Foreign workers: key to saving the Harz hospitality industry!

Foreign workers: key to saving the Harz hospitality industry!

The Harz is known for its picturesque landscapes and attracts millions of holidaymakers and hikers every year. But behind the idyllic backdrop lies a major challenge: the hospitality industry is struggling with an acute labor shortage. The regions in the Harz Mountains are more affected than others, and many hotels and restaurants rely on foreign employees to maintain operations. News38 reports that the recruitment of these workers is crucial for the tourism infrastructure.

A recent survey shows that the proportion of foreign workers in the catering industry is higher than in many other areas. Not only seasonal workers are particularly in demand, but also skilled workers such as chefs. In addition, recruiting foreign workers requires a functioning local community and the right timing, tailored to the tourist season. Access is relatively easy for EU citizens, while non-EU citizens must meet numerous requirements, such as language skills and the recognition of professional qualifications. N-ag highlights that visa procedures often take a long time, which can lead to problems, especially during peak season.

The situation in the hospitality industry

In 2023, the Harz recorded around 8.12 million overnight stays, a number that cannot be maintained without sufficient staff. According to estimates, around 10,000 workers are needed in the Lower Saxony hospitality industry to meet demand. This includes both local and foreign employees, as many companies are forced to adapt their personnel situation and rely on unskilled workers. Tagesschau reports that around 29 percent of catering companies fear for their liquidity.

The personnel situation is described as precarious. Nevertheless, a study shows that the skills gap in the hospitality industry has almost halved compared to the previous year. However, this positive turnaround may not last long as the industry continues to suffer pressure from rising labor and food costs. The bankruptcy rate has risen dramatically and many restaurants are fighting for their survival. In the first half of 2024, the industry's profits fell by 22 percent. Time is running out.

The answer to the shortage of skilled workers

In order to meet the challenges, many companies are increasingly relying on international skilled workers and refugees. This also includes supporting the state government in recruiting workers from countries such as Morocco, which could potentially have positive effects. In the Harz, the need for foreign workers is particularly evident, with many Romanians, Poles and Ukrainians working in the catering industry. The need to find a sustainable solution is becoming increasingly urgent - not only for the regions in the Harz Mountains, but also for the tourist hotspots on the North Sea coast, where such workers are essential.

With a good hand and targeted support, the Harz could soon become an example of a functioning model for dealing with a labor shortage. But it remains to be seen whether the measures will have an impact quickly enough to save the numerous companies that rely on foreign workers. The pool of talent is there - now it's time to attract them and keep them in the country in the long term.