Lack of employees is the number one problem within the hospitality industry nationwide. While the workforce shortage continues to impact businesses of all types, the need is extremely pressing in the hospitality industry in Utah.
In direct response to requests from our membership and recognizing that a trained workforce is key to a healthy visitor economy, Visit Salt Lake (VSL) has launched the Salt Lake Career Connection online job portal to connect hospitality employers with potential new employees. The portal is a key information gathering tool designed to provide ongoing educational opportunities and to map out career opportunities.
VSL invested $100,000 in a local media campaign that will run over the course of three months. Designed to educate a new generation of career seekers that a career in hospitality can be a gateway to the world, the portal is a one-stop-shop for career opportunities in the resilient travel and tourism sector in Utah.
It’s an exciting time for the industry as it rethinks and reimagines itself with flexible options for staffing, operations, salaries, and delivery of services. “The hospitality industry provides people with incredible career path opportunities and amazing perks,” commented Nichole Farley, director of community and economic opportunity, for Visit Salt Lake. “A career in hospitality can be a springboard for so many things – a platform to meet people, a way to travel, a path to a rewarding and successful career and we’re here to help people meet their potential.”
The travel and tourism economy is a vital economic engine for the state, representing the 8th largest industry and providing for $1,238 in tax relief for each Salt Lake County household annually. Utah’s visitor economy generates $10.1 billion annually and Salt Lake County’s $4.65 billion share of that visitor economy represents 46% of the state’s total.
How it works: potential employees will have the ability to “like” potential career options for which they would like to apply. Visit Salt Lake will send the employee an email summary of the careers in which they are interested with directions on how to apply. The employer will also be notified with the potential employees’ information so they can be proactive in reaching out to the potential employee.