Hospitality Pact convened for a resilient and future-proof hospitality sector 

Under the banner of the Hospitality Pact, industry associations, companies, educational institutions and trade unions met at the Heineken Experience. At the centre was one common mission: to recruit and retain staff in the hospitality sector. Because without people, no hospitality. The Hospitality Pact is a broad partnership committed to a sustainable and attractive future of the hospitality industry. The meeting underlined the importance of a joint approach. An inspiring programme with speakers and specialists highlighted both challenges and opportunities within the sector.

Working together

Erwin van der Graaf, chairman of the Hospitality Pact: "The need is clear. Without well-trained and motivated employees, the quality of our industry is at risk. That is why we joined hands in 2023 to build tomorrow's labour market now. Only then can we continue to enjoy all that the sector has to offer. The pact is committed to serious training, career prospects and advancement opportunities."

Ecosystems and cooperation

Professor Annemieke Roobeek (Nyenrode Business University) stressed the importance of innovative collaborations: "the industry is facing major transitions - from sustainability to digitalisation - and that calls for new forms of collaboration. I advocate actively building so-called hospitality ecosystems: networks in which hospitality, arts, culture, technology, education, local communities and NGOs work together. An ecosystem does not arise by itself - you have to build it, activate it and maintain it. "She pointed to the importance of lateral entry and meaningful work: "Give room for development, appreciation and surprising career opportunities."

Facts and figures

ABN AMRO sector economist Stef Driessen brought current figures: "some two-thirds of entrepreneurs are struggling with staff shortages. Many vacancies are open every year. Outflow to other sectors, retirement and caring responsibilities play a major role. Influence on one's own working hours appears to be an important employment condition. In addition, in 2030, the Netherlands will have more than two million 65- to 75-year-olds. Only 17% are still working, while many are willing to continue working part-time. Cooperation with sectors with opposite seasonal patterns also offers opportunities."

Lifelong learning

Jan Lokker, member of Zadkine's Executive Board, stressed the importance of continuous development: "lifelong learning is the future. Educational institutions contribute to this through short, practical training courses, good internships and a mix of online and physical education. This is how we bind people to the sector sustainably."

Maintaining craftsmanship

Pieter Vissers, hospitality director of Heineken Netherlands: "quality is under pressure. When well-trained staff leave, valuable experience is lost. Hospitality is a profession. That's why Heineken trains around 10,000 catering staff every year on draught beer technique, beer knowledge and hospitality. Because the main reason for a second glass? The quality of the first one and the pride with which it was served."

Discover Hospitality

Finally, the new platform www.ontdekhospitality.nl launched: the heart of a nationwide digital campaign to inspire young adults for a career in hospitality. With the call for financial support, the initiators aim to realise follow-up campaigns and reach an even wider audience with the story and power of hospitality.