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The hotel and restaurant industry is one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing industries. Travel and tourism are not just an important part of our leisure time – it is a global engine for growth, jobs and innovation.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry is expected to contribute over 11 billion dollars to the world economy in 2024, and by 2034 the figure is expected to rise to 16 billion. This will employ nearly 450 million people, representing over 12% of the world’s workforce.
This means that the hotel and restaurant industry is not just offering jobs – it is one of the largest employers on the planet. But there is also a paradox here: while new jobs are added at record pace, many posts are gaping empty. Airlines, hotels, restaurants and tour operators are struggling with staff shortages. In Europe, one-ninth of the job vacancies in the hotel and restaurant industry are estimated to remain unoccupied.
Why is there such a shortage of labour?
There are several explanations. The Pandemin hit the industry hard and forced millions to leave their jobs – many chose not to return. Moreover, employers are experiencing a skills shortage: there are simply enough people with the right education and skills. Long hours and sometimes demanding working conditions make the professions difficult, while the demand for qualified chefs, hotel managers and service staff is growing.
In Sweden, the situation has become particularly clear. According to the trade association Visita, the hotel and restaurant sector needs to recruit nearly 137 000 people over the next three years. The need is everything from waiters and restaurant assistants to chefs and conditors. This means that young people who are training for a career in the industry have the future for their feet
An international problem – and an international opportunity
The problem is not unique to Sweden. A report by HOTREC, the European Trade Union Confederation, shows that 10-20% of the workforce in the hotel and restaurant sector in the EU disappeared after the pandemic. Countries such as Italy, France and Austria report hundreds of thousands of vacancies. In Britain, the situation is particularly difficult; there is one in ten chefial services unoccupied. Brexit, the pandemic and tough working conditions have led restaurants and hotels to struggle with filling their kitchens and dining rooms.
But here too there is a great opportunity: for those who have the right education and will, there are enormous opportunities for work, career development and international mobility.
Chefs and culinary experts – among the most sought-after professions
In the culinary sector, the lack of qualified chefs is particularly high. A British study from People 1st showed that almost a quarter of all job vacancies in the hotel and restaurant industry were for chefs. Today, the need has only increased.
At the same time, cooking and pastry crafts are no longer just a craft – it is a combination of tradition, innovation and artistic expression. The courses in gastronomy and culinary art give students the opportunity to develop their talents and build a career that can take them all over the world, from luxury hotels in Paris and Milan to exclusive resorts in Dubai or the Caribbean.
An attractive industry for young people
The hotel and restaurant business is also a gateway for young people. Almost 20% of European employees are under 25 years of age, which is more than twice the average for other sectors. The industry offers a unique opportunity to quickly gain work experience, meet people from all over the world and create a career path that can be both exciting and stable.
For many parents who are thinking about their children’s future, it is important to know that the industry involves not only hard work but also international career opportunities, rapid advancement and a constant demand for trained staff. A well-carried out education can make the difference between a job that
Education – the key to success
To meet the acute shortage of labour, an investment in education is needed. Several reports from the European Commission and European professional organisations underline the need for more vocational schools, apprenticeships and higher education in hotel and culinary art.
For students, this means that investing in a qualified education is an investment in a future with almost unlimited opportunities. A degree from a renowned international school can open doors to top positions in hotels, restaurants, events and tourism – in Europe as well as globally.
Conclusion: the lack is your chance
The hotel and restaurant business is currently at a crossroads. On the one hand, the sector is growing at a rate the world has never seen before. On the other hand, restaurants, hotels and travel companies are standing with thousands of unoccupied services. This is a challenge for companies – but an opportunity for those who choose to invest in the right education.
For students with ambition, creativity and willingness to work, the industry is one of the most exciting areas to enter today. And for parents who are thinking about their children’s future, the message is clear: an education in hotel and culinary art is not just a ticket to a profession – it is a key to a global career, strong demand and a safe place in the labour market for many years to come.
Sources
World Travel & Tourism Council: Travel & Tourism set to Break All Records in 2024
BCD Meetings & Events: The Current State of the Hospitality Industry
National Restaurant Association: 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report
HOTREC: Labour shortages in the hospitality sector
People 1st: The Chef Shortage – A Solvable Crisis
Tribe Recruitment: The Chef Shortage in the UK
Visit: Almost 140 000 people are missing in the tourism industry for the next three years
World Tourism Forum: Global Tourism Industry to Create 449 Million Jobs by 2034 – WTTC Report
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