Tourism

The tourism industry is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world. Tourism makes an important contribution to Canada’s economy and to preserving and showcasing Canada’s heritage. 

The industry includes both outbound tourism (Canadians travelling to other provinces, territories, or countries) and inbound tourism (tourists from other countries visiting Canada). It is made up of businesses that provide accommodation, food and beverages, transportation, recreation and entertainment. It also includes tourism and destination marketing organizations, and industry and trade associations.

Working in Tourism

Tourism is essentially a people-oriented sector. Whether you work directly with customers or behind the scenes, their satisfaction, safety and enjoyment is the number one concern.

Tourism positions often pay well. Salaries range from minimum wage in some front line positions to high level executive incomes. Since many tourism jobs are service related, many employees also receive gratuities, commissions and/or discounted or complimentary products.

Work may take place indoors or outdoors, and in large resorts or owner-owned small businesses. Salaries range from minimum wage to high executive incomes. Many employees also receive gratuities, commissions and/or discounted or complimentary products. 

The sector has occupations In:

• Accommodation services: (in hotels and other lodgings) front desk agents, concierges, housekeepers, accountants 
• Food and beverage services: (in restaurants, pubs, bars, and nightclubs, etc.) food and beverage managers, cooks, bartenders, waiters
• Transportation: (road, air, rail and marine transport) motor coach drivers, railway engineers, marine operators
• Recreation and entertainment: outdoor adventure guides; golf, ski and tennis instructors; museum guides, amusement park operators
• Travel services: travel agents, wholesale tour operators, tourism information counsellors, tour guides.      

Skills & Training

With more than 400 occupations, tourism has positions for every level of education and training. On-the-job training is often provided by employers for entry-level positions. Many occupations demand more extensive education, training or experience.

Training programs related to tourism are offered at secondary schools, private training schools, community colleges and universities. emerit Tourism Training is available for numerous occupations. The emerit training and certification system is based on national occupational standards developed by the tourism industry.