Theoretical Framework and Preliminary Evaluation of a Model for Analysing the Qualified Personnel Needing’s in the Hotel Accommodation Sector

Abstract

This study addresses the need for a comprehensive analysis of the demand for qualified personnel in Spain’s hotel accommodation sector, situating the issue within a context of increasing demand for specialized and highly personalized services in the tourism industry. The objective of this research is to develop a theoretical framework and conduct a preliminary assessment of a model designed to identify and quantify the need for skilled professionals across hotels of different categories and locations. This model considers key factors such as seasonality, required technical competencies, and labour market demands in the tourism sector. The methodology employed combines quantitative and qualitative data analysis from multiple sources, including prior studies, surveys of human resources managers, a review of the academic literature on human resource assessment models in the hotel industry, and a validation survey. Preliminary findings indicate a significant shortage of professionals with advanced expertise in critical areas such as operations management, multilingual customer service, and process digitalization, highlighting the urgent need for a strategic approach to training and talent retention. The conclusions emphasize the importance of adapting workforce planning to the specific demands of Spain’s hotel sector while drawing comparative insights from models in France and the United States. This study proposes strategies to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability in an increasingly globalized market.