Hospitality
European hotels are struggling to staff their rooms and restaurants. India is opening new hotels faster than it can find people to run them.
From India to Europe
European tourism has recovered strongly, but many hotels still struggle to staff their properties, especially outside capital cities. Shortages are reported for:
- front office and reservations staff
- housekeeping supervisors and room attendants
- food and beverage service: waiters, bartenders, restaurant supervisors
- kitchen roles (see our culinary guide)
- maintenance technicians for hotel buildings
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria and the Alpine regions often hire on a seasonal basis. Italy's quota decree for 2026–2028 reserves tens of thousands of places each year for seasonal tourism work. Year-round roles are more common in cities and in large hotel groups.
What employers look for
- Hotel management or hospitality diplomas, or solid experience with international brands
- The local language for guest-facing roles, often at least A2–B1, and good English
- Flexibility on shifts, weekends and seasons
- Clean references from previous employers
The usual routes
There is no single "hospitality visa". Roles are filled through each country's standard work permit, a seasonal permit, or a national quota. Salaries in hospitality are often below EU Blue Card thresholds, so national permits are the norm. See the hotel jobs guide for details by country.
From Europe to India
India's hotel sector is expanding fast, with new luxury and upscale properties in metro cities, heritage destinations and resort areas. Groups open properties under international brands and look for:
- general managers and executive assistant managers with pre-opening experience
- revenue, sales and marketing leaders used to international distribution
- executive chefs and pastry chefs for European cuisine outlets
- spa and wellness directors
- quality and guest-experience managers
Europeans are usually hired to put brand standards, systems and staff training in place. See hospitality leadership roles in India.
Business opportunities
- European hotel brands and management companies partnering with Indian owners
- Indian hotel groups opening properties or acquiring hotels in Europe
- Hospitality training institutes in Europe and India creating exchange and internship programmes
- Suppliers of linen, kitchen equipment, software and design selling between Europe and India
