Mr Enda Larkin

Innovative HR Seminar

The first of a series of Innovation Seminars was received well by managerial personnel in the tourism industry.

The seminar “Creative Thinking to Address HR Challenges in Tourism” held on Thursday 25th September, served as a platform where information was exchanged and insight provided into the use of creative thinking to tackle HR challenges currently being faced by the local tourism and hospitality operators.

Ms Marie Louise Agius, Head of Diversity, Learning & Development, HSBC Malta presented a company specific case study on how HSBC have implemented a Diversity Policy and the benefits which may arise through the implementation of such a policy.

Key note speaker, Mr. Enda Larkin, author of ‘Ready to Lead? Prepare to think and act like a successful leader’ emphasised the importance of employee engagement which is emerging as one of the greatest challenges facing owners and managers in our industry today. It was highlighted that in order to engage with employees, managers must address them consistently over the long term in order to see lasting results.

Enda stressed that “In the challenging times now facing our industry, the need for engaged employees has never been greater. It is not easy to engage your employees but the rewards make the effort worthwhile”

This interactive seminar allowed participants to explore the principals of employee engagement as well as share common experiences. The conference ended with an open forum which allowed participants to analyse how the best practices could be used in their companies and discuss the challenge of employee engagement with Mr. Larkin and Ms. Agius.

The other two seminars include;

Creative Thinking to Develop Innovative Products in Tourism

planned for 29th October 2008

Marketing tourism products and services creatively

being planned for 27th November 2008

For further information on these seminars, kindly contact the Industry HR Development Unit on 22915124 or email training@visitmalta.com

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The Industry Human Resources Development Unit within the MTA is responsible for the development of national human resource development initiatives for the tourism industry. This is done through promoting a service culture within the industry thereby raising service standards; through building a strong liaison with employment, education and training institutions on actions required for the industry; and through the implementation of EU funded projects relating to human resources development.