Ontario’s hospitality and tourism industry continues to face significant workforce challenges impacting restaurants, hotels, resorts, attractions, and tourism operators across the province. Labour shortages, changing immigration policies, demographic shifts, and evolving education trends continue to affect the sector’s ability to recruit and retain workers.
ORHMA remains actively engaged in workforce advocacy and sector collaboration efforts to support long-term labour sustainability within the hospitality and tourism industry.
Current workforce advocacy efforts include:
- Ongoing advocacy related to workforce shortages and labour access across the hospitality and tourism sector
- Engagement with the Ontario and Federal governments regarding workforce development and immigration pathways
- Advocacy for a dedicated Hospitality & Tourism pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Support for stronger pathways for international students and hospitality graduates to remain and work in Ontario
- Collaboration with colleges, educators, and industry partners regarding hospitality program closures, changing enrolment trends, and the future workforce needs of the industry
- Discussions related to skills development, workforce attraction, and strengthening hospitality career pathways across Ontario
- Development of industry resources, training opportunities, and workforce support initiatives for members
ORHMA continues to work collaboratively with government, educational institutions, tourism partners, and industry stakeholders to support practical workforce solutions that strengthen Ontario’s hospitality and tourism economy.