Avoid the loss of skilled labor in tourism

Tourism As the sector prepares to close 2022 with a record figure with the goals revised 3 times, a great recovery of employment is expected with the new level of minimum wage, which experienced great blood loss during the pandemic period. The sector, which experienced a 43 percent decline with the blinds closing of approximately 2/3 of hotels during the pandemic period, experienced labor migration at the time. With the recovery in the number of tourists and income this year, the number of salaried employees in the accommodation sector reached 373,395 with an annual increase of 15.6 percent as of October. Stating that the median wage will rise with the new minimum wage, industry representatives noted that two-year-old skilled labor will return, and that the industry is still lagging behind 2019 profitability due to high costs.

YOUTH MUST WIN

Kaan Kavaloğlu, President of the Association of Mediterranean Tour Operators and Hoteliers, pointed out that, in the tourism sector, employment is the biggest distinguishing feature compared to its competitors and that they stand out with the quality of their service in this field, and he said that an increase in the salary level determines the quality here and will accelerate the returns.

Noting that they represent the entire industry without making any distinction between big and small, and that 35 to 40 percent of employees may be at the minimum wage level, Kavaloğlu said, “We need to ensure the adaptation of young people to the sightseeing”. industry.”

Energy costs doubled

Kaan Kavaloğlu also drew attention to rising costs, noting that his expenses increased by 85-145% depending on the size of the hotel. Kavaloğlu said: “We have managed to increase our revenue, albeit in euros, but in any case, we are below our 2019 profitability. The ratio of personnel costs to revenue varies between 35 and 40 percent. Here, our energy and food and beverage costs have gone up a lot,” he said.