In 2020, when the pandemic was at its peak, almost 1.7 million jobs were lost in travel and tourism across the EU.
In 2021, as governments began to ease travel restrictions and traveler confidence improved, the industry’s direct contribution to the EU economy recovered by 30.4 percent and restored 571,000 jobs.
This year, WTTC estimates that the industry’s recovery will continue to accelerate and reach almost pre-pandemic levels, and its direct contribution to the EU economy is expected to increase by 32.9 percent.
Julia Simpson, CEO of WTTC said: “Europe showed one of the strongest recoveries in 2021, ahead of the global average. However, the current labor shortage may slow down this development and create additional pressure on an already struggling sector.
“Government and the private sector must work together to provide the best opportunities for people looking for the great career opportunities that the tourism industry has to offer.”
A serious number of vacancies will likely go unfilled during the busy summer season, and travel agencies are predicted to suffer the worst from a 30 percent labor shortage (almost one in three jobs are unfilled).
Meanwhile, the airline and accommodation segments are likely to suffer one in five unfilled jobs, corresponding to a 21% and 22% staff shortage, respectively.
WTTC has been at the forefront of the private sector rebuilding international tourism since the pandemic brought international travel to its knees.
ETC has been working with key stakeholders to better coordinate EU-level response measures and facilitate travel.
WTTC and ETC have identified six actions that governments and the private sector can take to address this pressing issue:
- Facilitate labor mobility within countries and across borders and strengthen cooperation at all levels by issuing visas and work permits
- Allow flexible and remote work where possible – especially if travel restrictions continue to prevent workers from moving freely across borders
- Ensuring decent work, providing social safety nets and emphasizing career growth opportunities – with safe, fair, productive and meaningful work – to strengthen the industry’s attractiveness as a career choice and retain new talent.
- Develop and train talent and provide comprehensive training and create – equip the workforce with new and improved skills
- Create and promote education and apprenticeships through effective policies and public-private partnerships that support education programs and apprenticeships
- Deploy innovative technological and digital solutions to improve day-to-day operations, as well as mobility and border security to ensure safe and seamless travel and a better customer experience.
Luis Araujo, Director of ETC said: “Europe, the world’s leading and most competitive tourism destination, is committed to being the most sustainable tourism destination. But the goal of the dual transition (green and digital) will only be achieved if we succeed in attracting and retaining talent in this sector. This is one of the biggest challenges in the industry and requires coordinated, multi-level and joint (public and private) solutions.”
Both bodies believe that by implementing these measures travel and tourism businesses will be able to attract and retain more workers.
This, in turn, would allow the sector to meet ever-increasing consumer demand and further accelerate its recovery, which is the backbone of creating economic prosperity across the bloc.
Source: World Travel and Tourism Council
Source: The Nordic Page