About 1.2 million jobs remain unfilled in the global tourism and travel sector. This is a significant risk for the recovery of the sector. This statement was made in a recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the European Tourism Commission (ETC). The acute shortage of labor in the conditions of the summer season requires the use of urgent measures in this regard – the researchers assure. However, without any specifics.
During the pandemic, the sector lost almost 1.7 million jobs – such statistics were compiled in 2020, when the pandemic reached its peak. As a result, more than 1.2 million remain unemployed to this day.
Mainly, according to the research, travel agencies were affected – a 30% decline in the number of personnel was recorded here. However, judging by the complaints of tourists and business owners, there is a shortage of workers everywhere – in hotels, restaurants, transfers, etc.
“In 2021, as governments began to ease travel restrictions and traveler confidence improved, the sector’s direct contribution to the EU economy recovered by 30.4% and 571,000 jobs were restored,” the WTTC said in a statement. According to the council’s forecasts, the recovery of the sector should continue to accelerate this year – experts expect an expected increase in the contribution of tourism to the EU economy by 32.9%.
In this regard, Julia Simpson, president and chief executive officer of the WTTC, noted that although Europe recovered tourism faster than the rest of the world in 2021, the current labor shortage could slow this pace. This will put additional pressure on European tourism, which is already suffering. “Governments and the private sector must come together to provide the best opportunities for people looking for the great career opportunities that the tourism sector offers,” she said.