Italy's summer tourism boom threatened by serious worker shortage

Employment agencies in Italy are offering approximately 40,000 jobs. Before the summer season, there is a demand for bartenders, waiters, chefs, entertainers in holiday resorts, lifeguards, DJs, yacht rental workers, hotel receptionists, and spa staff.

The Italian Association of Employment Agencies (Assolavoro) noted that, as every year, there is a shortage of staff in the gastronomy, hotel, and beach sectors before the summer, as well as specialists such as sound and lighting technicians needed for concerts, shows, and discos.

Job offers in agencies are only a portion of those available throughout almost the entire country.

Media reports indicate that many regions of Italy, which have tourist-heavy coastal towns, are experiencing serious problems finding workers.

For example, there are around 5,000 vacancies in Emilia-Romagna, especially in Adriatic resorts. In Marche, there is a shortage of chefs and waiters. In Sardinia, about 25,000 seasonal workers are being sought.

Forecasts indicate that this summer will be a record one for Italy in terms of the number of tourists, but in many places, it will be marked by a labour shortage.