Under the banner of the Hospitality Pact, industry associations, companies, educational institutions, and trade unions gathered at the Heineken Experience. Central to the meeting was one shared mission: recruiting and retaining staff in the hospitality sector. For without people, there is no hospitality. The Hospitality Pact is a broad collaboration committed to a sustainable and attractive future for the hospitality industry. During the meeting, the importance of a joint approach was emphasised. An inspiring programme with speakers and specialists highlighted both the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
Joining forces
Erwin van der Graaf, chairman of the Hospitality Pact: “the necessity is clear. Without well-trained and motivated employees, the quality of our industry is at risk. That is why in 2023 we joined forces to build the labour market of tomorrow now. Only in this way can we continue to enjoy everything the sector has to offer. The pact is committed to serious training, career prospects, and opportunities for advancement.”
Ecosystems and collaboration
Professor Annemieke Roobeek (Nyenrode Business University) emphasised the importance of innovative collaborations: “the industry faces major transitions – from sustainability to digitalisation – and this requires new forms of collaboration. I advocate actively building so-called hospitality ecosystems: networks in which hospitality, art, culture, technology, education, local communities, and NGOs collaborate. An ecosystem does not arise by itself – you have to build, activate, and maintain it.” She pointed out the importance of lateral entry and meaningful work: “Provide space for Your career, appreciation, and surprising career opportunities.”
Facts and figures
ABN AMRO sector economist Stef Driessen presented Updates figures: “about two-thirds of entrepreneurs are struggling with staff shortages. Many vacancies remain open annually. The outflow to other sectors, retirement, and caregiving play a significant role. Influence over one's working hours proves to be an important employment condition. Additionally, by 2030, the Netherlands will have over two million people aged 65 to 75. Only 17% are still working, while many are willing to continue working part-time. Collaboration with sectors with an opposite seasonal pattern also offers opportunities.”
Lifelong learning
Jan Lokker, member of the union representative board of Zadkine, emphasised the importance of continuous Your career: “lifelong learning is the future. Educational institutions contribute to this through short, practice-oriented training, good internships, and a mix of online and physical education. This way, we sustainably bind people to the sector.”
Preserving craftsmanship
Pieter Vissers, hospitality director of Heineken Netherlands: “quality is under pressure. When well-trained staff leave, valuable experience is lost. Hospitality is a craft. That is why Heineken trains about 10,000 hospitality employees annually in tap technique, beer Insights, and hospitality. Because the main reason for a second glass? The quality of the first and the pride with which it is served.”
Discover Hospitality
Finally, the new platform www.ontdekhospitality.nl was launched: the heart of a national digital campaign to inspire young adults for a career in the hospitality sector. With the call for financial support, the initiators aim to realise follow-up campaigns and reach an even wider audience with the story and strength of hospitality.