#Japan #Tourism #Mie #Persol #Mie Prefecture

Introduction

Persol Works Switch Consulting, part of the Persol Group, has been awarded a project by Mie Prefecture to enhance its tourism sector's human resource strategies for 2026. This initiative aims to foster better recruitment, training, and retention practices within the local tourism industry, an area facing significant workforce challenges.

Background

The tourism industry generally exhibits lower productivity compared to other sectors, exacerbated by a severe shortage of qualified personnel. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, while tourism demand has started recovering, the lack of skilled labor remains critical. Business operators have voiced concerns, stating, “Customers are returning, but we lack staff,” and “New hires tend to leave quickly.” To tackle these issues, Mie Prefecture is responding with specialized expert support and seminar programs aimed at developing sustainable human resource strategies for tourism business operators.

Support Objectives

The core goal of this initiative is not merely to respond to the immediate labor shortage but to transform the management foundation of tourism businesses. Persol Works Switch Consulting believes in enabling these businesses to manage their own recruitment, training, and retention more effectively. This transformation is designed to create a robust and sustainable framework for human resource management.

Services Provided

To support the development of human resource strategies tailored to the needs of Mie Prefecture's tourism businesses, the company will engage professionally trained consultants who can provide personalized support. The upcoming seminars will have a strong focus on established practices that lead to successful employee retention. This includes addressing issues from recruitment to training and ongoing employee development in a cohesive manner.

Key Assistance Areas

• - Expert Dispatch: Mie Prefecture will dispatch industry specialists experienced in both tourism and human resources management to support local businesses.
• - Workshops and Seminars: A series of workshops will be held, including a foundational seminar that covers basic knowledge and strategic thinking, followed by practical work-oriented workshops addressing real-world challenges faced by participants.

Upcoming Initiatives

1. Additional Solicitation: Mie Prefecture is currently inviting applications from local tourism businesses to benefit from free expert dispatch focusing on human resource strategies. This opportunity extends to lodging facilities, tourist attractions, souvenir shops, and experiential businesses as well as DMOs and tourism associations.

2. Webinars and In-Person Seminars: Starting this upcoming July, a free online seminar will share insights into common human resource challenges, recruitment practices, and examples of successful strategies from other businesses. Additionally, a hands-on seminar later in October will provide an environment for participants to discuss specific issues and solutions within the context of their own operations.

3. Networking and Collaboration: The program emphasizes building a community among local tourism businesses to share challenges and solutions, fostering a network of support for sustainable human resource practices.

Target Audience

The support extends to organizations throughout Mie Prefecture, specifically those in the hospitality and tourism sector. By focusing on actionable strategies, the project aims to mitigate workforce shortages and cultivate a thriving tourism environment in Mie.

Conclusion

The collaborative effort between Persol Works Switch Consulting and Mie Prefecture holds the promise of not only alleviating immediate workforce shortages but also laying the groundwork for a resilient tourism sector. As local businesses engage in this transformative journey, they will be better equipped to meet the demands of an evolving industry while enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

For further details and registration for the upcoming seminars, please visit the official Mie Prefecture tourism page.

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For inquiries, please contact:
Mie Prefectural Tourism Division, Tel: 059-224-2830, Email: [email protected]