The Hospitality and Tourism Federation of the Girona Region has warned that the difficulty in filling job vacancies continues to be one of the sector's main challenges. According to a survey among associated companies, between four and five employees per establishment have been needed this year, totaling approximately 8,000 unfilled positions.

A spokesperson for the federation, a prominent figure in the sector, explained that this issue persists throughout the year, becoming particularly acute with the start of the tourist season. Companies can take anywhere from fifteen days to three months to find a suitable candidate, and in some cases, the search extends even longer.

The lack of applicants is the primary cause, although insufficient experience or specific training also play a role. This situation is not unique to the tourism sector but affects various economic areas.

The consequences for businesses are direct: many establishments are forced to reorganize teams, reduce services, or limit opening hours to avoid overburdening existing staff. This also hinders business growth and can diminish the quality of service offered to customers.

Furthermore, the impact of absenteeism is a concern, generating significant costs and affecting competitiveness. The federation calls for active employment policies and measures to encourage labor market entry and enhance the attractiveness of different productive sectors.

Regarding the tourist season, the initial months of the year have been positive, with notable performance in May in the city of Girona, boosted by events like Temps de Flors, and good results in mountain areas following a favorable ski season.

Despite positive initial outlooks for the summer, the federation believes it is too early to make definitive forecasts. Factors such as inflation, travel costs, and the international geopolitical situation could influence visitor behavior.