site.btaHospitality Sector Workforce Drops 10 Per Cent

Hospitality Sector Workforce Drops 10 Per Cent

Sofia, October 11 (BTA) - Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova told an industry forum Tuesday that the hiring of staff in the hospitality sector declined by around 10 per cent on an annual basis in 2015.

The local tourism industry and sectors related to it supported a total of 366,000 jobs in 2015, including around 92,000 jobs supported directly.

Vacant positions in the hospitality sector that are most difficult to fill include waiters, chamber maids, bellboys and receptionists, all job areas where there is the biggest need for training. Setting up a training centre is mulled to provide practical courses for various hospitality professions lasting between three months and a year. The idea, which borrows from international practices, is due to be discussed with the Education Ministry.

Angelkova told reporters that the 45 new beach concession deals have generated 1.1 million leva in revenue with a further 4.8 million leva pocketed from the lease of related facilities.

Payment is effected in three instalments, the Minister said.

Concessionaires have so far paid 100,000 leva in various penalties with notifications sent out for a further 620,000 leva in penalties.