Queensland staff shortage worries tourism operators ahead of post-COVID reopening

 Vacancies in Queensland's tourism and hospitality sector are predicted to increase as the state prepares to fully reopen its borders from December 17.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council said its most recent figures showed there were 3,739 positions unfilled across the state for chefs, kitchen hands, housekeeping, hotel management and wait staff.

"We will have massive job shortages and gaps in employment in the tourism industry," chief executive Daniel Gschwind said.

"These vacancies are now — this is even before the border opens and the flood of interstate visitors arrive.

"It's a massive opportunity for people to pick up employment in regional Queensland, on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane.