Insider Special Edition 2015 | Page 83

Attracting and Retaining skilled workers in hotels and restaurants This research study was commissioned by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA), conducted by HVS Greece Office and Part-Financed by the European Union European Social Fund (ESF) - Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life. Project partners included the Malta Tourism Authority, the Institute of Tourism Studies, the Employment and Training Corporation and the University of Malta. Refer to www.mhra.org.mt for the full study. 1. Objective of the Study: As the Maltese tourism industry continues to expand in terms of its volume and value across all twelve months of the year, one of the major challenges that are being faced relates to the ready availability of a skilled work force which is willing to look at employment within the hotels and restaurants sector. This sector’s attractiveness as a long-term employer is currently facing some stiff competition from other areas of Malta’s diversifying economy and it was in recognition of this that the need was felt for a Research Study to be conducted. INSIDER SPECIAL EDITION The Research Study was commissioned by the MHRA to identify a number of proposals and success factors that will be incorporated into a Strategic Action Plan for the purpose of attracting and retaining a steady stream of skilled workers interested in long-term employment with hotels and restaurants. The Strategic Action Plan aims to contribute concrete proposals which have been established on the basis of a scientific and practical approach and achieve the goal of increasing the tourism industry’s attractiveness, further ensuring that it is appropriately staffed in line with the Tourism Vision for year 2030 set by the Maltese government. 2015 81