The Union of Employers of Serbia, in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), recently hosted a conference titled “Necessary Skills in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector in Serbia.” This event gathered experts, government representatives and industry stakeholders to unveil the Strategy for Developing Workforce Skills essential for the sustainable growth of tourism in Serbia.
Participants highlighted several challenges facing the sector, particularly the difficulties in identifying and meeting new skill requirements in rapidly growing tourism destinations. They also noted the increasing pressure from technological advancements that necessitate ongoing personnel training. To address these issues effectively, the Strategy was developed through a collaborative effort involving hotel industry representatives, educational institutions, trade unions and government bodies.
The conference featured presentations from Blagica Novkovska and Dr. Dušan Borovčanin, while Alessandra Molc from the ILO discussed the methodology used in crafting the strategic document.
“The strategy aims to help Serbia’s tourism sector pinpoint critical skill gaps, anticipate future workforce needs, and establish development priorities to foster sector growth,” Molc stated.
The Serbian government has already adopted the Tourism Development Strategy for 2016-2025, which emphasizes enhancements in agricultural, rural, cultural, and urban areas. However, there has been insufficient focus on human capital, which is vital for supporting the sector’s growth. A notable challenge remains the shortage of skilled labor, particularly in rural areas that are becoming increasingly popular as tourist destinations.
The skills development strategy emphasizes creating a standardized sector backed by a legal framework to ensure high-quality service delivery. The integration of modern technologies and effective human resource development are recognized as crucial for meeting guest and employee needs.
“Strengthening collaboration between the educational system and the tourism industry is essential for training personnel with the specific skills demanded by the market. Improving the perception of the hospitality industry as a viable career choice is also important for attracting young talent, which is key to the sector’s long-term sustainability,” Molc added.
Nebojša Atanacković, honorary president of the Union of Employers of Serbia, stressed the importance of strategically developing human resources in tourism. “Tourism is a vital economic sector with great potential, and we must enhance the skills of those working in it,” he emphasized.
Zoran Martinović, Assistant Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, noted the tourism sector’s significance in Serbia’s economic development, pointing out the dual challenge of not only needing more workers but also ensuring they possess the necessary skills.
Miloš Blagojević, Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development, highlighted the need for collaboration between educational institutions and employers to enhance practical training. “We must analyze existing job profiles and identify gaps to address the workforce deficit,” he said, advocating for a strategic approach to educational priorities.
Dr. Danijela Vićentijević from the Ministry of Education echoed the need for intersectoral cooperation to advance the tourism and hospitality sector. One key takeaway from the conference was the necessity for reforming educational programs to align with market needs and strengthening practical teaching. Additionally, incentives such as awards and scholarships for students pursuing careers in hospitality were proposed to ensure the sector’s sustainability.
Overall, discussions underscored the immense potential of tourism in Serbia, with the development of human resources seen as the cornerstone of its success. Continuous education, adaptability to technological changes, and close collaboration with educational institutions are vital for the sector’s stable growth. While this strategy marks an initial step toward addressing these needs, its successful implementation will require active participation from all stakeholders.
