Kuwait Hospitality Expansion: Overcoming Staffing Shortages

The Gulf region is experiencing a meteoric transformation in its tourism sector, with substantial investments and the development of strategic blueprints across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. While Saudi Arabia and Qatar have positioned themselves as a sporting nation by adopting a holistic tourism and leisure strategy encompassing nature, Kuwait has started to follow their lead and replicate the tourism successes of its neighbours.

Kuwait is redefining itself and clearly positioning itself as a desirable tourist destination. However, to do so, it must implement a comprehensive tourism strategy with targeted positioning and clearly defined ambitions. One key factor responsible for driving the success of the tourism industry is to equip it with a sufficient and skilled workforce.

Rising Need for Workforce in the Hospitality Industry in Kuwait

In the intricate tapestry of the global economy, industries such as tourism and hospitality are intertwined and mutually dependent. The dynamic interplay between these two sectors not only shapes the economic landscape but also influences cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and crisis management strategies. Having a competent and skilled workforce is pivotal to the sustainability and success of any business, be it tourism or hospitality.

Recruiting the right number and talent into the hospitality sector will not only provide efficiency and expertise but also drive innovation and agility to market shifts. 

Benefits of Having a Skilled Workforce 

• Increased Productivity

A skilled workforce possesses the required knowledge and ability to complete their jobs efficiently. This increased productivity directly translates into increased output, and ultimately bolsters the business’s bottom line.

• Enhanced Innovation

A workforce with a solid foundation maintains versatility, enabling it to adapt to new technologies and industry trends. This ensures the business remains at the forefront of innovation and maintains its competitive edge in the marketplace.

• Higher Quality of Work

Highly skilled employees are knowledgeable in their fields, which results in top-notch work practices. A competent workforce can contribute to the creation of services and products that are distinguished by their quality.

• Employer Branding

A well-trained workforce is synonymous with professionalism, reliability and high-quality work. A positive reputation will attract the best talent and unlock new opportunities for businesses.

• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

The most skilled employees are more adept at recognising the needs of customers and delivering solutions that exceed expectations. This enhanced understanding leads to increased customer satisfaction, which in turn drives positive business outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Roles in the tourism industry are diverse, ranging from front-line customer service to management and specialised fields. A well-trained workforce engages effectively in cross-functional collaboration, breaking down organisational silos.

By realising and harnessing the potential of a well-trained workforce, the hotel industry in Kuwait can position itself for long-term success in a changing business environment.

Overcoming Tourism Talent Shortage : Partnering with a Staffing Agency

Ongoing staffing problems posed by the pandemic made businesses in the Kuwait hospitality sector struggle more than others to fill vacancies. The situation was further exacerbated by the sector’s lower contribution to GDP compared to other Gulf nations, as well as issues with infrastructure and marketing. Many businesses in the sector are turning to technology to ease the pressure; others are pumping more money into the business. However, recruitment experts emphasise the need for the hospitality industry to rethink the way it hires.  

The hospitality industry is the largest employer of people under the age of 25, yet when hiring teams embark on talent sourcing, a significant disconnect is often observed. Many organisations in the industry still employ “‘Staff wanted’ signs in windows for their hiring needs. It is clear that the sector has not attuned to how younger generations search for jobs, while employers are failing to communicate the things that make them a desirable employer.

Oman Agencies, one of the leading hotel recruitment agencies in Kuwait,  strives to bridge the gap between how restaurants, bars, and hotels recruit staff and how prospects, particularly younger generations, search for jobs.

Oman Agencies enables prospects to create a profile that showcases their achievements and experience, and then matches them to employers aligned with their values and desired role. At the same time, it allows employers to showcase the attributes that make them an attractive place to work, from culture and career progression to perks and perquisites.

Final Words

The hospitality sector is perceived as an attractive one to join, and is no different to any other sector in terms of professional development. And yet businesses in the industry struggle to fill the open roles.

The good news? You can tackle this staffing crisis head-on. Specialised hospitality staffing firms such as Oman Agencies optimize your hiring process with their vast networks of qualified candidates. It manages everything from document verification and skill assessment to visa processing for international hires. Oman Agencies blends tech with its years of knowledge and expertise to help businesses combat talent draught while delivering the exceptional service their guests deserve. Work with a trusted recruitment partner in Kuwait!