The hospitality sector in Cádiz is emerging as the economic "locomotive" of the province, anticipating a summer with hotel occupancy rates higher than last year. However, this optimism is overshadowed by the persistent debate over the lack of qualified staff and precarious working conditions.
According to the president of HORECA, Antonio de María, Holy Week has been a positive indicator, suggesting that the high season could exceed expectations, provided weather conditions are favorable. Despite the good forecasts, the sector remains alert to external factors, such as the geopolitical situation, which could affect tourist arrivals.
“"The hospitality industry is a true locomotive because it pulls many other sectors along."
Cádiz's reliance on seasonal tourism is a structural challenge. A professor of Applied Economics at the UCA explains that the province concentrates its activity between late June and early September, making de-seasonalization difficult. Most tourism is national, making it more dependent on holiday periods.
The decrease in unemployment in Cádiz, with 66% of new jobs in April coming from hospitality, underscores the sector's importance. Nevertheless, labor shortages remain an issue, attributed to working conditions, demanding hours, and low pay. This situation could lead to changes in establishment opening hours, focusing on peak demand days.
In municipalities like Chiclana, expectations are "very good," with the aim of attracting higher quality tourism to increase average spending per person. To achieve this, efforts are being made to diversify the tourist offer beyond "sun and beach," including cultural, leisure, and gastronomic activities, and encouraging investment in high-category hotels.
