Workforce Shortages
As global travel surges, our sector faces a critical workforce shortage, with hundreds of thousands of vacancies. To meet demand, we advocate for policies that will increase access to both domestic and international workers.
The Issue
Navigating the Workforce Shortage
Since COVID, tourism businesses welcomed back 1.1 million workers by offering higher wages, increased flexibility and enhanced benefits. But increased demand means the sector is still short hundreds of thousands of workers. The solution to a labour shortage of this scale must include both domestic and international workers. The Government and the industry both have an important role to play.
The Solution
Hotel Workforce Growth Strategy
Growing our sector’s workforce is our top priority. Our Hotel Workforce Growth Strategy shares key research, resources, and fosters industry-wide collaboration. Through this strategy, we present best practices, advocate for policy changes, and mobilize collective action. Our focus areas include attracting domestic and international workers, delivering employer support, and driving industry-wide change.
Become a HAC Advocate
Be a champion for Canada’s hotel industry and use your voice to influence policies that impact you. Join NowThe Government and industry both have an important role to play
Domestic Workforce
Attracting workers: The workforce has evolved post-pandemic and so too has the hotel industry. Hoteliers have made significant efforts to attract and retain workers domestically. More than 86% of employers have increased pay, enhanced benefits, and adopted new, flexible ways of working. Many have also added more training, mental health and even housing supports for staff. Outreach to underrepresented groups has also been an area of growth for the industry.
Through the Hotel Workforce Strategy, HAC continues to provide cutting edge research, thought leadership, and opportunities for collective action for the industry.
International Workforce
Our workforce challenges need a multi-faceted approach that addresses both domestic and international considerations. However, current immigration policies pose significant barriers to accessing international workers. Despite significant progress in growing the domestic workforce there are simply not enough Canadians to fill all vacancies in our sector.
Canada’s immigration system must be aligned with the year-round and seasonal needs of the hotel industry, especially in rural, remote and resort locations to ensure smoother processes for accessing international talent.
Recent News
Career Opportunity: Membership Services Specialist
We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Membership Services Specialist to lead the execution of our membership strategy, working closely with our hotel industry members and partners. This role is central to driving member recruitment, retention, engagement, and satisfaction, while supporting strategic growth and delivering value to our members. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, d…
Read MoreJoin HAC and CBRE Hotels for the launch of CBRE’s 2026 outlook, covering major markets from coast to coast. The webinar will also include an update on 2025 perf…
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The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is seeking a highly organized and resourceful Office and Team Support Specialist to join our dynamic team. Based in Ottawa…
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Resources
Breaking down complex issues and key data into industry resources you can use to support workforce, housing and other hospitality needs.
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