Tourism Week Shines Light on Rewarding Career Opportunities in Thriving Industry

VANCOUVER – The tourism industry, one of BC’s biggest employers, is encouraging people of all ages and skillsets to consider a career in the growing sector. Throughout Tourism Week (May 26 to June 2), tourism organizations, businesses and stakeholders across the province are rallying to showcase the economic impact and social benefits of BC’s tourism sector, share the great work being done around the province, and highlight the incredible diversity of jobs that are available in BC’s thriving tourism industry.

Tourism is a powerful force, contributing more than $18 billion to the provincial economy each year. Nearly 20,000 tourism-related businesses operate in BC, employing 302,700 people in communities across the province, more than 137,000 of which a direct result of visitor spending. The industry drives a range of benefits, including increased trade and investment, international education, and an improved quality of life for us all by supporting museums, festivals, sporting events, transportation, parks and resorts, and many others. And, thanks to increased year-over-year visitation to and within the province, these numbers are continuing to grow. But, as BC continues to be an increasingly sought-after destination, the need for good people to help showcase our province is more crucial than ever.

BC’s tourism industry employs passionate people who take pride in showing their home to visitors, and offers the chance to live, work, and play in the places they love. In the Kootenay Rockies, for example, the booming visitor economy has led to people planting their roots and creating employment opportunities year-round.

Whether you’re a chef, a history buff, a thrill-seeking adventurer or somebody who simply seeks joy from meaningful interactions with others, there is a place for everyone in tourism. From part-time student jobs to retirement gigs and full-time, high-earning careers, the tourism industry has a job for everyone looking to make connections around the world.

In many regions, family-owned tourism businesses are the norm, run by dedicated individuals who put their hearts and souls not only into their own operations, but also their communities. These are just a few of many impactful stories from the industry:

• Based on Vancouver Island, Ocean Ecoventures owner Simon Pidcock employs accomplished photographers and marine biologists, each of whom guide single and multiday boating excursions throughout the region, while spending their free time working to save marine mammals and preserve biodiversity.
• In the South Cariboo, Jessica Gong, owner of 108 Golf Resort, supported local firefighters battling wildfires by donating room nights – as well as 900 meals per day – for nearly three weeks.
• In Golden, Lisa Roddick, ski patroller at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, not only helped to build the region’s via ferrata – she also preps avalanche control bombs and works ambulance shifts as an emergency medical responder.

BC prides itself on creating remarkable visitor experiences, resting heavily on a strong labour force to do so. Tourism is full of incredible individuals, people with drastically different backgrounds and skillsets who unite around a deep-rooted passion for welcoming visitors to the province, supporting their communities, and genuinely loving what they do.

Anyone looking to follow in their footsteps can access go2HR’s free resources to help jumpstart a career in tourism, including training and certification information, a self-guided tourism career explorer, and a province-wide job board.

You can also discover some personal stories about why people chose to work in tourism here.

Whether newly entering the industry or a longstanding member, don’t forget to show your support for Tourism Week by sharing your stories and showing the world that #BCTourismMatters!

Quotes:

Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture

“Careers in tourism open the door for people to align passion and profession. I worked for over twenty years in the airline industry, both as a flight attendant and as a pilot, and I know how exciting it is to share a piece of beautiful B.C. with people from all over the world. Now, as the minister responsible for tourism, I want everyone to know about the vast array of careers that are available. Working in the tourism sector offer people the chance for a secure and prosperous future in the communities they call home.”

Arlene Keis, CEO, go2HR

“There are 302,700 jobs in tourism-related businesses, 137,000 of which are directly supported by visitor spending. And with more than 106,000 new job openings projected in the next 10 years, it is important to take this opportunity to highlight and celebrate the various sectors and countless professions within this ever-growing industry.”

Marsha Walden, CEO, Destination British Columbia

“Tourism is a special sector, offering unique, life-long careers that attract people of all ages and skillsets. I am extremely proud to work in this industry alongside such remarkable individuals. Great experiences need great people, and I hope Tourism Week inspires others to join BC’s tourism family.”

About Destination BC:

Destination BC is an industry-led Crown corporation that works collaboratively with tourism stakeholders across the province to coordinate marketing at the international, provincial, regional and local levels. For more information about Destination BC’s programs and services, please visit:  https://www.DestinationBC.ca/

For additional information, please contact:

Media Relations

Destination BC

Email: [email protected]

Joyce Lam

go2HR

Email: [email protected]