Competition for staff is becoming a challenge for Kuching hotel operators as the city’s accommodation market expands. The Everly Lhesson Kuching says it is recruiting Sarawakians, taking on both experienced hotel workers and newcomers who need training. The hotel’s vice-president described the competition for workers in interviews published on October 4. Kitchen recruits, as well as other operational staff, need time to adapt to a hotel’s requirements and procedures. Meanwhile, operators are seeking demand beyond holiday stays. The Everly Lhesson is developing seminar and function business. The operator behind voco Kuching said it retained substantial meeting and event facilities after considering whether to reduce that space. Corporate travel, government-related stays, weddings and family visits bring different kinds of business. For local workers, the interviews also distinguish two routes into hotel employment: transferring existing experience or entering with further training needed. No vacancy list or salaries were announced in the interviews. The voco operator said its current priority was establishing the hotel and understanding guests before considering further expansion.