According to the figures announced by World Tourism Industry (WTO), France is the highest recipient of tourists with highest with 83 million, which is followed by U.S. Spain is the third one, and China is the fourth, while Italy is the fifth. Turkey is the 6th country that hosts the highest number of tourists with 37.8 million in 2013. It is suggested that the contribution of the tourism industry to the global economy was 9.5 percent in the previous year.
In addition to being a major source of income, the tourism industry also has an impact on employment, which stems from its labor-intensive production technique. According to the research conducted by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), it is suggested that the accommodation industry currently employs 266 million people globally. The workforce needed as of 2013 is 4.7 million.
This growth in the tourism industry as well as its employment rate suggests that there will be shortage in qualified employees in the upcoming years. What should employers take into account when developing their employment policy in an industry where workforce is so critical? As HotelRunner, we have compiled some points you should consider when hiring.
Qualified employee
In countries where tourism is the driving industry, it is highly critical for the industry to employ qualified employees. Qualified people, especially those in the accommodation industry, can contribute both to the property and the industry.
You should also keep in mind that your employees will reflect your property’s image. Therefore; experienced, young and dynamic people can contribute to the development of your property and industry.
Importance of education
Working with people who have the knowledge of the industry is key to gaining well-educated employees both for your hotel and the industry. Graduates of vocational tourism school or universities can help you with this.
Foreign language
Speaking a foreign language is among the key requirements of the tourism industry. If employees speak more than a language, this may prove effective in terms of communicating and bonding with your guests.
Informal employment
Studies carried out in the tourism industry are prepared based on the official data. However, the number of seasonal and informal employees in the industry corresponds to millions. Therefore, informal employment is among the biggest issues of people working in the tourism industry, and the accommodation industry in particular. It might damage a property’s image and the industry in the long term when these people work without social security and under tough conditions. A happy employee whose rights are protected opens the gateway to having more income, just like in all industries.
We can argue that the development of tourism and properties depends on employing qualified people who enjoy their labor rights. Properties caring about what we covered within the framework of general employment policy can be preferred by employees and enhance their brand image by offering quality service for their guests. It is also critical for your property to be present on the Internet to enhance your brand image. As HotelRunner, we offer solutions to help you progress with your property in the digital world with successful methods. Visit our website, create your HotelRunner account and claim your position in the digital world before it is too late.
