(TAN): The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the European Travel Commission (ETC) have said the travel and tourism sector’s recovery could be put at serious risk if almost 1.2 million jobs remain unfilled across the EU.
In a statement, the WTTC has cited its latest analysis of the sector and called for urgent action.
This year, WTTC projects that the sector’s recovery will continue to accelerate and almost reach pre-pandemic levels with an expected 32.9% increase in its direct contribution to the EU economy.
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Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Europe showed one of the strongest recoveries in 2021, ahead of the global average. However, current shortages of labour can delay this trend and put additional pressure on an already embattled sector. Governments and the private sector need to come together to provide the best opportunities for people looking for the great career opportunities that the travel sector offers.”
A serious number of vacancies are likely to remain unfilled during the busy summer period, with travel agencies forecasted to be the worst hit with a 30% shortfall of workers. Meanwhile, air transport and accommodation segments are likely to suffer one in five unfilled vacancies, representing 21% and 22% staff shortage respectively.
