More than 600 Filipino students and educators have completed a tourism career-readiness program aimed at helping young people prepare for work in the hospitality and travel sectors.
The first year of the Trailblazers in Tourism Programme was implemented with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation, reaching students mainly in Metro Manila through university-based sessions and online activities.
The initiative focused on practical workplace skills, including job readiness, professional confidence, collaboration, sustainability, and strategies for securing employment.
The program was first held in April at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, where 172 students and 32 educators joined skills workshops, a career-readiness talk, and a teacher training session.
One of the learning tools introduced during the rollout was Success360, a board game designed to help students develop professional skills through interactive and team-based activities.
In May, the program moved to Taguig City University, where nearly 300 students from tourism, hospitality, and business management programs participated.
The sessions focused on preparing students for the transition from school to work, including how to apply for jobs, adjust to workplace expectations, and build long-term career foundations.
A separate virtual session also connected more than 100 students and educators nationwide, covering professional development, sustainability, and job-search strategies.
Sixteen industry volunteers also served as mentors and facilitators, sharing workplace insights with students and helping connect classroom learning with actual industry practice.
The program concluded on May 16, 2026, at a visa application center in Parañaque City, where participants met company representatives and discussed how academic training can better match the demands of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Atul Lall, regional head for North Asia of VFS Global, said tourism remains an important part of the Philippine economy and that young workers need practical skills to meet the sector’s changing requirements.
“We believe in creating real, lasting impact through meaningful partnerships. Tourism is a vital driver of the Philippine economy, and we feel honoured to contribute to its growth,” Lall said.
Mahesh Krishnamurthy, director of projects at ASSIST, said closer links between schools and industry can help prepare students for employment.
“True leadership isn’t just about guiding the next generation; it’s about building the bridge between education and industry,” Krishnamurthy said.
He said equipping students with confidence and workplace tools can help build a more future-ready workforce.