Staffing issues will strain tourism sector

China is expected to move from being the world's fourth-largest to second-largest tourist destination within 10 years but the tourism sector will come under pressure due to a lack of qualified staff. Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) told the Financial Times that he expected tourism in China to generate more than US$384 billion this year, up from US$353.7 billion in 2006. But, growing at an average of 8.7% a year, the country's tourism sector will struggle to recruit, and then retain, quality workers. Immature service-oriented businesses, with many workers insufficiently trained or lacking professionalism, is frequently cited as one of China's weaknesses. A WTTC report suggested improving staff retention by introducing measures such as paid holidays.