Tourist towns struggle for staff before summer rush

STAFF shortages are pushing businesses to recruit early to avoid being caught out ahead of an anticipated booming summer season.

Last year, some tourist hotspots struggled to find enough beds for visitors, let alone for staff, forcing workers to look elsewhere.

The tourism industry directly employed more than 180,000 people in November 2017 and forecasts predict more than 50,000 new workers will be needed by 2021.

Operators need to consider how best to attract workers to their businesses.

Along the shores of Lake Tekapo, a new backpackers development is taking shape.

The $9 million YHA is expected to be finished in mid-December and the hunt for staff is about to start.

YHA operations manager Simon Cartwright hoped offering on and offsite accommodation would be a drawcard for the 25 staff members needed.

‘‘We have built a number of units for staff accommodation, as accommodation in Tekapo is in extremely short supply,’’ Mr Cartwright said.

The YHA would use the old hostel and a rental property to house staff, although he was hopeful some Tekapo residents would apply to work there.

Starting recruitment early, quality training and offering a competitive wage helped to attract and keep staff, ahead of the peak summer season, Mr Cartwright said.

‘‘It has been a long time since we’ve got away with paying the minimum wage.’’

Among the other incentives are free WiFi in staff accommodation, additional time off and giving more support to employees.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts said the industry was expecting another strong summer season.

‘‘Many tourism businesses will be doubling or more their normal staff numbers to cope with demand over the summer period,’’ Mr Roberts said.

Businesses were taking different approaches to attract and retain staff, including staying open for longer in the year so workers did not have to look for other jobs, he said.

Cardrona Alpine Resort started opening during the summer four years ago.

Resort general manager Bridget Legnavsky said only 20 to 30 people were employed in previous summers but that had risen to 140 this year.

There was no need for recruitment, because enough of the 700 winter staff wanted to stay for the summer, Ms Legnavsky said.

‘‘When we closed down all summer in the past, we lost a lot of people.’’

Now Cardrona was able to hold on to experienced, dedicated staff throughout the year, which was a boon for workers and the resort, Ms Legnavsky said.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa said staff could make or break a tourism experience, so businesses needed to be savvy to keep good staff on board.