Strategic Human Resource Management in the Georgian Hotel Industry: Current Trends and Talent Development Prospects

Abstract

The hotel industry in Georgia is currently growing rapidly, but success in this sector is no longer determined by attractive architecture and a favorable location. Qualified and motivated employees are key. Therefore, this article analyzes the importance of strategic human resource management planning in the hotel industry, as well as methods for identifying and retaining talented personnel. During our research, we thoroughly analyzed and compared the performance of international brand hotels with local, small, and medium-sized hotels. The analysis revealed several significant issues in our market: a severe shortage of qualified personnel (particularly in the regions), frequent employee turnover, seasonality, and challenges in implementing technological innovations. Furthermore, a significant difference was discovered between large brands and small hotels: the former have effectively functioning, structured systems, while the latter are often focused exclusively on solving day-to-day operational issues. Based on the research, unified practical recommendations were formulated to help improve the situation of any type of hotel. These methods include: active collaboration with educational institutions for staff training, comprehensive employee development (retraining), the introduction of simple digital learning methods, and the creation of a workplace environment that fosters motivation and professional growth. This work will serve as a valuable guide for hotel managers and HR professionals seeking to transform human capital into a key competitive advantage for their businesses.