The lack of qualified personnel remains the most serious challenge for Greek tourism, according to Katerina Santikou (bottom photo), founder of the Workathlon group. Speaking to Tornos News, Ms. Santikou emphasized that over the last fifteen years the issue of human resources has not only become more acute, but has become a key factor for the sustainability and quality of the Greek hotel product.
“Hotels rely on people”
She pointed out that the country’s demographic problem, combined with the seasonality of the industry, makes it almost impossible to fill all job positions.
“Hospitality relies on people. When you don’t find the right person, you can’t offer the same level of experience. Finding staff is a challenge that has been going on for years and requires structural solutions, not temporary measures,” she said.
At this point, it should be emphasized that, as she explained, importing workers from abroad is now the only way for many businesses, however, the process remains complicated and full of obstacles. “The bureaucracy in Greece remains enormous. The issuance of VAT numbers, social security numbers and other documents is delayed, and this creates insecurity for the employer and for the employee.”
“We must enter the logic of training and integration”
Ms. Santikou emphasized that hotel businesses that choose to hire staff from third countries must show consistency and professionalism in managing these people.
“They must be trained, integrated into the culture of Greek hospitality, made to feel like they are part of the team. The hospitality of the Greeks is something unique – you can’t teach it in a week. It takes investment, time and patience.”
At the same time, she pointed out that “all available visas for imported workers were used this year,” which proves the demand but also the need for a more flexible regulatory framework. “Improving the transfer framework is imperative. Without flexibility, Greece risks losing talent and competitiveness.”
“The digital card was not designed for tourism”
Regarding the implementation of the digital work card, Ms. Santikou highlighted its weaknesses in terms of adapting it to the specificities of the tourism sector.
“Hospitality operates 24 hours a day, with constant changes in schedules. The digital card was designed with other data. It created an additional burden without offering real automation, especially for small businesses that cannot hire additional staff just to monitor it.”
She also pointed out that “no digital card is properly linked to payroll programs”, which makes the need for technological upgrading and interoperability of systems imperative.
“The year was good – and 2026 is predicted to be even better”
Regarding the course of tourism in 2025, Katerina Santikou noted that the year developed exceptionally for her group, with pre-bookings for 2026 moving at high levels.
“Demand remains strong and the picture for 2026 is optimistic. However, without investment in people, the positive momentum will not be able to be maintained”.
“Extending the season is not feasible everywhere”
Finally, Mrs. Santikou was realistic about the possibility of extending the tourist season. “It is an excellent idea, but not simple to implement. It depends on many factors – connections, infrastructure, air networks. Regions like Crete and Rhodes can achieve this to some extent. For other destinations, however, we are still far away.”
At a time when Greece is called upon to redefine its tourism model, Katerina Santikou’s words take on particular weight. People, she emphasizes, remain the foundation of hospitality — and investing in them is the real bet for the future.
Katerina Santikou is CEO of Workathlon and Business Development Director of Santikos Collection. At the same time, she is an entrepreneur in the hospitality sector and an expert in human resources (HR) strategy, with studies at Georgetown University. She has been recognized by Fortune “40 Under 40” and Forbes “30 Under 30” for her contribution to innovation and transformation of the hotel sector.
