Andorran Hotels Battle Staffing Shortages Amid Quota Mismanagement

Andorran hotels continue to face staffing shortages as the summer season nears its end, with managers criticising the management of foreign worker quotas and calling for better planning.

High occupancy rates have persisted through the first half of August, yet several establishments report ongoing difficulties filling key roles such as housekeeping and reception. The problems arise from insufficient initial summer quotas, poor distribution of available slots, and late openings of contingents, which force rushed hiring amid transitions from winter staff.

Plaza Andorra Hotels & Resorts described the initial summer quotas as inadequate, stating that estimates are not properly calibrated. At Yomo Central—also known as Hotel Yomo Cèntric—director Miguel Ángel García said the hotel has operated short-staffed throughout the period, a recurring annual issue. Staff noted unequal quota allocation and cases where willing returnees could not secure permits. The hotel described the first half of August as solid despite slightly lower occupancy, though below last July's stronger performance partly linked to the Cirque du Soleil.

Hotel Panorama highlighted tight timelines, explaining that summer slots opened just days before winter permits expired, leading to the sudden exit of 11 winter workers. Managers there stressed the need for haste to avoid gaps, while noting steady occupancy this year matching last season's pace. The Cirque du Soleil generated less demand than in prior years, they added.

Hotel Diplomatic remains short four staff across departments, with director Axel Lewin reporting that hired workers departed after quotas closed. Efforts to process additional permits failed.

Not every hotel struggles. Family-run Hotel Espel has avoided issues by retaining the same summer staff for years, bypassing quota dependencies. It reported a weak first half of August but expects improvement, and saw no occupancy boost from the Cirque du Soleil.

Views differ on upcoming events. Hotel Panorama anticipates no major impact from La Vuelta cycling race, while Plaza Andorra expects increased bookings alongside the Cirque du Soleil.

Authorities have not responded to calls for improved quota forecasting.