Croatia begins early recruitment push as tourism sector seeks 65,000 seasonal workers

Croatia’s tourism, hospitality and retail sectors have already launched recruitment drives for the upcoming tourist season, highlighting ongoing labour shortages and the growing challenge of maintaining service quality in one of the country’s most vital industries.

According to industry estimates, around 65,000 seasonal workers will be required this year. With domestic labour increasingly scarce and qualified workers harder to retain, employers are starting their recruitment efforts earlier than ever.

Alen Mrvac, Public Relations Specialist at Alma Career Croatia (Moj posao), told HRT that the core of seasonal recruitment now takes place at the very start of the year.

“Most recruitment activity is concentrated in January and February. By the end of February, a significant number of employers already have most of their workforce secured,” Mrvac explained.
“Remaining positions are usually filled as emergency solutions in April or May.”

The shortage of domestic workers has also prompted employers to plan well in advance when hiring from abroad. Foreign seasonal workers have been sought since October, primarily to ensure work permits are issued on time.

Bernard Zenzerović, Director of the Croatian Hotel Employers Association, confirmed that reliance on foreign workers remains unavoidable.

“We estimate the need at around 65,000 seasonal workers. We aim to fill as many positions as possible from the domestic labour market, but that is simply not achievable in full,” Zenzerović said.
“We expect around 15,000 seasonal workers from Croatia, with foreign worker numbers similar to last year, at roughly 50,000.”

Research by the Moj posao portal shows that Croatian workers are more inclined to accept seasonal employment if wages are 30 to 40 per cent higher than those offered for similar roles inland.

The most sought-after professions include chefs, waiters, pastry chefs, housekeepers, receptionists, animators and retail staff.

Mrvac notes that while employers still seek quality, expectations have adjusted to labour market realities.

“Highly skilled workers with extensive experience who add value and raise service standards are rare and must be paid accordingly,” he said.
“Criteria have been lowered slightly. Where five years of experience was once required, now three years is often sufficient.”

To protect service standards, employers are investing heavily in staff training and on-site education.

Bar manager Alen Jurušić explained that workers receive structured training within their assigned venues.

“Employees undergo training in the establishments where they work. Supervisors and managers ensure they are fully educated about the services and products we offer at all times,” Jurušić said.

Zenzerović also warned of rising operational pressures across the sector.

“Since 2019, labour costs and wages in hotel management have increased by around 75 per cent, while revenues have grown by approximately 58 per cent,” he noted.
“In addition, employers are investing heavily in accommodation quality, working conditions and staff education.”

While foreign labour remains essential, employers are increasingly turning to pensioners, students, pupils and unemployed residents to supplement the workforce. This approach aims not only to ease shortages but also to preserve the authenticity and quality of Croatian tourism service.