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5 min read
Tourism and hospitality in Canada are experiencing a critical need for immigrants to sustain their growth and innovation. As these sectors evolve, diverse skills and cultural perspectives become essential for attracting international visitors and meeting their varied needs. Their unique backgrounds help create a more inclusive environment that improves Canada's global appeal. With the increasing demand for personalized and culturally aware services, the role of immigrants is more crucial than ever.
Ready to learn why Canada needs immigrant tourism and hospitality industry workers? Then, look at our compilation of why the country relies on immigrants in these fields.
Why Does Canada Need Tourism and Hospitality Immigrant Workers?
Canada's tourism and hospitality industries are integral to its economy but face challenges that immigrant workers can effectively address. Here's a detailed look at why these sectors need immigrants willing to work in Canada.
High Turnover Rates
The tourism and hospitality sectors are notorious for high employee turnover, which disrupts service consistency and increases recruitment costs. Immigrant workers can provide stability, as many are committed to longer-term employment, and help mitigate these turnover issues.
Skill Gaps
There are significant skill gaps in the Canadian tourism and hospitality workforce. Many positions require specialized skills, such as multilingual abilities and familiarity with different cultural practices, which immigrants often possess. Their expertise helps fill these gaps and improves service quality.
Seasonal Demand
Canada's tourism industry experiences seasonal fluctuations, with peak periods requiring additional staff. Immigrants offer the flexibility to manage these peaks, ensuring businesses maintain high service levels throughout the year without overburdening the local workforce.
Revenue Generation
Immigrant workers contribute revenue by supporting businesses that attract and serve tourists. Their employment helps drive economic activity through their direct spending and by facilitating the expansion of local companies, attracting more visitors and investment.
Job Creation
The presence of immigrant workers often leads to job creation beyond their roles. As businesses expand to meet demand, new positions and entrepreneurial opportunities arise, benefiting the local economy and creating additional employment opportunities.
Tax Revenue
Immigrants contribute to the tax base by paying income taxes and spending money in their communities. This increased tax revenue supports public services and infrastructure, which benefits the broader community and helps sustain essential services.
Diverse Workforce
A diverse workforce enhances the overall visitor experience by providing a range of cultural perspectives and insights. Immigrants bring unique backgrounds that enrich the Canadian tourism and hospitality experience, making it more appealing to a global audience.
Language Skills
Many immigrants bring valuable language skills essential for servicing a diverse clientele. Their ability to communicate in multiple languages helps attract international tourists and ensures they receive personalized and effective service.
International Experience
Immigrants often have international experience advantageous in a globalized tourism market. Their understanding of cultural norms and expectations allows them to cater to a wide range of international visitors, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Talent Attraction
The presence of immigrant workers improves the industry's ability to attract top talent. By fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, Canadian tourism and hospitality sectors become more attractive to skilled professionals worldwide, supporting long-term industry growth and innovation.
What Are Canada's Top 5 Tourism and Hospitality Sectors?
In Canada, the top five tourism and hospitality sectors are pivotal in driving the industry's growth and contributing to the national economy.
Accommodation Services
Accommodation services include:
- Hotels,
- Motels,
- Bed-and-breakfasts,
- Student residencies and
- Vacation rentals.
It is foundational to the tourism industry, providing essential lodging options for travelers and contributing significantly to local economies through job creation and spending.
Learn how to find accommodation in Canada.
Food and Beverage Services
Food and Beverage Services in Canada include:
- Restaurants,
- Cafes,
- Bars, and
- Catering services.
This sector improves the visitor experience by offering diverse dining options. Culinary experiences are integral to travel and contribute substantially to the economic activity in tourist areas, making it a major driver of tourism.
Learn how to find a job in Canada in the food service industry.
Travel Services
Travel Services include travel agencies, tour operators, and transportation services like airlines and car rentals. Travel services are crucial for planning and facilitating travel arrangements, making them essential for the smooth operation of the tourism sector.
Learn about the perfect to-do list when you travel to Canada.
Recreational Services
The Recreational Services sector in Canada covers attractions such as:
- Amusement parks,
- Museums,
- Ski resorts and
- Sports facilities.
It provides entertainment and leisure activities that draw tourists. Recreational services enhance the appeal of destinations and contribute to extended stays and repeat visits.
