Portuguese hospitality leaders highlight training gaps

Hospitality leaders in Portugal are highlighting a growing gap between academic training and the operational realities of the industry, particularly within the luxury segment.

Eduardo Johnston da Silva, General Manager of Six Senses Douro Valley, notes that while technical hard skills can be taught internally, new graduates often lack essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and interpersonal approaches. He suggests that the industry requires more specialized training to meet varying levels of service demands.

At Savoy Signature, Noélia Reis observes that while professionals are increasingly aware of industry demands, there remains a disconnect between theoretical education and the practical needs of high-end service. She emphasizes the need for better resilience, emotional balance, and attention to detail to manage intense operational rhythms.

Paula Cordeiro, who recently assumed leadership of People Management at Vila Galé, stresses that addressing sector attractiveness requires more than just recruitment or employer branding. She argues for a deeper transformation of the work experience to support the group's strategic growth across its 52 hotels.