PAUL NURSEY
VICTORIA – As the Greater Victoria visitor economy enters recovery from the significant negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is tremendous opportunity ahead for those who make their careers in the tourism industry.
Hotels, restaurants, attractions and transportation providers are hiring. Jobs in the tourism sector are sometimes seen as part-time or summer jobs for students. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are thousands of people working within Greater Victoria’s tourism industry in fun and rewarding careers and making valuable contributions to our community in the process. What is more, as the visitor economy grows there will be opportunities for career advancement. An individual working in an entry-level or middle management position can advance rapidly to a senior role in their organization.
Our industry is also full of talented entrepreneurs. Small business owners are the backbone of Greater Victoria’s visitor economy and independent businesses are a major part of what makes Greater Victoria unique as a destination. Energetic start-ups are seizing the opportunity to build new businesses or shift their focus while the industry restarts. Investment is important for any destination and new product is always needed. It is great to see new ideas and new energy in our business sector as we move forward to what is sure to be a successful summer, and beyond.
There are several great recent examples. New ride-hailing company Lucky 2 Go is providing fast and convenient transportation from local hotels, Victoria International Airport through the Easy Ride Shuttle, and the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. Boundless Travel is a physician-led start-up that provides rapid same-day COVID-19 testing for travel, work and events. The Malahat Skywalk will celebrate its one-year anniversary on July 15. Built in partnership with local First Nations, the Malahat Skywalk is an innovative attraction with an expansive view of the region from a lookout 250 metres above sea level.
Destination Greater Victoria is a member-driven organization. We pride ourselves on the level of service we provide to the private, public, and not-for-profit partners in the visitor economy. Starting or growing a business is exciting but can also be daunting. Destination Greater Victoria is in our members’ corner, providing business services and support. Success comes through hard work and perseverance. This is an excellent time to be working in tourism. The future is very bright.
Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria