Germany: hospitality industry faces tourism boom and staff shortage

According to DEHOGA Managing Director Ingrid Hartges, nearly two-thirds of the businesses surveyed rate their bookings for upcoming holidays as satisfactory or better.

After two years of the pandemic the demand for tourism has increased, but the country has not enough skilled workers in hotels and restaurants.

The numbers show the extent of the shortage: in the past two years, more than 130,000 jobs and 217,000 mini-jobs subject to social security contributions have been lost.

For some companies, digital solutions can help overcome lack of staff. For example, checkout systems allow customers to place orders in the kitchen or bar directly from their tables. Many companies are already using these or similar systems to reduce their workforce needs. 

The hospitality industry also plans to attract  foreign workers. According to the Federal Employment Agency, about 35% of DEHOGA employees are foreigners.

Source: DW