Greece Speeds Up Efforts to Fill Staff Shortages in Tourism

Greek authorities are accelerating efforts to address staff shortages in tourism inviting sector businesses to declare open positions for the June-August period until May 31 to the Public Employment Service (DYPA), which will in turn recommend qualified individuals from its ranks by June 15.  

The decision was announced after a meeting between the tourism and labor ministries and the Greek Tourism Confederations (SETE) this week to address complaints of staff shortages by sector professionals.

Tourism-related businesses still seeking employees can declare the number of positions and area of specialty on the DYPA (former manpower organization OAED) site. Recruiters will then select qualified individuals who meet the requirements for the jobs no later than June 15, the tourism and labor ministries said in a joint statement.

DYPA will also provide direct staff placement and pre-selection services for medium and large companies with more than 50 employees and organize career days events, the statement said.

At the same time, the tourism and labor ministries announced last week that they would be heightening on-the-spot inspections at popular tourist destinations to ensure that labor laws were being adhered to. The checks concern hotel and accommodation facilities, restaurants, bars and cafes, and rental services, among others, following complaints about employee rights violations during the tourism season.

In the joint statement, the ministries reiterate that companies in tourism are required to offer wages according to the Collective Labor Agreement, which is in force until the end of 2022.

“Meeting the employee needs of tourism companies with respect for workers’ rights and compliance with legislation is a priority in a year with very positive messages for Greek tourism. Plan to fill open positions by the unemployed registered with DYPA will proceed immediately,” said Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias.

Looking for a job in tourism?

The Greek Travel Pages has a dedicated online job-find service that helps tourism industry enterprises and job placement services in Greece find the right people. If you’re looking for a job in the Greek tourism industry, check out GTP Careers in Tourism.