WDA is working with Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS) who has achieved WSQ accreditation as a WSQ Quality Provider to conduct WSQ training for Tour & Travel Services and Attractions Sectors.

Click here to find out more about the WSQ Tourism Framework

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has an incentive scheme, named the Training Professionals in Tourism (TIP-iT), created to support companies in their manpower development through the acquisition and application of specialised skills and new capabilities.

This matters because with such structured training programmes in place, you will always have the opportunity to better yourself, obtain recognised certification, and advance your career within the industry.

For more information on Tourism Career, do visit www.tourismcareers.sg

::: Submit your resume here if you are interested to find out how TMIS can help train & place you a tourism career via WDA funded WSQ programmes

::: Submit jobs on offer if you have a job to offer