Tourism industry confronts staffing dilemma amid surging tourist arrivals during the peak season
Tourism in Istanbul is booming, employing around 2 million people during peak season. But filling certain positions, like dishwashing, has become a challenge.
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Hotel operators, finding it hard to hire Turkish dishwashers, are now turning to foreign workers from countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Zafer Alkaya, general manager at Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort SPA, shared his struggles to find Turkish workers for dishwashing roles. He attributes one of the biggest obstacles to high rental prices, stating that Turkish workers don't opt for these positions due to the reasons stated. Interestingly, over 80% of the workers filling in for dishwashing roles are Indonesian.
Alkaya explained that young people's career aspirations and the industry's seasonal nature contribute to the labor shortage in certain positions. Moreover, the economic environment, such as high inflation, impacts wage competitiveness, pushing locals towards other opportunities.
As the Russian market faces difficulties due to the war and economic turmoil, some tourists have shifted their travel destinations to Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam. However, tensions between India and Pakistan have caused longer flight distances, and the resulting economic crisis and drone attacks have undermined this opportunity for Turkey.
In an ever-changing and challenging job market, addressing the dishwashing workforce shortage demands thoughtful and multifaceted strategies. A combination of wage increases, targeted training programs, job marketing campaigns, and employer benefits tailored to the local workforce could help bridge the gap.
Here are some insights to consider:
- Economic Factors: High inflation, low wages, and seasonal employment dynamics can discourage locals from taking dishwashing roles.
- Labor Market Preferences: Turkish workers may prioritize jobs with better pay, stable hours, or career advancement opportunities, causing them to avoid jobs like dishwashing.
- Migration and Integration: Challenges faced by migrant workers in other sectors might parallel those experienced by locals in the tourism industry.
- Skills and Training: Insufficient dishwashing-related training programs may limit the pool of qualified workers.
To combat the tourism workforce shortage, consider the following solutions:
- Economic and Policy Solutions: Implement wage hikes, offer tax breaks or subsidies, and develop vocational training programs.
- Marketing and Perception Changes: Launch job perception campaigns, highlight benefits of working in the industry, and change public perceptions of dishwashing.
- Industry and Employer Initiatives: Provide employer benefits like stable contracts, flexible working hours, opportunities for career advancement, and cultural and social programs.
By addressing these factors and implementing comprehensive strategies, the workforce shortage in Istanbul's tourism industry can be mitigated, ensuring a steady supply of workers to keep the city's vibrant tourism sector running smoothly.
- The lifestyle changes in Istanbul, driven by the tourism boom, have not only influenced the city's job market but also the food-and-drink and home-and-garden sectors, as an influx of foreign workers from diverse backgrounds bring their unique customs and traditions.
- As tourists seek different experiences while traveling, the travel industry in Istanbul can capitalize on this trend by offering packages that showcase a fusion of Turkish and international food-and-drink options, as well as unique home-and-garden experiences that reflect the city's cultural diversity, appealing to a broader demographic.
