The report summarises key insights from a Human Capital Sprint held at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai, where industry leaders and students explored how hospitality can better attract, develop and retain talent.

The discussion highlighted the need for trust-based workplace cultures, clearer and faster career pathways, greater transparency around opportunities, and more flexible entry points into the industry. Participants stressed that hospitality must move beyond transactional employment models and communicate a compelling, honest value proposition to prospective talent.

On development, the report calls for stronger alignment between academia and industry, a clearer definition of core hospitality skills, and a shift towards skills-based progression rather than rigid job hierarchies. More fluid career paths were seen as essential in a rapidly evolving sector.

For retention, personalization, meaningful recognition, and a strong sense of belonging emerged as critical levers. Managers play a central role in fostering purpose-driven cultures that encourage long-term commitment. Overall, the report urges the industry to adopt more human-centred, agile talent strategies to secure its future workforce.

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