How Working in Tourism Helps Build Stronger Communities on PEI
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it time and time again: tourism isn’t just about visitors, beautiful beaches, scenic drives, or fresh seafood.
It’s one of the most important industries on the Island for Islanders.
Tourism fuels our economy and keeps our communities thriving! In fact, it contributes 6.4% of PEI’s GDP, generates $520 million annually and $88 million in provincial sales taxes, which goes toward things YOU and your family rely on, like:
- Recruiting doctors & improving healthcare
- Funding schools & education
- Better roads, parks, transit, and public spaces
Beyond Economic Impact
More than just dollars in pockets, tourism shapes our Islander identity as a welcoming, friendly and vibrant destination, and impacts our people by providing meaningful work for thousands of Islanders.
With 8,900 full-time, year-round jobs and thousands more seasonal positions, tourism provides opportunities at every level, from front-line hospitality roles to executive leadership.
The Benefits of Working in Tourism
- Wide Range of Opportunities: With over 400 job types in the tourism industry, there’s a role to match every skill set, passion, and lifestyle. Whether it’s marketing and event planning, culinary arts, or outdoor adventure guiding, tourism offers countless opportunities to find a job that aligns with personal interests or supports a preferred way of life.
- Flexibility: Tourism jobs provide part-time, seasonal, and full-time positions, making them ideal for students, newcomers and retirees. Many rely on tourism jobs for flexible hours that accommodate education, childcare, or other responsibilities.
- Building Community and Repping PEI: Tourism jobs often involve working closely with both locals and visitors, creating strong ties to your community. As a tourism worker, you play a key role in sharing the Island’s story, making visitors feel welcome, and encouraging them to return, while also fostering a sense of pride and belonging within your own community.
- A Launchpad for Other Careers: For many, tourism is their first job, providing a foundation of skills that can be applied to almost any profession. It serves as a training ground for first-time workers, offering valuable experiences that build lifelong social and professional abilities.
The Skills Gained in Tourism Careers
In addition to the immediate benefits of job opportunities and flexibility, working in tourism equips you with valuable skills that can be applied to virtually any career path. These include:
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving: No two days are the same, making you quick on your feet and ready for anything.
- Cultural Awareness: Tourism connects you with people from all over the world, broadening your perspectives.
- Customer Service Excellence: Learning how to engage with people is a skill that benefits any career path.
- Business & Leadership Skills: From managing a restaurant to running a tour company, tourism jobs teach you how to lead and grow a business.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Many roles in tourism involve working as part of a team, whether it’s coordinating with other staff members, collaborating with local businesses, or assisting visitors together. These experiences teach you how to communicate effectively, share responsibilities, and support each other to achieve common goals.
The Future of Tourism on PEI
Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries globally, and PEI is right there with it!
As the Island keeps attracting visitors, there will be even more job opportunities in tourism, meaning more avenues for personal and professional growth, not to mention the positive impact it has on our communities.
By investing in tourism, we’re investing in PEI’s future.
Ready to Start Your Career in Tourism?
Whether you’re seeking a summer job, a long-term career, or a chance to build new skills, tourism offers countless opportunities.
Explore current job openings and take the first step toward your future by visiting one of our upcoming job fairs.
Charlottetown Tourism Job Fair
Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown
March 1, 2025
11 AM – 3 PMNorth Shore Tourism Job Fair
Green Gables Heritage Place, Cavendish
Saturday, April 5, 2025
11 AM – 2 PMRural Hiring Day
Business across Rural PEI
Saturday, April 12, 2025
1 PM – 3 PM
The 2025 Tourism Job Fairs & Rural Hiring Day are funded by the Department of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Agreements.
Learn more about the upcoming Tourism Job Fairs and Rural Hiring Day here.