GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA (APRIL 2025) – Travel + Leisure Co., a leading vacation ownership and travel membership company, is on the lookout for great talent to join their team, as travel demand continues to soar and the hospitality industry faces a talent crunch.
With people continuing to prioritise travel, even in the midst of cost of living pressures, the hospitality industry is in great health. Accommodation Australia expects the sector to grow by approximately 60,000 jobs in Australia in the next five years, while the World Travel & Tourism Council predicts more than 14 million jobs will be created in travel and tourism in Southeast Asia over the next decade. Major player Travel + Leisure Co. is encouraging young people about to enter university or professionals looking for a career change to discover how fulfilling a hospitality career can be.
Few industries are as dynamic, rewarding, and full of possibilities as tourism and hospitality. Over 25 years of operation in the Asia Pacific, Travel + Leisure Co. has offered its talented team members professional development, travel perks, the opportunity to see the world and a workplace where diversity and inclusion are core values.
Travel + Leisure Co. currently has over 160 vacancies across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and China, in fields as diverse as brand management, accounting, finance, call centre operations, business development, IT and HR, in addition to resort operations.
“Hospitality is a dynamic, evolving and changing industry, so talented people can quickly find themselves offered opportunities to lead and grow, and potentially be elevated into senior positions in a short time frame. I started my journey behind a bar and making beds and, in my 35 years in the industry, have seen numerous professionals make a similar journey from a new starter to an industry leader,” says Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director, International Operations, Travel + Leisure Co.
“A career in hospitality is not just a job, but a journey that is full of growth. It’s about creating experiences and memories that matter for our members and guests and being part of a company where people are recognised and rewarded for hard work. We empower our people to dream big, achieve more, and make a difference every day and we’re looking for people who can see the opportunity the industry offers,” he added.
Thomas Stafford has been with Travel + Leisure Co. for five years, having joined as a Food and Beverage Supervisor on Phillip Island. Since then, he has worked in a variety of roles including Front Office Duty Manager, Conference and Events Manager, Pre-Opening Support and Acting Resort Manager. Most recently, he was promoted to the role of Development and Acquisitions Manager for Asia Pacific, at just 25 years of age.
“Working with Travel + Leisure Co. has opened doors I never imagined were possible,” he said. “It has allowed me to travel, challenge myself, and ultimately build a career. I’ve learned to be adaptable, empathetic, and innovative. But what makes hospitality so unique is its dynamic nature. It’s an industry that thrives on human connection, creativity, and adaptability, which I believe no other industry can provide.
“Whether it’s planning events, providing exceptional service, or creating an environment where people feel welcome and valued, every day brings a new challenge and a chance to make a difference.”
Thomas says he is fortunate to have worked in multiple locations across a range of roles, which has allowed him to grow into his career.
“Ultimately, I want to serve as proof for any aspiring young person looking to get into this industry that with the right attitude, dedication to craft and taking the initiative to always take on more, you can build an exciting career to be proud of.”
Cassie Barnes, age 27, has worked with Travel + Leisure Co. for almost nine years, starting out in housekeeping and working her way up to the role of General Manager at Club Wyndham Coffs Harbour. Along the way, she has held roles in Guest Services, Administration and Housekeeping.
“I started working in housekeeping and was not thinking of hospitality as a career path, but as I progressed through different positions, I became more excited about the possibilities and challenges this industry presents,” says Cassie. “Hospitality is a rewarding profession, where you are recognised if you work hard, have a passion for customer experience, and a hunger to make an impact. I truly believe the growth I have experienced with Travel + Leisure Co. would not have been possible in other industries.
“The most exciting part about working in hospitality is how dynamic it is, so no two days are the same. If you are a person who likes to challenge yourself and enjoys seeing the impact you can have on customers, this is a great fit. The industry is always evolving and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Mark Hotchin (33) has been with Travel + Leisure Co. for over 10 years, having started as a porter, before making his way through the ranks to become a relief General Manager and, recently, Resort Manager at Club Wyndham Kirra Beach. He has worked on the Gold Coast, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour and in Wanaka, New Zealand, amongst other locations and says the chance to travel is one of the highlights of his career.
Mark started out doing a degree in property development but changed to a degree in Hotel Management after doing an internship with Flight Centre. He says the best part about his job is creating amazing experiences for guests.
“I love seeing guests happy and enjoying themselves. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a guest smiling and sharing their excitement of past and future holidays,” he says. “This industry is so rewarding because every day you get to meet awesome people and be part of making memories for them.”
Opportunities to Progress
Travel + Leisure Co. has a range of programs in place to encourage career progression for its associates. Their Destination U courses help team members enhance their skills using self-paced lessons in a variety of functions. They also have a Fundamentals of Leadership course, an immersive program for frontline associates to gain proficiency in foundational leadership, and fast-track programs to develop future General Managers. With initiatives like professional development workshops, employee recognition programs, and a focus on work-life balance, Travel + Leisure Co. has built a workplace where people feel valued and empowered. The company also has a Buddy program for new starters and robust training and mentorship opportunities to allow associates to climb the ranks quickly.
Hospitality is an industry where dedication and hard work can typically lead to fast career progression and where a positive attitude and desire to learn can see you go far – perfect for those considering a career change or who have not yet decided what their future holds. Travel + Leisure Co. manages brands spanning the globe, meaning professionals can transfer their skills to almost anywhere in the world with positions currently available in Australia, Asia, and the US.
In addition to development opportunities, Travel + Leisure Co. associates are eligible for significant discounts on travel and experiences worldwide, a benefit that those who enjoy travel find hard to beat.
Travel + Leisure Co. provides more than six million vacations to travellers every year. The company’s extensive Vacation Ownership portfolio includes trusted and iconic vacation club brands with a combined 270+ resorts worldwide, offering quality, flexibility, and value to more than 800,000 vacation owners. Through its Travel and Membership business line, the company unlocks even more travel inspiration and opportunities via its signature subscription travel club, Travel + Leisure GO, and pioneering timeshare exchange network, RCI. With hospitality and responsible tourism at its heart, the company’s 19,000 dedicated associates around the globe help the company achieve its mission to put the world on vacation.
To register your interest in working with Travel + Leisure Co. and see what kind of roles are available, go to https://careers.travelandleisureco.com/jobs/search
