Workforce Development Programs
From classrooms to careers — learn how Mesa is building a skilled tourism workforce.
Not only is talent attracted to high amenity destinations, but our stakeholder consultations have shown how successful destination organizations contribute to the destination’s talent pool both inside and outside of the travel and tourism industry through workforce development programs, hence up-skilling the workforce.
Student Tourism Exploration Program
An excellent example is the Student Tourism Exploration Program funded by the Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion offered in Mesa, Arizona. This program works on building the future hospitality pipeline by introducing students from high schools to career opportunities within the industry through hands-on projects, experiential site visits, activities, and guest speakers.
The program emphasizes professional demeanor, networking, and leadership so while the program aims to build the talent pipeline in hospitality, the soft skills that the students acquire through the program benefit them throughout their careers even if they transition to other industries.
Mesa Master Class Series
Another example from Mesa is the Mesa Master Class Series designed to bring together Visit Mesa partners, Arizona State University faculty and students, Mesa residents, and visitors to provide an interactive and educational experience on a variety of topics.
For example, one master class brought together the Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion, one of the “Fresh Foodie Trail” stops (Freeman Farms), a Visit Mesa partner (Board and Brush), visitors/residents, and Arizona State University for a creative painting experience. The master class brought together the art of board painting and the fascinating world of bees. Participants created stunning wooden signs while learning about the importance of bees in the Mesa ecosystem. Not only was this an educational experience, but part of the proceeds went to benefit the Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion.
The Destination Effect is a joint initiative by Destinations International and Tempest. To share your destination's success story, please email join@destinationeffect.com.
