The tourism and hospitality industry is one of the fastest-moving sectors in the world. Trends shift quickly, guest expectations evolve, and global disruptions—from natural disasters to pandemics—can change the landscape overnight.
For Leslie Basallo, Certified Tourism Professional (CTP), building a strong career in such an unpredictable field requires more than technical knowledge. It demands resilience, lifelong learning, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
“Tourism and hospitality is one of the most dynamic industries in the world, and to thrive, strong social skills are essential such as effective communication, interpersonal skills, openness to learn, and cross-cultural understanding.”
These skills form the foundation of Leslie’s approach, shaping her confidence as an educator, practitioner, and advocate for service excellence.
She also highlights the need for emotional and mental strength, especially in an industry heavily affected by external challenges. “Resilience is key. The industry is vulnerable to challenges such as natural disasters, health crises like COVID-19, and security threats. The ability to adapt, remain steadfast, and continue serving despite difficulties defines a true tourism and hospitality professional.”
Staying Competitive Through Lifelong Learning
In a field where new technologies, platforms, and global trends emerge constantly, Leslie makes lifelong learning her standard. She believes that relevance is something professionals must actively maintain—not something earned once.
She explains, “Staying competitive means embracing lifelong learning. I continuously upgrade my skills and knowledge through trainings, seminars, certifications, memberships to professional organizations, exposure programs, and industry partnerships.”
This learning mindset has kept her adaptable and aware of what the industry demands. More importantly, it equips her to guide her students and colleagues with updated, real-world insights.
The Career Advice That Continues to Guide Her
Every seasoned professional has a defining piece of advice. For Leslie, the message was simple but powerful: don’t fear the first step.
“The best career advice I’ve received is to try and to never be afraid of failure. We often underestimate ourselves until we take that first step. Even if we stumble, every effort is a stepping stone toward growth.”
Anchoring her journey on faith and perseverance, she reminds rising professionals that fear limits potential—and action builds it.
Her Career Shift From Corporate to Academe
Leslie’s journey wasn’t linear. She started in the corporate world and transitioned to teaching—a shift that required new skills, new patience, and an entirely new way of connecting with people.
She shares, “Yes, I transitioned from the corporate sector to the academe… A year later, I took on a new challenge teaching English as a Second Language to Japanese students—a rewarding role that sparked my passion for education.”
The move to academe wasn’t easy. She faced a lack of facilities, limited exposure to industry trends, and the challenge of working with students with diverse learning needs. But Leslie reframed these obstacles as opportunities to innovate.
“I saw this as an opportunity to bridge the gap by using technology and creative approaches to make learning more accessible and meaningful.”
Her resourcefulness and empathy helped her become a more effective educator—one who brings industry realities into the classroom while shaping the next generation of tourism professionals.
What Truly Makes a Standout Professional
In a people-oriented field often associated with charm and confidence, Leslie believes that professionals need more than just a warm smile.
“To truly stand out in the tourism and hospitality industry, professionals must go beyond having a pleasing personality… what sets a candidate apart is the combination of knowledge, competence, and expertise.”
It’s a reminder that hospitality is not only about presentation—it’s about substance. Those who blend professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability excel and sustain long-term success.
Future-Proofing a Tourism Career in a Rapidly Changing Industry
Leslie emphasizes that staying relevant means continuously improving both soft skills and technical capabilities. The world is shifting fast—technology, sustainability, and global trends are reshaping how tourism works.
She outlines it clearly:
“Future-proofing a career in tourism and hospitality requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. Professionals must equip themselves with both soft skills like communication, cultural awareness, and resilience and technical skills that reflect the industry’s evolving demands.”
For her, the formula is simple: lifelong learning + innovation + human connection = long-term success.
A Career Built on Adaptability, Passion, and Purpose
Leslie’s story shows what it takes to thrive in a field defined by change. Through resilience, curiosity, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to learning, she has built a career that grows stronger with every challenge.
Her journey is a reminder to young tourism professionals:
The industry will continue to evolve—but those who stay adaptable, keep learning, and embrace every experience will always find a place at the forefront.
