The hospitality industry is uniquely positioned to positively impact global youth well-being. Doing so, however, means that we must leverage our full arsenal of assets and work with civil society and multilaterals as strategic partners in creating sustainable opportunities for economic growth and youth empowerment.
Of the world’s 1.2 billion young people, 75 million are unemployed and countless more face challenges entering or remaining in the workforce. Here are five reasons development organizations should be connecting to hospitality companies to foster sustainable youth development, and vice versa.
1. The hotel sector continues to grow rapidly and drive economic development. Unlike some industries that are struggling to shake off the post-recession malaise, the hotel sector continues to grow: Between 2010 and 2015, the projected growth rate is 45 percent, from $584 billion to $848 billion. That means new and improved properties in developed and emerging global markets that need employees. Each property is a microcosm of opportunity for development, and each company in this industry is a potential partner for you and your organization.
About the author
Jennifer Silberman
Jennifer Silberman is vice president for corporate responsibility at Hilton Worldwide. With over 20 years of experience in economic development, sustainability, human rights, women's empowerment and youth opportunity in the United States as well as Latin America and Africa, Silberman joined the hotel chain from APCO Worldwide, where she counseled Fortune 500 companies and global foundations on strategy and program design, measurement, stakeholder engagement, reporting and results-oriented philanthropy. She currently serves on the board of Pact.
