City of Helsinki wants to alleviate the labour shortage in tourism industries with a recruitment event

While tourism has started recovering from the challenges posed by the COVID 19 pandemic, the industry is now suffering from a growing labour shortage. Some restaurants in Helsinki have had to reduce their opening hours or close their doors completely, and it is not easy to find qualified hotel receptionists either. Helsinki wants to help tourism operators battling with this challenge.
Helsinki Hospitality Job Fair 2023 is aimed at employers in the tourism, restaurant and event sectors as well as jobseekers interested in these sectors.  Photo: Matti Pyykkö
Helsinki Hospitality Job Fair 2023 is aimed at employers in the tourism, restaurant and event sectors as well as jobseekers interested in these sectors. Photo: Matti Pyykkö

“Tourism operators are struggling with the availability of labour and mismatch problems. This was also a popular discussion topic at the Matka Nordic Travel Fair in January. Helsinki has decided to respond to this need by organising a job search event for everyone interested in tourism,” says Nina Vesterinen, tourism manager at the City of Helsinki.

The free event will take place in Helsinki Congress Paasitorni on 14 February

The City of Helsinki, in cooperation with employers in the tourism, restaurant and event industries, is organising Helsinki Hospitality Job Fair 2023 on Tuesday 14 February 2023 at Helsinki Congress Paasitorni (address Paasivuorenkatu 5 A, 2nd floor, 00530 Helsinki). At the event, jobseekers in the tourism sector can get to know various employers at the same time and take part in quick interviews. The event is open to jobseekers interested in all jobs in the tourism industry, and approximately 20 employers, such as hotels, tourist attractions and event organisers, will attend the event.

The recruitment event is free of charge, and no prior registration is needed. Applicants are encouraged to bring a CV for the quick interviews. It is also possible to bring a portfolio or presentation letter.

“The Job Fair is a job search event organised by the City of Helsinki, aimed exclusively at employers in the tourism, restaurant and event industries and jobseekers interested in these industries. Our common goal is to bring employees and employers together,” says Juha Riehunkangas, expert, business cooperation at the City of Helsinki.

Helsinki Hospitality Job Fair 2023 is part of the activities of the Makers of Helsinki network  

The recruitment event is organised as part of the activities of the Makers of Helsinki network. The network collaboration provides operators in the tourism, event and restaurant sectors with up-to-date information, tools to develop their operations and extensive opportunities for networking.

“Helsinki Hospitality Job Fair 2023 is a prime example of the measures that Helsinki can and wants to offer to our network partners. I am happy to see both large and small companies joining the recruitment event,” Riehunkangas continues.

The Makers of Helsinki network is open to companies and organisations that want to be connected to the Helsinki brand and commit to developing Helsinki into a sustainable and smart tourism and event city and to increasing Helsinki’s international reputation and image.