A successful tourism season begins long before the first visitor arrives!

As tourism operators, you know that better than anyone.

Prince Edward Island has so much to offer visitors from near and far: stunning beaches, world-class golf, exceptional culinary experiences, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. But among all these incredible assets, one stands above the rest – the people.

Time and again, we hear that it’s the people of Prince Edward Island who transform a simple visit into the best vacation of someone’s life. The warm welcome at the check-in desk. The server who takes a moment to share a favourite local recommendation. The attraction staff member who goes above and beyond to make a child’s day unforgettable.

Those moments don’t happen by accident. They happen because of strong teams.

For operators like yourself, preparing for the upcoming season isn’t just about logistical planning or marketing strategies. It’s about building strong teams. That means attracting, supporting, and retaining the people who bring Island hospitality to life every single day.

And the hiring season is happening now! 

In this blog, you’ll find practical strategies to help you stand out at job fairs, attract candidates who align with your culture, create an onboarding experience that sets staff up for success, and build a workplace that encourages employees to return year after year.

 

Attracting the Right Talent 

Whether you’re at a job fair, hosting potential employees at Tourism Hiring Day, or conducting interviews, remember this: every interaction with a potential employee counts.

 You are interviewing them…but they are also interviewing you!

 

Make a Strong First Impression

Your first interaction is your chance to demonstrate your business’s culture. If people feel welcome, excited, and valued when they meet you, they’ll want to work for you.

Practical tips for job fairs or interviews:

• Be approachable, enthusiastic, and proud of what you offer. 
• Bring visuals such as photos or videos of your team in action. 
• Clearly outline roles, expectations, and schedules. 
• Share real stories of team members who developed leadership skills or advanced within your organization. 
• Invite a current employee whom candidates can relate to and who can speak firsthand about the role. 
• Follow up quickly.  Strong candidates won’t wait! 

 

Offer More than a Job

Today’s job seekers are looking for more than a paycheck. They want:

• Meaningful work 
• A positive team environment 
• Skills they can carry forward 

Different groups may have additional priorities:

• Students and young workers often value flexible scheduling and opportunities to grow. 
• Retirees may seek connection and a sense of purpose. 
• Newcomers typically look for workplaces where employees are welcoming and understanding. 

Before attending a job fair or conducting an interview, be ready to answer questions like:

• What makes our workplace special? 
• What types of employees are we looking for? 
• Why do staff come back year after year? 
• What skills will someone gain working here?

Prepare a short, confident explanation — your “Why work here?” pitch. This is how you attract the best candidates and ensure they come to you ready to join your team.

 

Highlight the Value of Tourism on PEI

Tourism is a big deal on Prince Edward Island, and employees have every reason to be proud! Working in tourism helps develop essential skills like:

• Communication 
• Conflict resolution 
• Time management 
• Teamwork 
• Adaptability 

Perhaps even more importantly, employees contribute to a vital industry that shapes life on the Island. Every year:

• 1.7 million visitors enjoy PEI’s beaches, culture, and world-famous food. 
• Visitors spend around $520 million, generating $88 million in provincial sales taxes. 

This revenue supports essential services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public spaces. Tourism employees can take pride in knowing their work makes a real contribution.

Working in tourism also offers opportunities to meet new people, build meaningful connections, and contribute to something bigger—supporting communities and local businesses!

 By positioning tourism as a stepping stone to growth, you attract candidates who are motivated, invested, and ready to thrive.

 

Retaining Great Staff

Hiring is only half the work! The people you bring on board shape the visitor experience and your business’s reputation. Investing in your team is one of the most important decisions an employer can make – especially in tourism.

Strong tourism teams lead to:

• Better guest satisfaction and positive reviews 
• Increased productivity and smoother operations 
• Higher staff morale and lower turnover 
• A stronger, more resilient tourism industry overall

 

Make Onboarding Count

The first few weeks set the tone. A simple onboarding plan should include:

• Clear expectations and responsibilities 
• Introductions to team culture 
• A point of contact for questions 
• Early check-ins for feedback

 

When employees feel supported from day one, they are more confident, engaged, and more likely to stay or return season after season. Returning staff are your secret weapon; they require less training, strengthen team culture, improve guest experiences, and can mentor new hires.

Before the season ends, have conversations about returning, identify high performers, and stay connected during the off-season. Remember, retention isn’t a one-time event – it’s built every day.  

Strong teams keep staff motivated, loyal, and proud of the work they do, benefiting your business, your visitors, and the tourism industry on Prince Edward Island.

For practical advice and training tips, check out PEI’s Best Bytes Course: A customer service–focused training program designed specifically for Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry.

 

Build a Workplace Where People Want to Stay

Employees thrive when they feel:

• Respected and heard 
• Supported in their role 
• Recognized for their contributions 
• Connected to the purpose of the business

Small, consistent actions make a big difference: clear communication, fair scheduling, genuine appreciation, and respect for all team members — not just those who interact with guests.

Ask your team what would make your workplace great, then take action. Ideas include:

• Highlighting employees of the month 
• Performance bonuses 
• Regular check-ins 
• Scheduling that works for individual need
  

Building strong tourism teams isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and proud of the role they play.

By attracting the right talent, investing in onboarding, and fostering a culture that encourages growth and loyalty, you not only strengthen your business but also help make every visitor experience on Prince Edward Island unforgettable. This hiring season, focus on your people and watch your business thrive!

Wishing you all the best of luck during the hiring season.

 

Sign up for Tourism Hiring Day Now! 

 

Saturday, March 28, 2026 – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM 

This event is FREE for TIAPEI Member businesses!