Insider Special Edition 2015 | Page 89

Figure 1: The Actions falling within the three pillars upon which the Strategic Plan is based. 6. Strategic Plan Human resources will remain the backbone of the hospitality sector. The tourism industry should never underestimate the importance of the human resource element, even though in this day and age technology is taking over from what up to recently was carried out by humans. No matter how good our technology may be, technology can never replace the human touch and we need to nurture the personalised service concept. Measure: systematically collect comprehensive tourism employment statistics which need to be shared with every stakeholder in the industry; Plan: develop plans for attracting, developing and retaining the most talented labour force in the industry, thus encompassing all aspects of the employee spectrum; Act: related to the implementation phase of the plan, the execution of the various programs, and the decision making process for moving forward. In addition to the workforce profile and the field research undertaken, an analysis of best global practices regarding human resources development in the hospitality industry was also conducted. The findings led to a proposed action plan for attracting and retaining a skilful workforce in the hotels and restaurants sector. The plan is based on three fundamental pillars, each one including specific actions and role accountability: INSIDER SPECIAL EDITION 87