The Austrian tourism industry continues to suffer from a shortage of skilled employees. A study by the Tourism & Hospitality Management study programs at FHWien der WKW shows that specific initiatives can help to retain graduates in the industry and companies while they are still studying. In particular, practical relevance and good support when starting a career play a decisive role.
The tourism economy recorded steady growth until 2019, which was brought to an abrupt stop by the coronavirus pandemic. Although the industry has been recovering since summer 2022 and is now back to pre-pandemic overnight stays, the shortage of employees remains a key problem.
Employee shortage and high fluctuation despite rising overnight stays
The study, which was conducted by Daniela Wagner from the Tourism & Hospitality Management study programs together with Gabriele Tragschitz-Köck at FHWien der WKW, shows that although many tourism management graduates start their careers in tourism, only a third stay in the industry long-term. The reasons for this are manifold: high fluctuation, low length of stay in the industry and a high number of young career starters.
A central aspect of the study is the role of practical experience during studies. Students at FHWien der WKW complete a mandatory internship of at least 700 working hours in the fourth semester. In addition, they can choose between four specializations: Event and Congress Design, Food Entrepreneurship, Mobility or Hotel Management. These specializations promote the practical relevance of the education and increase the chances of employment.
Practical training and specific internships for a successful career start
The results show that graduates who have completed their internship in a specific area of tourism are significantly more likely to stay in this sector. Positive experiences, such as good supervision and integration into the company, increase loyalty to the sector. Conversely, negative experiences such as poor pay, working overtime or a lack of development opportunities often lead to a change of sector.
The authors conclude that companies that look after their interns well have a better chance of attracting committed employees in the long term. Measures such as a structured on-boarding, an appreciative working environment and development prospects could help to noticeably alleviate the shortage of skilled employees in tourism.