Many regions in Austria are dependent on winter tourism. However, there is a shortage of thousands of seasonal workers – which is partly due to the fact that some vaccines are not recognized.
Austria is facing a difficult winter season. Possible travel warnings because of the currently high corona numbers hung like the sword of Damocles over the hotel and restaurant industry, said the hotel industry spokeswoman for the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ), Susanne Kraus-Winkler.
On top of that, around 8,000 to 10,000 seasonal workers would be wanted in the next few weeks. “We have an employee market almost worldwide, so that the workers choose their positions very carefully,” said Kraus-Winkler of the dpa. Some hotels would have assigned several employees just to look for additional employees. Another big problem is that up to 3,000 workers have been vaccinated with the Russian vaccine Sputnik V, which is not recognized in Austria because it is not approved.
The industry can no longer afford failures
“We have been urging the federal government to take action here and, for example, to allow cross-vaccinations with other substances as proof of vaccination,” continues Kraus-Winkler. There is also a problem with guests from Eastern Europe. Many hotels have been tending towards a 2G rule for vaccinated and convalescent patients for a long time, as it will now apply from Monday. “Better a safe season than no season at all,” is the motto, says Kraus-Winkler. After the failure of the 2020/2021 winter season, the consequences of which were partially cushioned by aid payments, many in the industry could no longer afford a second failed winter. “That goes to the reserves,” says Kraus-Winkler.
In view of the tight staffing levels, the guest does not have to fear any loss of quality, but perhaps live with certain restrictions. It could be that some menus will not be quite as generous. If you run a menu and an à la carte restaurant, the latter might not be open for seven, but only four days. Such measures fit in with the topic of sustainability again. “It’s about meaningful diversity, not extreme diversity,” says the expert. In the winter season, a lot is at stake for Austria, which is heavily dependent on tourism. “Confidence in the winter season product must not be shaken.”
Source From: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
