85% of travel and hospitality operators in Japan are forced to limit their operating hours due to labor shortages

The Japan Federation of Service & Tourism Industries Workers’ Unions (STU) announced the survey results to its member unions. that 85% of travel and hospitality operators had to reduce their opening hours due to labor shortages.

The research shows that the catering industry is struggling with their activities, such as a reduction in the number of opening days (51%), shorter opening hours (33%) or a reduction in the number of rooms for sale (27%). Moreover, 80% of hotels or ryokans have more part-time or leisure workers.

Important reasons for leaving the catering industry are ‘low salary (88.6%)’, ‘working environment (54.3%)’, ‘long-term work (40%)’ or ‘low potential of the company (31.4%) ‘.

Hostels and ryokans are especially looking for customer service and restaurant staff.