Summer tourist season at Lake Balaton is threatened by severe labour shortage

This year, the Hungarian seaside, one of the most popular summer holiday destinations not only for Hungarians but also for foreigners, is facing again a severe labour shortage. Catering establishments are trying to solve the issue by raising salaries.

Recurring labour shortage

Recruitment has started at Lake Balaton. The region mostly relies on tourism and catering. In the past, the lack of a sufficient workforce had already caused disruption and various problems for both caterers and guests.

The solution: massive salaries

The only way for caterers to solve the issue is to attract workers with high wages. According to rtl.hu, those who take on summer jobs can receive salaries of up to HUF 1 million (EUR 2,700).

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László Kovács, president of the Hungarian Hospitality Industry Association, confirmed the above-mentioned information. However, he added that the job is both demanding and challenging. It requires working 10-12 hours a day, mostly in the heat, which few people can handle.

Tibor Gyurácz, an expert at the Human Centre, says that chefs are the hardest to find. As a result of the labour shortage, some restaurants may not open at all, or the service might be slower than usual, serving fewer guests.