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Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of International Operations for Wyndham Destinations, switched his suit for a chef’s apron at Wyndham Surfers Paradise this morning to help out the hotel team during a staff shortage.

Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific is currently recruiting for approximately 120 roles across its Australian corporate offices, hotels and resorts, with the entire hospitality industry experiencing an unprecedented shortage of quality staff.

With a rising incidence of sickness across Australia, the staff shortage became so severe at Wyndham Surfers Paradise’s café, The Promenade, this morning that Mr Robinson called himself up, clocked into the kitchen and started preparing meals.

“Following a quiet two years for the hospitality industry due to lockdowns and other COVID-19 travel restrictions, we have unfortunately seen many professionals walk away to try something new. The staff shortage is being compounded by people wanting to travel after years of staying put,” said Mr Robinson.

“I am proud to have been part of the industry for more than 30 years, so serving has almost become an instinct. When I heard about the situation over here, I rushed to fill the gap.”

Mr Robinson was this morning joined by Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Brand Communications and Customer Experience, Bruce Harkness, and the hotel’s General Manager, Maria Salazar, at the café. With occupancies reaching between 80 to 90 per cent for the rest of the year, demand for travel and hotel accommodation is not likely to diminish anytime soon.

Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific is currently recruiting for more than 30 roles in Queensland alone, with most of those on the Gold Coast. The number includes front office, housekeeping, sales and even corporate office staff. Other Australian hotspots seeking staff include tourist destinations Port Stephens, Port Macquarie and Phillip Island.

“Hospitality is an exciting profession that opens up opportunities on a global level,” added Mr Robinson. “There tends to be plenty of movement as people take advantage of these and capable professionals can rise very quickly, and find themselves able to travel all over the world.

“We would recommend people consider hospitality as a genuine career and with the shortage we are experiencing, there has never been a better time.”

Currently, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific is offering a number of benefits to successful candidates, including subsidised health cover for full-time employees, parental leave for full-time employees,  a free two-night stay, ongoing discounted resort stays, professional development and a generous starting bonus for eligible roles.

Interested applicants should visit: https://careers.travelandleisureco.com/home