The tourism sector of Girona maintains 75% of the vacancies detected during the last year unfilled, according to a survey by the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of the Counties of Girona among companies associated with 13 entities.
The gap is wide in an activity that represents 21% of Girona’s economy. Companies have needed between four and five workers throughout the year and that demand adds up to about 8,000 positions, but so far they have only managed to fill 2,000.
Companies have only filled 2,000 out of the 8,000 detected positions
The lack of candidates mainly affects waiters, cooks, cleaning staff, and head waiters. The federation links this difficulty to the scarcity of applicants and the lack of specific training and experience in the most sought-after profiles.
In daily operations, this shortage forces the closure of services and shifts in tourist establishments in the counties of Girona. It also reduces the quality of customer service and limits the growth capacity of companies.
The federation calls for adapted training for waiters, cooks, and head waiters
The diagnosis comes from a survey conducted among companies integrated into 13 entities in the sector. The survey estimates 75% of vacancies remain to be filled and places the problem in key positions for the ordinary functioning of hotels, restaurants, and other businesses linked to tourism.
In addition to adjusting the training offer, the employers’ association proposes revaluing certain job profiles and improving public-private collaboration. The objective is to bring vocational training closer to the real needs of companies and reduce a mismatch that today leaves three out of every four positions unfilled.
The federation specifies that companies have needed between four and five hires during the year, a demand equivalent to about 8,000 jobs, of which only 2,000 are occupied to date.