A gathering of players in the tourism and hospitality industry kicked off today with the launch of a Tourism Workforce Action Plan.

Hospitality NL is hosting its annual conference at the Delta in St. John’s.

The sector took a big hit during the pandemic with many workers leaving the industry as health restrictions were imposed to prevent the spread of COVID.

While tourism and hospitality are bouncing back, challenges remain in attracting workers back into the industry.

HNL says tourists spend some $1.2 billion dollars in Newfoundland and Labrador each year, while the local industry represents 2300 businesses providing employment to tens of thousands of people.

The We Are Tourism Workforce Action Plan released today is focused primarily on encouraging recruitment and promoting the tourism industry as a positive career path.