CDC Concerned About Future Of Tourism

 CDC Concerned About Future Of Tourism

By:  Wendy Timpano, General Manager, Orillia Area CDC

Have you had the opportunity to attend any of the local activities, sporting events, or festivals held in our communities this year?  If so, I am sure you will agree that there are some great things happening close to home.

Having organized many corporate and fundraising events in the past, I have a deep understanding of the high level of detail, dedication, time and commitment that goes into the planning and execution of a successful festival/event.

I continue to be impressed with what this community has to offer.

Especially through the summer, it seems that there is always something to do.  Weekends are full of activities, themed events and festivals that attract thousands of visitiors to our region.  Many of these visitors stay in our local hotels, eat at local restaurants, visit our grocery stores, farmers markets and other businesses and support our local economy.

The tourism industry is one of the larger economic drivers in our area and thrives on so many of these activities and events.  In fact, outdoor/sporting activities drive the highest number of overnight visits to Simcoe County according to Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture, 2009.  Relative to the province as a whole, Orillia and the surrounding areas have a higher concentration of jobs in the tourism sector.

I am sure this won't come as a surprise but as we look to the future, and the Baby Boomer generation retires, we will be faced with many challenges.  This holds true for our tourism industry.  According to data presented in the July 2011 issue of "Workforce Focus, Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board' "the supply of labour for Ontario tourism industry could fall short of demand by 9.5% in 2025".

As the Baby Boomer generation retires, there will be significant job opportunities in the tourism sector.  From the communications specialists that market our area to potential visitors, and the pilot or flight engineers and other transit operators that transport visitors, to the hotel clerks and managers, the food and beverage servers, kitchen helpers and amusement, sport and recreation attendants - these are just some of the occupations that play such a critical role in the success of the tourism industry.

Who will fill these positions as the need arises over the next 15-20 years?  How will we alleviate the projected labour shortage gap?  How will we support and strengthen the things that attract visitors to our area, including our many activities, festivals and events?

I don't have all of the answers right now but I believe that in working together, as a community, we will find the necessary solutions to ensure a thriving local economy.

The Orillia Area Community Development Corporation's mission is to support the development of sustainable communities through community economic development and small business activities.  For more information about the CDC, please visit www.orilliacdc.com.

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