The need to adopt immediate and coordinated measures to cover the projected shortage of workers in Greek tourism is highlighted by Giorgos Pelekanakis, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Hotel Managers, submitting specific proposals in his post. These include:
- investment in education and continuous training, so that workers acquire the skills required by the modern tourism industry,
- incentives for the integration of young people, women and older people, as well as the utilization of people with disabilities,
- a repatriation plan for Greek professionals and organized attraction of personnel from third countries,
- upgrading working conditions with better salaries, full insurance and development prospects,
- utilization of technology and automation to relieve routine positions,
- promotion of the tourism profession through information campaigns, so that it becomes more attractive to the younger generations.
The reason for the intervention was the publication of the newspaper Kathimerini (Sunday, October 5, 2025), according to which, by 2035, Greek tourism will face a deficit of approximately 290,000 workers.
The forecast is attributed to factors such as the aging workforce, the migration of young professionals, the seasonality of employment, low wages compared to other countries, and the increased demand created by new infrastructure, such as the airport in Kastelli, Crete.
