Greek Tourism Professionals Discuss Labor Issues With Minister

(from second left) SETE General Secretary George Vernicos, SETE President Yiannis Paraschis, Greek Labor Minister Domna Michailidou, Hellenic Hoteliers Federation President Ioannis Hatzis and SETE Vice President for Finance Manolis Giannoulis. Photo source: SETE

Employment, wages, and staff shortages in tourism topped the agenda of talks between the board of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) and Labor Minister Domna Michailidou.

SETE President Yiannis Paraschis and Michailidou discussed the implementation of a digital work card which can protect employee rights and contribute to the streamlined operation of businesses.

Other issues on the agenda included offering vocational training options to employees and to the unemployed which will help them secure better paying jobs in the future.

Lastly, and most importantly, Paraschis underlined the importance of finding ways to address increasing staff shortages impacting the sector. According to a study released by the Institute for Tourism Research and Forecasts (ITEP) on behalf of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH), the sector is in immediate need of some 30,000 jobs.

Michailidou was briefed on the sector’s strong performance and the need for well-trained and well-paid staff who will be able to provide optimal services and meet the demand of higher profile travelers.

Commenting after the meeting, Michailidou said the goal is to further strengthen Greek tourism. “Our main priority is to help one of the most important sectors of the Greek economy to the benefit of both employees and the national economy,” she said, adding that the formulation of a new development framework for Greek tourism will contribute to maintaining the “Greece” brand in its rightful place: at the top.”