4 Major Hotel Groups Seek Hundreds of Staff as Talent Crisis Bites

Mauritius’s vital hospitality sector is struggling to fill hundreds of vacancies as persistent negative perceptions and a mismatch with generational expectations deter local talent, despite the industry’s sustained growth and the offering of international career paths.

Hundreds of Posts Vacant

The extent of the labour shortage was laid bare following World Tourism Day, observed on September 27.

Major hotel groups collectively advertise hundreds of vacant positions, according to a roundtable discussion held on September 25 at the Ravenala Attitude hotel to examine the sector’s appeal.

• The Marriott Group has over 200 posts open across its three establishments, covering all departments, including reservation, maintenance, kitchen, and bar.
• Constance Belle Mare Plage is seeking more than 50 collaborators, from housekeepers to supervisors.
• Tamassa Hotel has around 50 posts, particularly in operational sectors, but also in public relations and marketing.
• Solana Beach Mauritius needs to fill about 15 positions, from front office to management.

Elodie Sooriah, Director of Véranda, noted that these figures “illustrate the richness of possible careers,” where practical training and internal mobility are key.

Prejudices and Generational Gaps Blamed

The “scarcity of talent remains a recurrent problem,” worsened by what professionals describe as “persistent prejudices” and the sector’s struggle to align with current “generational expectations.”

Emmanuel Miandy, Executive Housekeeper at Constance Belle Mare Plage, stated that “the lack of local labour is today the principal brake on development.”

He argued that many young people “consider these jobs as difficult, little valued, and little compatible with their aspirations.”

Sonia Duval, Director of the Canonnier Beachcomber hotel, insisted that the problem lies in the sector’s image.

She urged the industry to “break the prejudices and show that everyone can find their place,” adding, “Hospitality isn’t only about a salary, it’s also a school of life, a rich human experience.”

Dilsaad Begum Rossaye, Executive Housekeeper at Tamassa Bel-Ombre, explained that young people “want more flexibility, notably to profit from their weekends or have schedules adapted to their rhythm of life.” In response, some hotels are adapting their schedules to be more flexible.

Global Career Paths Highlighted

Despite the challenges, the industry is keen to promote the significant professional development opportunities available.

Jean-Claude Couronne, Assistant HR Manager at Le Méridien, highlighted career evolution in areas like catering, cuisine, and accommodation.

He also stressed the benefit of “worldwide mobility” offered by groups like Marriott, which is present both in Mauritius and internationally.

Veer Purseed, Resident Manager at Solana Beach, underscored that meeting with young people “allows the door to be opened to international careers.”

Ashvina Busviah, Group People Manager for the Attitude group, called for better communication:

“It is necessary to value the image of the sector, communicate its advantages, engage the young generation, and also involve parents and educational establishments.”

Innovative initiatives, such as open days in villages, are also being implemented to allow young, inexperienced people to test a role and dispel negative assumptions.

Source: l’Express