The Labor Shortage Should Be Over, So Why Are We Still Worried?

Summary

The tourism and hospitality industry continues to grapple with a labor shortage, despite some recovery since the pandemic. Staffing gaps persist, particularly in hotels, where the challenges of lower wages, long hours and limited remote work options may deter potential new talent. While wages have increased and automation offers some relief, the sector faces a shrinking pipeline of skilled workers in tandem with declining college enrollment and interest in hospitality careers. To address this, the industry must offer more creative and adaptive solutions, while actively promoting hospitality as a viable, rewarding career path. 

Key questions answered by this research include:

• Why does the hospitality industry continue to face a labor shortage, despite making marked improvements post-pandemic?
• What are the contributing factors deterring potential employees from pursuing careers in hospitality? How can travel suppliers change this trajectory?
• How are hotels and airlines responding to the ongoing labor shortages?
• What are the future implications of the current labor shortage for the travel and hospitality industry?