by InTrieste
Interview: Roberto Marin, president of the GIT in Grado
The tourism sector in Friuli Venezia Giulia is showing renewed momentum in employment, buoyed by rising hiring numbers and targeted efforts to attract both young workers and people over 55.
Regional officials presented the latest figures on Wednesday during the announcement of a recruiting initiative by Grado Impianti Turistici, the company that manages much of the seaside resort town of Grado’s tourism infrastructure. The initiative aims to fill 60 seasonal positions ahead of the 2026 summer season.
Alessia Rosolen, the regional councillor for labor, said the program reflects broader trends in the region’s tourism labor market, where hiring is not only increasing but also becoming more structured.
“The experience of Grado shows how planning plays a decisive role,” Ms. Rosolen said, pointing to the importance of long-term workforce programming and complementary training paths in maintaining quality standards. She added that this approach has enabled Grado Impianti Turistici to hire at a higher rate than similar operators.
Between January and October, the tourism sector recorded nearly 30,000 new hires across the region, according to regional data. That figure represents a 2 percent increase compared with the same period in 2024 and a 27 percent rise compared with 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted travel and hospitality industries worldwide. Officials say the balance between new hires and job terminations remains positive heading into 2025.
The composition of those hires also stands out. More than half — about 54 percent — involve workers between the ages of 20 and 30, highlighting tourism’s continued appeal to younger job seekers. At the same time, employment among workers over 55 is rebounding, reversing a decline seen in recent years.
Another notable trend is the growing use of longer fixed-term contracts, typically lasting between six and eight months. These contracts, which often include apprenticeships, allow seasonal workers to gain more sustained and specialized experience. Regional officials say this shift is already reflected in updated labor policies designed to move away from short, fragmented employment spells.
Managing seasonality remains one of the central challenges of tourism employment, particularly in coastal destinations like Grado, where demand peaks sharply in summer. Ms. Rosolen said employers are increasingly turning to practical measures — including housing solutions, bonuses and staff accommodations — to make seasonal jobs more accessible and attractive. Such measures, she said, also signal a broader sense of social responsibility within the sector.
Starting in 2026, the regional government plans to introduce specific incentives for companies that offer apprenticeship programs, with the aim of providing young workers with clearer and more stable pathways into the labor market. The policy is intended to encourage longer-term planning by employers while giving workers greater continuity and professional development.
The recruiting event announced on Wednesday is part of the regional “Lavoro FVG” program and will take place on January 22, 2026, at Grado Impianti Turistici’s headquarters on Viale Dante. The information day will outline job opportunities for the 2026 summer season and is open to prospective candidates who register by January 18, subject to availability.
The 60 positions span a wide range of roles. Beach operations are seeking certified lifeguards, beach attendants, reception staff and personnel for cleaning and access control. In food and beverage services, openings include bar managers, bartenders, waitstaff, chefs, cooks and dishwashers. The wellness and administrative areas include roles for beauticians, administrative clerks, purchasing staff and marketing assistants.
Participants in the information day will receive details on job requirements and selection procedures. Formal applications, however, will be accepted only through official recruitment calls issued by Grado Impianti Turistici and presented during the event.
For a region where tourism is a key economic driver, officials say the figures point to a sector that is not only recovering but also adapting. By combining higher hiring levels with longer contracts and broader age inclusion, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s tourism industry appears to be redefining how seasonal work fits into the wider labor market.
