Hospitality industry veteran Scott Yandrasevich is calling for greater respect and recognition for workers and professionals in the hospitality sector, emphasizing the critical role the industry plays in the economy and the lives of millions of people. Drawing on over two decades of experience in hospitality management, Yandrasevich highlights the often-overlooked contributions of the industry and advocates for increased awareness of the challenges hospitality workers face.
“The hospitality industry is more than just hotels and restaurants—it's about creating experiences that bring people together and support local and global economies,” Yandrasevich said. “Yet, despite its importance, hospitality workers often do not receive the recognition or respect they deserve.”
The hospitality industry is one of the largest global employers, providing jobs to over 330 million people worldwide, accounting for 10% of global employment, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). In the United States alone, the hospitality sector employs over 16 million people, making it one of the nation’s largest industries. Despite its size and significance, the sector faces challenges in terms of public perception, employee retention, and adequate support, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yandrasevich points to the pandemic as a wake-up call for the hospitality industry’s vulnerability. "The pandemic severely impacted hospitality, with millions of jobs lost and countless businesses struggling to survive. However, it also revealed how essential the industry is, not just economically, but in terms of the social and emotional connections it fosters," he said. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, the hospitality industry saw an employment decline of 3.7 million jobs, or 37%, due to the pandemic.
Yandrasevich argues that, moving forward, the industry needs to be viewed with the same respect as other major sectors like healthcare and education. "We need to change the narrative around hospitality and recognize it for what it is: a cornerstone of our society. This starts with valuing the workers who drive it, from the front desk staff to the event managers who ensure everything runs smoothly."
One way to ensure this respect, according to Yandrasevich, is by improving the working conditions and providing more career advancement opportunities for hospitality professionals. "According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), 84% of hotels are currently experiencing staffing shortages, and 43% of the hospitality workforce have left the industry since the pandemic began. We need to invest in training, fair wages, and pathways for advancement to keep talent in the sector," Yandrasevich said.
He also advocates for a more focused effort from industry leaders to support and elevate the voices of hospitality workers. "Hospitality professionals are often the first and last point of contact for guests. The experiences they create have lasting effects. It’s time we recognize their contributions and provide the respect and support they deserve," he emphasized.
As the hospitality industry rebuilds and adapts to new challenges, Scott Yandrasevich remains committed to advocating for the industry’s workers and ensuring that their vital role in the global economy is respected and recognized.
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City: Danbury
State: Connecticut
Country: United States
Website: https://www.scottyandrasevichdanbury.com/
