Last week, I visited ITB, one of the largest trade fairs in the world focused on the travel and tourism industry, located in the vibrant city of Berlin.
The primary goal of my visit was to gain deeper insights into how the tourism sector is addressing the significant challenge of the shortage of skilled workers. Reflecting on my conversations, I want to share a few key observations:
✔ It’s clear that industry leaders are universally aware of the skilled worker shortage and feel very challenged by it.
✔ The importance of proper integration is well-understood as a critical factor for success.
❌ However, there seems to be a lack of ownership of the issue of creating a proper welcome culture, with many believing it’s „someone else’s“ (!) responsibility to address.
❌ This leads to doubts about how seriously the problem is taken by those in a position to make a difference.
In summary
In summary, it’s critical to note that many companies still fail to recognize the importance of intercultural training as a fundamental part of a successful onboarding process. And yes, they are already overwhelmed by the significant organizational efforts and financial investments required for processing visas and managing bureaucracy.
However, they overlook the greater financial costs incurred when newcomers do not feel welcomed or valued. Missing the opportunity to create a welcoming and inclusive business environment results in even higher financial and cultural costs.
💡 What are your thoughts on this topic:
❔ Do you think companies are doing enough?
❔ How is the “culture of welcome” built in your company?
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