Greece’s tourism sector is facing a deepening labour crisis, with a projected shortfall of 290,000 jobs by 2035, according to a report by Kathimerini (October 5, 2025). Three leading industry figures have sounded the alarm, calling for bold policy decisions and a long-term strategy to safeguard one of the country’s most vital economic pillars.
Andreas Andreadis: “The time has come for brave decisions”
Andreas Andreadis, CEO of Sani/Ikos Group and former president of SETE, noted that he first warned of the looming crisis back in 2022. Since then, he said, only limited action has been taken.
He dismissed the idea that demographic decline can be reversed quickly or that robots can realistically replace staff, stressing instead the urgent need to upgrade service quality.
“It is time for the state to ignore political cost and proceed with serious moves,” he said, citing Spain and Portugal as examples, where bilateral labour agreements with Central and South American countries have effectively addressed workforce gaps.
Grigoris Tasios, former president of POX and current head of the Hoteliers’ Association of Halkidiki, echoed this view. He told Tornos News that legally and strategically introducing foreign workers would provide relief for hotel businesses, supporting Andreadis’ call for decisive measures.
Katerina Santikou: “The issue is not how many are missing, but who and why”
Hospitality HR & Business Development Leader Katerina Santikou argued that the shortage is not temporary but rooted in structural issues — demographics and seasonality.
While immigration can be beneficial in the short term, she said that integration strategies, improved working conditions, and rethinking seasonality are essential for a sustainable workforce.
“Human capital is the real infrastructure of tourism—more critical than material investments. If we do not invest in it systematically, the country risks losing its most important asset: hospitality as a culture,” Santikou warned.
George Pelekanakis: A roadmap for the future
George Pelekanakis, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Hotel Managers, urged immediate, coordinated action, outlining a comprehensive set of proposals:
- Investment in education and continuous training
- Incentives for young people, women, older workers, and people with disabilities
- Repatriation programmes for Greek professionals abroad and targeted attraction of workers from third countries
- Upgrading salaries and working conditions
- Adoption of technology and automation
- Promotional campaigns to make tourism professions more appealing to younger generations
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