Greece Needs Workers

Greece Faces a Critical Shortage of Hospitality Workers in 2025

A Labor Crisis in the Tourism-Driven Economy

As Greece gears up for yet another record-breaking tourism season, the nation confronts a severe labor shortage in its hospitality industry. With an estimated 80,000 unfilled positions in hotels and food services, the sector—which accounts for roughly 25% of Greece’s GDP—is under mounting pressure.
The GuardianINDIA OUTBOUND

Why Are Locals Shying Away?

Many Greek workers have moved toward more stable 9-to-5 office jobs, deterring them from the long hours and shift work common in hospitality. A tourism student in Halkidiki described her living and working conditions as “miserable and unacceptable,” reflecting a broader sentiment.
Taipei Times

Notably, nearly half of Greek hoteliers surveyed plan to hire from non-EU countries to fill over 28,000 vacancies, especially for entry-level roles like housekeeping, dishwashing, and cleaning.
France 24

Migrant Workers: A Fragile Solution

While Greece has launched recruitment efforts abroad and legalized the status of about 30,000 undocumented workers, the gap persists. Many foreign workers are reluctant to return due to lengthy bureaucratic procedures and inconsistent job quality.
The GuardianBalkan InsightUniglobe Expert Immigration Consultancy

Scale of the Staffing Shortfall

The shortage spans beyond tourism. Greece is also facing notable gaps in construction, agriculture, and broader industrial sectors. In total, the nation may require up to 300,000 workers, with 85,000 in tourism alone, 100,000 in construction, and tens of thousands elsewhere.
GHD

Regional Hotspots: Islands and Resorts Struggle Most

Tourist-centric regions such as the Ionian Islands, Crete, and Rhodes are particularly affected. Reports highlight frequent "poaching" between employers offering better pay and conditions to lure staff. The shortage’s impact is especially pronounced during peak seasons.
The GuardianFinancial Times

Looking Across Europe

Hospitality workforce challenges are not unique to Greece. Across Southern Europe—including Malta and southern Italy—vacancies are rising sharply, especially in frontline roles like housekeeping and front desk. Greece, however, stands out for its more acute dependency on tourism.
Sopforhotel.com

Summary Table

ChallengeInsightUnfilled Positions~80,000 in hospitality amid booming tourismLocal Workforce TrendPreference for stable, non-shift jobs; poor working/living conditionsForeign RecruitmentSignificant reliance on non-EU workers; bureaucratic and logistical gapsSector-Wide GapsUp to 300,000 vacancies across tourism, construction, agricultureRegional HotspotsHotter shortages on islands; staff “poaching” commonBroader TrendSimilar shortages across Southern Europe, but Greece especially at-risk

Conclusion & Call to Action

Greece’s hospitality sector—central to its economic vitality—is at a crossroads. The shortage of workers threatens not just service continuity but also long-term growth, especially amid forecasts of 40 million visitors by 2028.
The GuardianGHDINDIA OUTBOUND

To avert a deepening crisis, urgent action is needed:

• Streamline immigration and recruitment processes for third-country nationals

• Improve working and living conditions to attract both local and foreign workers

• Develop retention and training strategies, especially in highly seasonal and remote areas

Without coordinated reform, the sector risks diminished quality and strained capacity—fundamentally undercutting Greece’s tourism lifeline.