The Royal Borough of Greenwich is a treasure trove of history, boasting a unique maritime legacy and a global presence thanks to the Greenwich meridian. In 2018, the borough saw a record-breaking 19 million visitors from all over the globe. This influx of tourists is a testament to Greenwich’s charm, but it also presents a unique opportunity to foster growth across the entire borough.
Visit Greenwich, the organization dedicated to promoting tourism, understands the importance of sharing the benefits of tourism beyond the immediate attractions. To achieve this, a significant £31.59 million investment has been allocated towards arts and culture in Woolwich, a vibrant district within the borough. This investment, slated for completion by 2020, promises to unlock the area’s potential and attract even more visitors.
A Tale of Two Cities: Tourism and Workforce Challenges
While Greenwich thrives on tourism, the sector faces some serious challenges, particularly concerning the workforce. London’s Employment and Skills Action Plan highlights the need for a robust approach to job creation and skills development, especially within sectors like hospitality that are heavily impacted by immigration policies.
The hospitality industry, a backbone of the tourism experience, struggles to attract and retain talent. This is largely due to the perception that these jobs are not viable, long-term careers. Sadly, this perception leads to high staff turnover, reduced productivity, and increased recruitment and training costs.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that 26% of the workforce in London’s hospitality sector is comprised of EU nationals. With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, many worry about potential skills shortages as a result of EU workers leaving. This situation calls for a comprehensive approach to address these issues and create a more stable and rewarding career path for those working in hospitality.
Building a Brighter Future: Empowering Skills and Collaboration
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is committed to tackling these challenges head-on. Their efforts include utilizing the adult education budget to provide flexible, non-accredited training programs that enhance employability skills. This commitment to upskilling is a critical step towards building a more competitive and responsive workforce.
Furthermore, the council employs a robust planning policy that leverages S106 agreements to secure local recruitment and pre-employment training. This proactive approach ensures that local residents have the opportunity to access jobs within the growing tourism sector.
Greenwich is also leveraging its ownership of key buildings to create unique opportunities for local businesses and residents. By offering below-market lease rates, the council encourages tenants to prioritize visitor attraction, job creation, and training programs. This innovative approach fosters a symbiotic relationship between tourism and local development.
A Collaborative Journey: Partnerships for Success
The council’s commitment to skills development is further strengthened by its partnership with Visit Greenwich. This collaboration aims to bolster employment and skills within the tourism industry, creating a more sustainable and rewarding career path for local residents.
The University of Greenwich and London South East College, both key educational institutions within the borough, play a vital role in building the skills pipeline for the tourism sector. Their commitment to training and development provides the foundation for a thriving and skilled workforce.
By combining strategic investments, proactive policies, and collaborative partnerships, Greenwich is poised to address the challenges facing its tourism and hospitality sector while creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for its residents. The borough’s commitment to skills development, job creation, and sustainability lays the groundwork for a vibrant and thriving tourism economy that benefits everyone.
