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The role of HR in the local hospitality sector was discussed recently, during a conference organised by the European Employment Services (EURES), the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).

During the seminar, Mr. Joseph Tanti, Head Industry HR Development at MTA, spoke of the need for a tourism industry that is well staffed by competent and motivated personnel, confident and secure in their choice of career. Mr. Tanti highlighted three main challenges faced by the local tourism industry from an HR perspective, being the labour shortages in key areas; service standards and hospitality; and the general attitude and the public perception of employment in tourism.

Mr. George Camilleri, from the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations, spoke about conditions of work in this sector.

An overview of ETC’s employment and training initiatives was given by Joe Cutajar, Senior Manager (Training Services) and by Nicola Cassar, Senior Executive (Employers’ Schemes and Services). The Corporation assists employers to recruit persons and also helps raise employability through various training initiatives. A number of hotels in Malta have already recruited apprentices, while others are investing in their human capital by referring their employees to courses in hospitality.

Workshops focused on how the sector’s image can be improved and what HR and training support are needed by the industry. Some of the recommendations made during the workshops were to make the industry more attractive to young people still deciding on their career, to strengthen the relations between managers and their workers, and to introduce quality service certifications. Other recommendations focused on the promotion of careers in this industry with parents and guidance teachers, and to provide new workers in the industry with good and attractive working conditions. The need to improve the general perceptions of working in the hospitality and catering industry was considered as a priority by those who were present for the conference.

The conference was closed by Mr. George Schembri, Chief Executive Officer of MHRA, who suggested that a working group should be set up to follow the actions listed in the workshop presentations. In fact a working group meeting is set for the 28th of May at MHRA premises. Mr. Schembri thanked ETC and EURES for their initiatives to encourage hoteliers and restaurateurs to make use of the several schemes and services offered to them.

More information on the ETC schemes, courses and EURES can be obtained through the ETC website www.etc.gov.mt or by sending an email to etc@gov.mt.