STRUCTURAL DISPARITIES OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN ROMANIA

This study analyzes the structural disparities of human resources in Romania's hospitality industry during the period 2008–2023, offering a comprehensive perspective on employment dynamics, salary evolution, and productivity across different regions and gender categories. The research highlights the central importance of human resources in ensuring service quality and customer satisfaction, emphasizing the significant contribution of well-trained personnel to maintaining the sector’s competitiveness. Although the industry was profoundly affected by the global economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, it demonstrated remarkable resilience, quickly recovering losses and adapting to new economic and social conditions. The analysis reveals significant disparities between Romania’s regions, influenc ed by economic, demographic, and infrastructural factors. Developed regions, such as Bucharest-Ilfov, North-West, and Center, experienced faster growth in employee numbers and salaries, supported by substantial investments and consistent demand for tourism services. In contrast, less developed areas, such as South-West Oltenia and North-East, recorded modest growth, constrained by deficient infrastructure and limited access to tourist markets. The upward trend in nominal net wages within the hospitality sec tor reflects a gradual professionalization of the workforce and an effort to attract and retain qualified employees. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an abrupt decline in employee numbers and productivity in 2020, but the sector demonstrated remarkable recovery capabilities. By 2023, both the number of employees and productivity levels had surpassed pre -pandemic values, underscoring the adaptability of hospitality companies through service diversification, the use of modern technologies, and the implementation of policies aimed at reducing employee turnover. The study also highlights the predominance of women in this industry, who accounted for over 60% of the workforce throughout the analyzed period. However, recent trends indicate a slight increase in male participation in roles associated with flexibility and physical effort, suggesting a gradual diversification of gender structure within the sector. Based on these findings, the paper recommends continued investments in professional training, retention policies such as creating attractive working conditions, and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Additionally, the importance of leveraging human resource analysis for crisis management and implementing adaptive strategies to support sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness is emphasized.