Hospitality and Tourism
Toronto has a reputation for its world-class and innovative accommodations, attractions, and food services. From luxury hotels to art-inspired lodging, the city offers a diverse range of hospitality services that will satisfy every type of traveller. The hospitality and tourism sector includes accommodations, tourism, and food services. The sector was once booming, as Toronto saw nearly 27.5 million visitors each year prior to the pandemic.
In 2020, this sector employed 183,553 and 19,390 Toronto residents in food services and accommodation services, respectively. Many of the businesses in this sector employ fewer than 20 people, and it is likely that these businesses will feel the impacts of the pandemic for years to come. According to an analysis done by Destination Toronto, the COVID-19 pandemic has cost the city’s economy $8.35 billion due to a drop in tourism and hospitality spending.
Women and youth constitute a large portion of the hospitality workforce and have thus been severely impacted by the pandemic.
Toronto’s creative and cultural diversity make it an attractive spot for local businesses. In 2020, the city was home to a total of 7,131 hospitality and tourism businesses. Of that total, most people were employed by microenterprises, which is a business that employs four or fewer people.
Significantly fewer international and domestic travellers, along with government mandated shutdowns have forced many employers in this sector to reduce their staff numbers. However, financial supports have been implemented across the province to aid in this sector’s economic recovery after the pandemic. Hospitality, tourism, and food services businesses across the city are eagerly awaiting the end of the pandemic to open their doors once again.
Three-Year Outlook
Industry Outlook
Flat
– Strong Decline
– Decline
– Flat
– Growth
– Strong Growth
Occupations with Positive Growth Outlook
Chefs
This occupation mainly works in the following sector:
- Hospitality and Tourism: 83%
Accommodation, travel, tourism and related services supervisors
This occupation mainly works in the following sectors:
- Hospitality and Tourism: 75%
- Health Care: 7%
For other occupation prospects and more information visit Province of Ontario, Search job profiles (gov.on.ca) and Government of Canada, Job prospects in the Toronto Region.
What We Are Reading
The Future of hospitality Uncovering Opportunities to Recover and Thrive in the New Normal
Deloitte
The accuracy of the information presented based on job posting data depends, in part, on whether jobs are categorized into the correct industries. In some cases, job postings may be incorrectly attributed to a sector grouping and the data should be interpreted with caution.
All industry and occupational data is for Toronto Census Municipal Area (Toronto CMA) unless noted.
We welcome the use and sharing of the research data contained in our reports, articles and website, with attribution to “Toronto Workforce Innovation Group (TWIG)” as your source.
March 15, 2021