(May 21, 2026) OTTAWA, ON — Hotels Canada has released its Spring 2026 Workforce Report, highlighting ongoing workforce shortages and growing concerns about long-term labour access across Canadaʼs hotel industry.
Based on responses from hotel operators nationwide, the report finds workforce pressures are increasingly shifting toward workforce stability, particularly as hotels lose experienced international workers due to expiring permits and changing immigration pathways.
Key findings include:
• 72% report difficulty attracting local workers
• 58% of hoteliers anticipate workforce shortages over the next 12 months
• 46% of hotels lost Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) due to expiring permits in early 2026
• 57% expect the federal governmentʼs 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan to negatively impact their business
Rural and resort hotels continue to report the highest workforce pressures. “Hotels across Canada continue to create opportunities for domestic workers from a wide range of backgrounds, including youth, Indigenous workers, and seniors,” said Beth McMahon, President & CEO of Hotels Canada. “At the same time, many employers are reporting growing concerns about workforce stability and long-term access to international talent, particularly in rural and resort communities.”
The report highlights the important role international workers continue to play in hotel operations, particularly in housekeeping and front desk roles, while identifying growing operational impacts tied to expiring permits and reduced workforce access.
Among resort hotels:
• 70% reported workforce shortages
• 80% expect to lose TFWs due to expiring permits
• 70% cited affordable housing shortages as a workforce challenge
Hotels Canada says the findings reinforce the need for workforce and immigration policies that better reflect the operational realities facing hotels across Canada.
The full Spring 2026 Workforce Report is available at hotelscanada.ca.