Learn more about Canada's recreational services and outdoor activities.
Events and Conferences
Events and Conferences sector involves convention centers, meeting venues, and event planning services. It plays a significant role in attracting business travelers and large gatherings, which boost local economies and support year-round tourism.
Most In-demand Jobs in Each Major Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Canada
Here are the most in-demand jobs in each Major Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Canada with National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and annual average salaries from Canada's Job Bank.
Accommodation Services
The following are the most in-demand jobs in Canada's accommodation services industry.
| In-demand Accommodation Services Jobs | NOC Codes | Annual Average Salaries (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Manager | 60031 | 96,211.94 |
| Housekeeping Supervisor | 62024 | 64,831.92 |
| Reservation Agent | 64310 | 52,695.50 |
| Concierge (Hotel) | 64314 | 45,360.47 |
| Front Desk Agent | 64314 | 45,357.82 |
Food and Beverage Services
Below are the most in-demand jobs in Canada's Food and Services sector.
| In-demand Food and Beverage Services Jobs | NOC Codes | Annual Average Salaries (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Manager | 60030 | 63,368.93 |
| Chef | 62200 | 53,360.97 |
| Bartender | 64301 | 48,026.28 |
| Server | 65200 | 45,357.32 |
| Catering Coordinator | 62020 | 37,355.96 |
Travel Services
Here are the most in-demand jobs in Canada's Travel Services field.
| In-demand Travel Services Jobs | NOC Codes | Annual Average Salaries (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Representative | 64409 | 53,353.95 |
| Travel Agent | 64310 | 52,699.35 |
| Travel Consultant | 64310 | 52,695.50 |
| Destination Specialist | 64310 | 52,687.03 |
| Tour Guide | 64320 | 45,893.79 |
Recreational Services
Below are the most in-demand jobs in Canada's Recreational Services sector.
| In-demand Recreational Services Jobs | NOC Codes | Annual Average Salaries (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Director | 50012 | 102,584.27 |
| Park Ranger | 22113 | 91,628.71 |
| Leisure Activities Specialist | 41406 | 77,343.44 |
| Event Coordinator | 12103 | 70,524.64 |
| Fitness Instructor | 54100 | 48,015.04 |
Events and Conferences
Below are the most in-demand jobs in Canada's Events and Conferences industry.
| In-demand Events and Conferences Jobs | NOC Codes | Annual Average Salaries (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Support Specialist | 22221 | 89,732.26 |
| Marketing Specialist | 11202 | 83,176.29 |
| Venue Manager | 12103 | 70,504.53 |
| Event Planner | 12103 | 70,494.22 |
| Conference Coordinator | 12103 | 70,494.22 |
How Can I Work in Canada's Tourism and Hospitality Industry?
Canada's vibrant tourism and hospitality sector offers numerous opportunities for foreign workers. You typically need a Canadian work permit to work in Canada's tourism and hospitality sector. This document authorizes you to work for a specific Canadian employer. To increase your chances of finding a job in Canada, consider gaining relevant experience and education in the hospitality industry.
Fluency in written and spoken English or French is essential for most positions. Networking with professionals in the field can also be beneficial. While some positions might not require a Canadian work permit, many Canadian employers sponsor foreign workers if they need help finding suitable Canadian candidates. This process often involves obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which proves the need for a foreign worker.
Learn more about the types of work permits you can apply for in Canada.
Now that you have a better understanding of why Canada needs immigrant Hospitality and Tourism workers, you can begin your journey to becoming a worker in Canada with the assistance of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
FAQs
What Are the Challenges of Integrating Immigrants Into the Tourism Sector?
Language barriers, cultural differences, and understanding local labor laws and regulations can challenge immigrant integration into tourism. Overcoming stereotypes and biases can be challenging for newcomers in Canada.
How Can Immigrants Prepare for a Career in Canada's Tourism and Hospitality Industry?
Improving English or French language skills, gaining relevant education or work experience, understanding Canadian culture and hospitality standards, and networking with industry professionals are essential for immigrants seeking a career in Canada's tourism and hospitality industry.
Are There Specific Immigration Programs for Workers in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry?
While there aren't exclusive immigration programs for the tourism and hospitality industry, several federal and provincial programs, such as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), can be utilized by qualified individuals seeking employment in this sector.
