Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) has received formal approval and funding to commence a national update of key tourism, travel and guiding qualifications, including the Certificate III in Travel, the Certificate III in Tourism and the Certificate III in Guiding. This update of the Travel and Tourism Qualifications (SIT30125, SIT30222, SIT30322) is in response to strong industry feedback and significant changes across the tourism, travel and guiding sectors.

As the Jobs and Skills Council responsible for custodianship of the SIT Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package, SaCSA is authorised by Skills Ministers to lead training product development and qualification reviews.  This project will be undertaken in line with the national Training Package Organising Framework (TPOF).

The update will focus on ensuring the qualifications are fit for purpose, reflect current and emerging industry needs, and support clear workforce and career pathways across the tourism, travel and guiding sectors.

SaCSA Chief Executive Officer Natalie Turmine said this update is a critical step in ensuring entry-level training keeps pace with how the industry now operates.

“Tourism, travel and guiding roles have changed dramatically, but the core qualifications that introduce people to these careers have not evolved at the same pace,” Natalie said.

“Industry has been clear that some Certificate III training products no longer fully reflect current workplace practice or the fundamental skills employers require. This review is about strengthening these entry-level qualifications so they are relevant, flexible and fit for purpose for employers and learners.”

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), the peak industry body for the travel sectors says this project reflects a shared commitment across the sector to ensure foundational qualifications align with contemporary industry practice.

“Through its role on SaCSA’s Strategic Workforce Advisory Group, ATIA has been driving the case for a full review of travel qualifications, and it’s encouraging to see this work underway”, ATIA CEO, Dean Long said.

“Members have been clear that the current Certificate III in Travel doesn’t fully reflect the skills and capabilities needed in today’s travel industry. This is the moment to lift the standard and ensure graduates are genuinely job-ready. ATIA will continue playing a hands-on role in shaping the outcome so the updated qualifications reflect real industry practice and deliver the skills employers need.”

In recent years, the tourism, travel and guiding sectors have undergone major transformation driven by digital technology, changing visitor expectations, new business models and workforce disruption. Industry and training providers have consistently raised concerns that existing qualifications no longer fully reflect contemporary job roles or skills requirements.

 SaCSA will engage widely with employers, peak bodies, industry representatives, unions, registered training organisations and other stakeholders to inform the review and ensure the updated qualifications are fit for purpose and industry endorsed.

The project forms part of SaCSA’s broader commitment to work with industry in modernising training products, strengthening workforce pathways and supporting a resilient, future-ready tourism and travel workforce.

Visit SaCSA’s website to learn more about this project and engagement opportunities.