Derelict, dire and dead: What UK cities could look like without hospitality and tourism

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Research suggests the sector is also battling a critical talent shortage – with 82% of people believing the sector only offers short-term career opportunities.

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00:00There's a current skill shortage of about 48% of what they need in the industry. So

00:07that's quite critical for an industry that is, I mean, that contributes 3.6 million jobs

00:16directly and supports about 9 million additional ones, I mean, indirectly.

00:23Last year, UK tourism surpassed its 2019 peak, contributing around £252 billion to

00:30the UK economy. And in the last six years, hospitality has increased its annual economic

00:35contribution by £20 billion to £93 billion each year. But a shortage of staff for both

00:42sectors means experts believe growth in these industries is not sustainable without change.

00:47To say, OK, here is an industry which you can make a career out of. So basically what

00:55we are calling for is let's make the hospitality and tourism industry a career of option.

01:02The research found that only 18% of people feel working in hospitality and tourism is rewarding,

01:08with most people leaving the industry because of wanting better pay,

01:12better opportunities and fixed hours. But as a huge employer, contributor to GDP and simply a

01:18way of making our cities feel vibrant, we need people in these industries to keep them alive.

01:23Experts believe we can learn a lot from our overseas neighbours.

01:27We want sustainable tourism. Tourism that not only benefits the main players,

01:33but also benefits the local community. Tourism that cares about the environment,

01:41that cares about the people. And again, in terms of that, in terms of remuneration, low pay,

01:47it needs to be sustainable as well. When you talk about sustainability,

01:51that is what probably people are looking for. Sustaining the organisation,

01:57but also sustaining me as an employee.

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