Nghe An: Solving the problem of labor shortage when opening tourism activities

All fields need additional human resources.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began to break out in Vietnam in early 2020, tourism businesses in Nghe An have begun to face difficulties in operations, especially during the times of quarantine and lockdown to prevent and control the epidemic. Tourist areas and spots have had to temporarily suspend operations, while travel agencies and accommodation establishments have had to operate at a low level or change their business activities to survive.

The majority of workers in business unitstourismFor more than two years, many people have lost their jobs and had their incomes reduced, forcing them to switch to other occupations to work and earn a living. There are currently no complete statistics on the number and percentage of workers in the tourism sector who have had to quit their jobs and find other jobs, but this number is certainly not small. This is a common situation across the country, and is a corner of the gloomy picture of the tourism industry in recent times.

Currently, most tourist areas and spots in Nghe An are experiencing a labor shortage. Photo: Sach Nguyen

In the tourism business sector, the accommodation sector is currently facing the biggest difficulty in human resources. As tourist areas, attractions, services and travel agencies are more convenient in recruiting and exchanging human resources, the operation process of workers will gradually adapt.

As for the accommodation sector, it requires a large number of workers.workersmust go through training courses (reception, housekeeping, desk, kitchen) so the shortage cannot be solved overnight. According to Mr. Dinh Trung Kien - Deputy Director of Saigon Kim Lien Hotel, during the Covid-19 outbreak, the number of guests decreased, there was a lack of work so some workers voluntarily quit their jobs.

The shortage of labor resources in the tourism industry occurs in all positions: tour guides, receptionists, chefs, table staff... Photo: Cong Kien

Now that tourism activities have been restored and opened, if the number of visitors increases to 50% in the coming time, the unit can rotate between facilities to serve. However, if the number of visitors increases to 70%, there will certainly be many difficulties, and there will be a serious shortage of human resources.

Saying that destinations and travel companies have an easier time recruiting workers does not mean that these two sectors are not also worried about this issue.EcotourismHon Mat (Nghia Dan) was built, exploited and used not long ago and has attracted a significant number of visitors, initially affirming itself as an attractive destination.

Currently, tourism service businesses are facing difficulties in recruiting human resources. Photo: Cong Kien

But according to Mr. Dang Trong Tan - Director of Hon Mat Service and Tourism Company Limited, the labor positions here are constantly changing, especially the chef and reception department. The reason is that workers change jobs, look for job opportunities with higher income and other needs of life. Therefore, recruiting is difficult, retaining workers is even more difficult.

“The province’s tourism human resources need to be supplemented in most areas, because there has been no incentive and attraction regime for a long time, and training contracts have not been sustainable between businesses and training facilities. This not only requires the attention of businesses but also the participation of related sectors and the State to make tourism a spearhead economic sector.”

Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien - Chairman of Nghe An Tourism Association

Improve capacity, diversify training forms

Due to the shortage of human resources, tourism businesses are trying to find solutions to stabilize and develop their business activities. According to Mr. Dinh Trung Kien, Saigon Kim Lien Hotel will continue to recruit and invite experts for rapid training to promptly serve the immediate needs.

At the same time, it is recommended that the Department of Tourism regularly organize professional training courses to improve workers' skills to meet the increasing needs of tourists.touristsThis is also the general direction of accommodation establishments, destinations and travel agencies at present.

At tourist accommodation establishments, there is currently a shortage of labor in the positions of chefs, waiters, and room attendants. Photo: Cong Kien

In the long term, according to Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien, the State needs to have policies to support and improve the capacity of tourism vocational training establishments associated with the application of advanced technology. “Currently, the tourism industry needs to review the overall status of tourism human resources and assess the current situation of human resource loss in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

From there, there will be policies to attract, encourage and entice workers to return to work," said Mr. Hien. Next, build a mechanism to treat and attract high-quality labor, encourage creative working spirit, and apply technology to improve work quality and efficiency. At the same time, promote inter-sectoral cooperation in work.train, send students and workers to attend training courses, improve skills, learn from the experiences of advanced countries to develop tourism.

In the coming time, the tourism industry will diversify training methods to meet the human resource requirements of service businesses. Photo: Cong Kien

Recently, at the Conference on Reopening Tourism Activities and Welcoming International Visitors Back to Nghe An, the issue of human resources was enthusiastically discussed and exchanged by delegates.

“To overcome the shortage of labor resources, it is necessary to diversify training methods to meet the requirements of businesses and the labor market. Conduct training, retraining, fostering, and supplementing skills for existing human resources; open training classes, foster community tourism, business skills for accommodation establishments and food services; strengthen the development of high-quality labor forces and accelerate the digital transformation process…”.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong - Director of Nghe An Department of Tourism