The President of the Association of Hotel Managers of the island, Giorgos Sfakianakis, is ringing a bell for the present and – mainly – for the future of hotel operations in Crete with his statements to Tornos News. Against the backdrop of a tourist season that started dynamically but shows signs of slowing down, human resources are emerging as one of the most decisive factors for the sustainability and quality of the sector, he emphasizes in Tornos News.
“We have a problem with staff in Crete. We have been ringing the alarm bell for some time,” he notes characteristically, emphasizing that reinforcement with workers transferred from abroad, although it relieves some functions, such as cleaning and service, is not a long-term solution. “Many of them have difficulty meeting the demands or leave prematurely. The picture is complex and not covered with “patches””, he always mentions, among other things, in Tornos News.
Absence of qualified personnel and the best of the new generation
The essence, according to him, lies in the lack of qualified professionals who can effectively integrate into the hotel management pyramid. “We miss the young people who will enter, stay, develop, and staff the future leadership teams”, he points out.
At the same time, as he says, there is a departure of many experienced workers who have supported the industry for years, while the return of retirees, thanks to recent regulations, temporarily covers some needs, without changing the essence.
Seasonality as a problem – and the need for incentives
One of the structural problems, according to Mr. Sfakianakis, is the seasonality of work. “The six-month work period works as a deterrent for many. A balance must be found between flexibility and job security,” he says, emphasizing that benefits, although often questioned, are a temporary support tool when there are no other viable alternatives.
At the same time, he notes that businesses need to do their own thing, offering better wages and a better quality working environment, while the State is also called upon to invest more seriously in the tourism sector, with policies that support education, boost the income of seasonal workers, and promoting the profession.
Reflection amid geopolitical and economic pressures
Regarding this year’s season, the President of the Hotel Managers of Crete points out that, while it started with positive messages, the picture has begun to change. The slowdown in the European economy is already leaving its mark, while the absence of tourists from Israel, due to the situation in the region, is particularly affecting Crete.
Critical questions for the future
“At a time when large tourism chains are coming and will come to Crete, it is absolutely crucial to answer the question: with what staff will they operate?”, asks Mr. Sfakianakis. “There is a lack of professionals who can staff teams, provide stability, and quality to services. And this must be addressed in a coordinated manner.”
Crete’s tourism continues to be a driving force for the local and national economy. However, in order to remain competitive and of high quality, it needs immediate investment in human capital, with vision, planning, and action from all those involved.
