3,000 Job Openings Empty, Hoteliers Unite to Fill Void

In response, the industry has come together to launch a national campaign to promote the profession and change the perception of working in the hospitality sector. At least 3,000 job openings are currently vacant in the tourism industry, and the labor crisis is taking a toll on hoteliers.

The campaign, dubbed “Les Métiers de l’hôtellerie,” aims to showcase the benefits of working in the industry, including flexible working hours, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career advancement.

According to Vincent de Marassé Enouf, Group Human Resource Manager of Constance Hotels and coordinator of the collective, “We all share the same sentiment and problems, which is why we decided to come together to try to change things.”

The campaign will run from July to December and will feature various supports, including meetings with school institutions and public events.

The goal is to attract more young people and professionals in transition to join the industry.

The collective, which includes ten member hotels, such as Beachcomber, SunLife, Lux, and Hilton, is aiming to change the perception of working in hotels.

Many people believe that working in hotels is only about cleaning and serving guests, but it is much more than that. According to Vincent de Marassé Enouf, “It’s not just about washing dishes and making beds. We need to create authentic experiences for our clients.”

The industry has faced a significant shortage of skilled workers since 2019, with many employees leaving the sector due to the pandemic or seeking better opportunities abroad.

The situation has become more challenging due to the global competition for talent.

To address this issue, hoteliers have introduced flexible working hours, competitive salaries, and benefits such as preferential hotel rates for employees’ families, bonuses, and a comprehensive insurance package.

Karine Perrier Cure, Chief Brand and Communication Officer of Beachcomber, emphasized the importance of showcasing the industry’s benefits: “We need to redress the image of an industry that was not attractive to young people. We want to show that the industry is alive and dynamic.”

Jean-Marc Ma-Poon, General Manager of Sugar Beach (SunLife), explained that the industry needs to capitalize on its reputation for excellence and hospitality.

“Tourists come not only for the beaches and sea but also for the warmth and hospitality of Mauritius,” he said. “We need to encourage Mauritian talents to join our sector.”

While salaries have been criticized in recent months, hoteliers insist that they are doing their best to remain competitive. “We cannot offer ridiculous salaries,” said Vincent de Marassé Enouf. “We offer primes and bonuses, and we need to consider other benefits like work environment.”

The campaign’s aim is to raise awareness about the benefits of working in the hospitality industry and encourage young people and professionals in transition to join the sector.

Source: Le Mauricien