Foreign workers: key to tourism success in the Harz!

Foreign workers: key to tourism success in the Harz!

The Harz has long since become a popular destination for tourists and hikers, but the region's gastronomy sector is facing an overwhelming challenge: the lack of local workers. The Harz region records an impressive 8.12 million overnight stays every year, which immensely increases the need for staff in hotels and restaurants. But despite this attractiveness, it is difficult for many companies to attract local employees. As news38.de reports, operators are increasingly relying on foreign employees to maintain operations and meet the needs of holidaymakers.

The labor shortage does not stop at the picturesque corners of the Harz Mountains. Various businesses in the catering sector that are looking for seasonal workers as well as skilled workers such as chefs are particularly affected. According to a survey by the German Press Agency, it shows that the proportion of foreign workers in the catering and hotel industries has increased in recent years, while at the same time recruiting and retaining employees is becoming increasingly difficult. Yahoo Nachrichten highlights that the Harz Tourism Association notes that it is becoming increasingly challenging to attract German workers.

International recruitment as a solution

A ray of hope could be the support from the state government, which actively promotes the recruitment of workers from abroad. As part of a recently concluded partnership with the Moroccan region of Tangier, the first Moroccan trainees have already arrived in the hospitality industry. This measure could help to fill the gap and provide new impetus for the catering industry in the Harz. This is also confirmed by N-ag.de by emphasizing the need for international skilled workers in the Harz.

The origins of the workforce are diverse. While around every second employee in the hospitality industry on the East Frisian Islands comes from abroad, many workers also come from countries such as Romania, Poland, Ukraine and Vietnam. There is a colorful mix here that contributes to the revitalization of the gastronomic cultural scene and counteracts the challenges of the local labor market.

Long-term challenges

Despite efforts to attract foreign workers, the problem of long-term retention of employees remains. Many foreigners decide to move due to better living conditions in big cities, which puts pressure on companies in the Harz to develop suitable retention strategies in order to keep the newly acquired talent in the region permanently. As news38.de states, the development of a stable community is of great importance for many companies.

Overall, the Harz, with its romantic forests, beautiful landscapes and unforgettable hiking trails, faces a huge challenge in taking advantage of the opportunities offered by international skilled workers and at the same time preserving the classic charm of the region. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether recruiting foreign workers can be the key to the success of the regional gastronomy.