Tourism revival impacted by shortfalls of workers

The tourism industry’s recovery could be put at serious risk if almost 1.2 million jobs remain unfilled across the European Union.

A newly released analysis by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the European Travel Commission (ETC) shows that at the peak of the pandemic in 2020, the tourism industry across the EU suffered the loss of almost 1.7 million jobs and that, as restrictions eased in 2021, the sector only recovered 571,000 jobs.

With the WTTC projecting that the industry’s recovery will continue to accelerate and almost reach pre-pandemic levels, it is calling for urgent action to address the issue of staffing shortfalls.

WTTC highlight that a serious number of vacancies are likely to remain unfilled during the busy summer period, with travel agencies forecasted to be the worst hit with nearly one in three vacancies unfilled (30%).

Meanwhile, air transport and accommodation segments are likely to suffer one in five unfilled vacancies, representing 21% and 22% staff shortage respectively.

WTTC President and Chief Executive, Julia Simpson stated “Europe showed one of the strongest recoveries in 2021, ahead of the global average. However, current shortages of labour can delay this trend and put additional pressure on an already embattled sector.

“Governments and the private sector need to come together to provide the best opportunities for people looking for the great career opportunities that the travel sector offers.”

The WTTC and the ETC have been working with key stakeholders to better coordinate the response measures at the EU level and have identified six measures that governments and the private sector can implement to address this urgent issue:

• Facilitate labour mobility within countries and across borders and strengthen collaboration at all levels, providing visas and work permits

• Enable flexible and remote working where feasible - particularly if travel restrictions still prevent workers from moving freely across borders

• Ensure decent work, provide social safety nets and highlight career growth opportunities - with work that is safe, fair, productive, and meaningful – to reinforce the attractiveness of the sector as a career choice and retain new talent

• Upskill and reskill talent and offer comprehensive training as well as create - to equip the workforce with new and improved skills

• Create and promote education and apprenticeships - with effective policies, and public-private collaboration, that support educational programs and apprentice-based training

• Adopt innovative technological and digital solutions to improve daily operations, as well as mobility and border security to ensure safe and seamless travel and an enhanced customer experience.

ETC President, Luis Araujo “Europe, as the leading and most competitive tourism destination in the world, is committed to becoming the most sustainable one.

“But the goal of the twin transition (green and digital) will only be achieved if we succeed in attracting and retaining talent for this sector. This is one of the biggest challenges for the sector and needs coordinated, multi-layered and joint public and private solutions.”