Hoteliers set to focus on nationalisation in 2015

Hotelier Middle East’s 2015 trends forecast research has revealed that hoteliers will continue to face major challenges with recruitment and retention of talent across the hotel industry in 2015.

Hoteliers cited competing industries, rising costs of staff-accommodation, softening of employment laws, and oncoming supply as key concerns.

Media One Hotel, Dubai GM, Mark Lee commented: "With the opening up of employment laws over the last few years, it is now much easier for people to move jobs and this creates additional pressure on employers creating the best environment for the team to operate."

Interviewees said continued nationalisation efforts are the main focus for creating a sustainable workforce with endeavours to attract homegrown staff being stepped up.

Alila Hotels & Resorts CEO Frederic Simon told Hotelier: “Priorities are to continue with the Omanisation program, instilling Omani team members with ownership and a strong sense of pride in their careers.”

The Rezidor Hotel Group’s vice president Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa Mark Willis added that the “ideal situation” is to recruit more locals into the industry to create a more sustainable talent pool.

Willis commented: "The biggest challenge we’ve encountered with this though is that job seekers are faced with so many options of work in other industries.

“What we really need to focus on is attracting national talent to Rezidor and the broader hospitality industry, in a way that will make them want to pursue this as a valid career choice above other industries. Home-grown hospitality employees are the best way to sustain this industry.”

Click HERE to read the Hotelier 2015 Forecast.