The hospitality sector in Verona is gearing up for an important milestone in its efforts to recruit workers from abroad. The next Click Day, a crucial event under the Italian government’s immigration and employment initiatives, is set to streamline the hiring process for foreign workers. With the tourism industry’s ever-growing need for skilled and seasonal labour, this event plays a pivotal role in addressing staffing shortages, particularly in regions like Verona and Lake Garda.


Challenges in Recruitment and Housing

Verona, known for its year-round appeal, offers predominantly permanent positions in the tourism and hospitality industries. However, the dynamics shift in Lake Garda, where seasonality heavily influences employment opportunities. Employers face challenges not only in recruiting seasonal staff but also in providing adequate accommodation a pressing issue heightened during peak tourism months.

According to Maurizio Russo, President of Federalberghi Confcommercio Verona, while many skilled candidates are sourced locally or from southern Italian regions, the lack of affordable housing remains a significant obstacle. This issue becomes even more pronounced during the summer, when demand for staff in public and private establishments surges.


Expanding Recruitment Beyond Borders

Employers in the Lake Garda area have increasingly turned to international recruitment to meet their staffing needs. Ivan De Beni, President of Federalberghi Garda Veneto, highlighted a growing trend of hiring from Eastern Europe for roles such as porters, dishwashers, and cleaners. More recently, recruitment efforts have extended to non-EU countries, including North Africa and Bangladesh.

To facilitate this process, Federalberghi has introduced a support service for its members to navigate the complexities of Click Day. This event, governed by the Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree), allows businesses to submit pre-compiled applications to secure quotas for hiring foreign workers. Employers must demonstrate their ability to offer suitable wages, accommodation, and a stable financial standing to qualify.

What to Expect on Click Day

The upcoming Click Day, scheduled for 12th February, will allocate 70% of the total seasonal quotas for 2025 to the tourism and hospitality sectors. For businesses in Verona and Lake Garda, this presents a crucial opportunity to secure much-needed workforce reinforcements ahead of the busy spring and summer seasons.

A second window for applications is planned for 1st October 2025, with the pre-application process opening in July. This extended timeline allows employers to prepare for the next wave of seasonal recruitment, ensuring a smoother hiring process.


Supporting Local Talent

While international recruitment is a key focus, Federalberghi is also investing in local talent through initiatives like Sii Ricettivo. This programme collaborates with local hospitality schools to provide students with internships and encourage long-term careers in the sector. By fostering a connection between education and employment, the initiative aims to retain skilled graduates in the industry. As the hospitality sector in Verona and its surroundings prepares for Click Day, businesses are mobilising to secure the workforce necessary to maintain their operations. With international recruitment, government support, and local talent development all playing critical roles, the event is set to shape the region’s employment landscape in 2025.