Youth unemployment: hospitality to the rescue

Youth unemployment can be used as motivation to build a formative growth strategy for hospitality businesses worldwide, according to Hilton Worldwide.

"We have a tremendous opportunity to prevent a lost generation of young people by helping them acquire the life skills and job training they need to be successful in the workplace and beyond," Hilton Worldwide president and chief executive Christopher J. Nassetta said.

The hotel group has commissioned a white paper to investigate opportunities for unemployed and underemployed youth worldwide.

The International Youth Foundation (IYF) will carry out the study, Creating Opportunities for Youth in Hospitality, highlighting solutions to challenge youth joblessness across the globe.

The IYF said the hospitality industry is well-placed, with ample resources, career development opportunities and a business platform that relies heavily upon a trained workforce across many regions.

"This paper and Hilton Worldwide's leadership provide a critical foundation for how hospitality companies can respond to youth development strategically, while also supporting their business goals... to address youth issues in a holistic and sustainable manner," IYF president and chief executive William S. Reese said.

Hilton Worldwide also announced the launch of Bright Blue Futures, a global commitment to youth development around the world, led by its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.

The travel and tourism sector currently employs 255 million people globally and is expected to generate 73 million new jobs by 2022.

Source: eTravel Blackboard, 29 January 2013