Europe’s economy benefited from a tourism boost AFP

Despite the economic crisis, Europe remains one of the favourite destinations with international tourist arrivals in Europe growing by 5 % during the first half of 2013, according to a European Commission statement released today.

The best results were recorded in Central and Eastern Europe which registered a 9 increase in international arrivals and Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+ 6 %). During the first six months of the year, Spain was still the most popular destination, followed by Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Greece and the UK, but eastern countries such as Lithuania, Slovakia and Latvia also recorded substantial growth.

Additionally, tens of thousands of jobs are currently available in the tourism sector across Europe, which could provide some relief to the more than 26 million Europeans currently out of work. Jobs in the tourism sector are especially attractive for the young workforce, which faces a 23.5 % unemployment rate -reaching a stunning 50 % unemployment rate in some areas.

Although jobs exist in the tourism sector, often it is difficult to match potential employers with qualified workers across Europe. In order to foster employment and mobility in the tourism sector, the European Commission has put in place EURES, the first pan-European job portal which currently has many openings in the tourism sector. The portal will soon allow searching for more tourism-specific skills. NEONLINE