The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) is set to host its first-ever Tourism HR Conference on September 3rd and 5th, 2025, in Jung-gu, Seoul, to address pressing labor shortages and recruitment challenges in Korea’s travel and tourism sector.
As the industry continues to rebound post-pandemic, small tourism businesses are facing difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled workers. The HR Conference will provide actionable strategies to support these enterprises, many of which have fewer than 10 employees and lack dedicated HR resources.
Why This Conference Matters
According to the 2023 Tourism Industry Survey Report, nearly 96.8% of small travel agencies in Korea employ fewer than 10 staff members, and only 19.6% successfully met their hiring goals. Labour shortages not only hinder growth but also impact customer experience in hotels, tour operations, and travel services.
The Tourism HR Conference is designed to:
- Equip businesses with recruitment strategies that align with modern workforce trends.
- Share best practices in employee retention and talent development.
- Help tourism businesses bridge the gap between job seekers and employers.
Key Sessions
- HR Starter – Navigating Recruitment (September 3rd): Practical hiring tips for small agencies without dedicated HR teams.
- HR Master – Retention & Talent Development (September 5th): Strategies to reduce turnover, engage employees, and build sustainable teams.
Why It’s Important for Small Businesses
Labour shortages hit small businesses the hardest. With limited budgets and resources, they struggle to compete with larger organisations. The KTO HR Conference provides affordable, accessible solutions to help these businesses stay competitive.
Future Outlook
By creating a platform for knowledge sharing, the conference is expected to shape the future of workforce development in Korea’s tourism sector. The KTO also aims to foster collaborations between businesses, educational institutions, and government bodies to bridge skill gaps for future generations.
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🔗 Learn more about the official announcement on the KTO Website.
