HOTREC is the umbrella association of hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés and similar establishments in Europe, bringing together 45 national associations in 34 European countries. The association represents and champions the hospitality industry’s interests towards the EU, international organisations, and all relevant stakeholders. It also fosters knowledge and best practices, sharing amongst its members to favour innovation and acts as a platform of expertise for the sector.
Together with other tourism industries, hospitality is the third largest industry in Europe. The sector counts around 1.8 million businesses – 99% of which are small and medium-sized enterprises – and provides some 10 million jobs in the EU alone. Compared to the overall economy, European hospitality also employs relatively unskilled employees (33% compared to 20%) and on average young people (20% aged under 25 years compared to 9%).