As the Philippine hospitality industry gears up for unprecedented growth, the challenge of bridging the widening talent gap has never been more urgent. Statistics reveal that by year 2030 Millennials will make up 75% of the global workforce. Rising to the occasion, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) introduces the Next Gen Leadership Council (NGLC)—an empowering movement of young, purpose-driven leaders poised to shape the future of Filipino hospitality with bold ideas, heart, and vision. Below is the complete story, exclusive to Hospitality News Philippines.
At Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), future is already taking shape. The country’s largest hotel operator has launched the Next Gen Leadership Council (NGLC), a dynamic group of Gen Z and Millennial talents from across MHR properties who are redefining what it means to lead with purpose, creativity, and heart in one of the fastest-evolving industries in the world.
“NGLC is more than just a program. It is a movement within our organization that empowers young associates to step forward, speak up, and step into roles that shape the future of hospitality. We want to ensure that our pipeline of talent is not just full, but also thriving, diverse, and forward-thinking,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.
The Philippine hospitality industry continues to be one of the country’s key economic drivers. Department of Tourism claims that Metro Manila alone is projected to have an additional 2,300 hotel rooms, with Makati CBD, Pasay City, and Parañaque City accounting for 54% of the upcoming supply between 2025 and 2029. While the tourism industry grows, the talent pool is not keeping pace. With more hotels set to open, the gap between supply and demand is becoming increasingly apparent.
According to the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA), the Philippine hotel sector is facing a significant shortage of qualified workers. This industry-wide concern is not just local, but global. With increased travel activity, the hospitality sector, including hotels, cruise lines, restaurants, and casinos is grappling with a lack of qualified personnel and this widening skills gap calls for urgent and innovative solutions.
Nurturing the Future Leaders
NGLC is an eight-month training program aimed at cultivating homegrown talent by equipping young associates with the tools, skills, and confidence to take on leadership roles through mentorship and immersion.
MHR recognizes that the path to sustainable growth lies in future-proofing its workforce. The Next Gen Leadership Council was formed to tap on promising associates from various MHR properties. These individuals were selected based on their 3Ps – performance, potential, and passion. The participants will undergo leadership training and mentorship sessions with executives as well as cross-functional learning, allowing trainees to collaborate across departments and properties. These will provide valuable experiences needed in hotel operations.
“Building the future means building people. Next Gen Leadership Council is our commitment to people development making leadership accessible and aspirational. We are not just equipping them with skills, we are also building character, confidence, and a culture of learning. We are proud of this next generation of leaders. They are the future of MHR and Philippine hospitality,” said Divine delos Reyes, Director of People Management & Development for MHR.
Fostering Love for Company
One of the biggest challenges in hospitality today is employee retention. According to The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) program of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the global hospitality industry has some of the highest turnover rates, with some roles experiencing annual turnover as high as 70%. Programs like NGLC aim to combat this by creating deeper employee engagement and providing meaningful career pathways.
MHR’s approach not only addresses the immediate need for skilled talent but also instills a deep sense of pride in being Filipino and the Philippines by nurturing the passion and craft of employees. By investing in their growth, the company ensures that future leaders feel seen, heard, and valued.
With inbound travel on the rise and hundreds of new hotel rooms in development, the demand for skilled talent will only intensify. As the hospitality industry continues to rebound and expand, initiatives like the Next Gen Leadership Council serve as a benchmark for how hotels can adapt to the evolving labor landscape.
