The tourism sector has spent the past several years searching for workers. Many employers have increased wages, expanded recruitment efforts, and explored new labour pools—yet many positions remain difficult to fill.
What if part of the solution isn’t finding more candidates, but changing how we hire?
That is the idea behind Tourism HR Canada’s Inclusive Tourism Hiring Fairs, delivered through the Belong project.
Unlike a traditional job fair, these events are designed to connect tourism employers directly with qualified job seekers with disabilities through partnerships with local tourism associations and community employment organizations. Together, we create an environment where employers can meet candidates they may not otherwise reach—and where job seekers can demonstrate their abilities without unnecessary barriers.
Between April and June, Tourism HR Canada partnered with local organizations to host Inclusive Tourism Hiring Fairs in Vancouver, Ottawa, and Regina.
The results speak for themselves.
More than 125 job seekers connected with 20 tourism employers, supported by 19 community service providers that helped prepare candidates before the events. Early outcomes have already resulted in at least 14 confirmed hires, with additional hiring decisions still underway.
But perhaps the biggest success wasn’t the number of hires.
It was the partnerships.
Working alongside local tourism associations, employment service providers, and employers, Tourism HR Canada helped build a recruitment model that benefits everyone involved. Community partners introduced employers to qualified candidates they already knew and supported. Employers gained access to a new talent pipeline while receiving guidance on inclusive hiring practices. Job seekers had the opportunity to meet employers in an environment intentionally designed to help them succeed.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we are creating stronger local workforce networks that continue long after the event itself. Employers gain ongoing access to community partners who can support future recruitment, while service providers expand their employer relationships within the tourism sector.
Small changes made a meaningful difference.
Quiet rooms were available for anyone needing a calm space before meeting employers. Complimentary food and refreshments helped create a welcoming atmosphere where participants could relax and connect naturally. Community service providers worked with participants before and through the event, helping them understand the employers attending, identify positions of interest, and build confidence.
Employers noticed the difference.
Many commented that candidates arrived better prepared than at traditional job fairs, leading to more meaningful conversations and stronger matches. Job seekers appreciated the opportunity to meet employers in an environment that respected different communication styles and reduced many of the barriers commonly associated with recruitment events.
Join Us in Calgary This September
The next Inclusive Tourism Hiring Fair will take place September 14 in Calgary, in partnership with the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).
If you’re a tourism employer looking for innovative ways to attract talent, expand your recruitment pipeline, and build a more inclusive workplace, we encourage you to join us. You’ll meet qualified candidates, connect with community partners, and discover practical strategies that can help address your workforce challenges today—and into the future.
Because sometimes the best solution isn’t hiring differently.
It’s thinking differently about hiring.