In the dynamic tourism industry, the heartbeat of success often resonates from the dedication and passion of volunteers, who embody the spirit of community and service. Their commitment transforms events into unforgettable experiences, fostering engagement and a sense of community spirit. Yet, cultivating a sustainable volunteer culture poses challenges for destination organizations. This blog explores best practices in volunteer workforce development by drawing insights from global destinations that illustrate effective strategies in communication, recruitment, retention, and appreciation, all while aiming to enhance long-term success and sustainability. 

Building a Sustainable Volunteer Culture

Effective communication is a cornerstone in volunteer workforce development, ensuring volunteers feel informed, valued, and connected to the organization's mission. In Malmö, Sweden, the kick-off event at Baltiska Hallen for the Eurovision Song Contest rehearsals exemplified this by inspiring 400 volunteers through communication pieces demonstrating the transformative power of cultural events for their community. This information allows volunteers to understand their importance in fostering community engagement and volunteerism. 

Destination Tips: Utilize communication pieces to highlight the organization's mission and volunteers' impact. Ensure the volunteers have a voice by providing surveys for feedback so that next year, the event can be enhanced. Clear and consistent communication can make volunteers feel more connected and appreciated, improving their engagement and commitment to the community.  

When building a volunteer culture, the Florida Sports Foundation highlights the importance of apprising, acclimating, and assigning volunteers according to their aptitude. They provide comprehensive information about their various events to ensure volunteers feel informed and confident. Regular meetings are held to help volunteers become comfortable with the staff and foster a sense of belonging, making them feel valued and more likely to return. The Florida Sports Foundation matches volunteers to roles that suit their skills and interests, enhancing their experience and effectiveness. By investing in these strategies, the Florida Sports Foundation ensures volunteers feel connected, appreciated, and integral to the event’s success.  

Destination Tips: Assigning posts where the volunteer feels they can excel in their skillset will make them feel confident in their abilities. Having procedures where the organization's staff can understand and get to know their volunteer base will showcase their commitment to valuing their volunteers and better assist in assigning posts. Personalizing training approaches will allow volunteers to feel prepared and connected to the organization's mission, enhancing their confidence and comfort and building a sustainable volunteer culture. 

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland offer an exemplary model of effective communication and volunteer engagement. This inaugural event brought together thirteen individual UCI Cycling World Championships, relying on 3,500 volunteers. The Volunteer Strategy employed for the Championships recognized volunteers' vital role and incorporated key learnings from previous events. A Volunteer Learning Portal provided access to various training programs, including an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion module, which allowed volunteers to enhance their skills and understanding. Event Delivery Partners (EDPs) further supported inclusivity by briefing volunteers on inclusion and accessibility and offering specialized training sessions, such as Mental Health Awareness and Deaf Awareness.

Enhancing Recruitment and Retention

Personalized recruitment strategies tailored to individual interests and skills effectively attract and retain diverse volunteers. Destination Markham works diligently in community outreach strategies by forging partnerships with local educational institutions, businesses, and community groups, thus cultivating a robust volunteer network. Emphasizing the professional and personal development opportunities associated with volunteering fosters long-term engagement. A mentorship program and social events outside the volunteer event cultivate a sense of belonging and camaraderie among volunteers, contributing to overall satisfaction and retention.  

Destination Tips: Personalized recruitment efforts, such as targeted marketing campaigns showcasing the impact of volunteer work through videos and testimonials of past volunteers, can attract a broader demographic. Creating social media campaigns with specific hashtags can help recruit volunteers by reaching them based on their interests, ensuring a steady influx of passionate volunteers. 

Celebrating Volunteer Contributions

Recognition and appreciation are fundamental in sustaining a robust volunteer base. Initiatives such as Volunteer Appreciation Weeks and special events publicly acknowledge volunteers' contributions, reinforcing their value to the organization and the broader community. The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau, which hosted the 2024 Arctic Winter Games, recruited and trained 2,000 volunteers over two years. The destination organization ensured these dedicated individuals were celebrated for their vital roles in the event's success, thus boosting morale and inspiring continued engagement. Visit Indy's approach emphasizes treating volunteers as valued team members. Comprehensive volunteer experiences include providing uniforms, materials, and even fanny packs as part of the volunteer uniform, ensuring that volunteers are well-prepared, valued and feel a part of the organization.  

Destination Tips: Recognizing the importance of appreciation, such as hosting thank-you events throughout the local community and volunteer appreciation posts across social media, ultimately improves the volunteer experience. Anything an organization can do to boost morale will reinforce the volunteers' commitment. Even a small personalized thank-you note will enhance the volunteer culture.   

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

At its core, workforce development through volunteerism thrives on inclusivity. Organizations enrich their volunteer programs by embracing diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities, fostering innovation and resilience. Snohomish County Sports Commission exemplifies this through its integrated approach to volunteerism. By leveraging strong ties with local schools, businesses, and community organizations, they offer accessible volunteer roles and ensure equitable opportunities, empowering individuals from all walks of life to contribute meaningfully to sporting events and community initiatives. Creating flexible and diverse volunteer opportunities that cater to different preferences and availability is essential for maintaining engagement. This can include short-term and long-term volunteer projects, accommodating volunteers' schedules, and creating roles catering to various interests and skills. The inclusivity efforts at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships showcased this. Volunteers from 73 nationalities and ages 16 to 82 further highlighted the event's commitment to inclusivity. 

Destination organizations can build robust volunteer programs that drive workforce development and enrich community life by implementing inclusive practices, celebrating contributions, and nurturing meaningful connections. Ensuring that your organization has effective communication in conveying volunteer impact along with the organization's mission will be essential in developing the workforce development for volunteers. Volunteers' need for personal and professional growth and social integration should be considered when designing volunteer programs. Volunteers' unwavering dedication to their community ensures events are transformative experiences that unite and inspire the community. As we look ahead, let us continue championing volunteerism as a powerful force for positive change in tourism and beyond. 

Industry Events Spark Career Vision for Students

Attending Destinations International’s Annual Convention for the first time in Tampa, Florida earlier this summer was both exciting and, to be honest, a bit intimidating. As a student stepping into a room filled with industry leaders and professionals, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe, and nerves. These were individuals who had already solidified their careers, shaping the future of destinations and tourism, while I was just beginning to imagine where my path might lead.

Despite the initial butterflies, the more I interacted with these professionals, the more I realized they weren’t just leaders in the industry - they were also mentors and advocates for the next generation. They were eager to share insights, listen to fresh perspectives, and offer advice. Days after the convention ended, I found myself reflecting on those conversations, replaying sessions in my mind, and seeing my future more clearly than ever.

As the days passed, I felt a bittersweet sense of closure because while the convention was over, I had a newfound excitement for what was to come. I kept thinking about my potential career, revisiting the ideas and discussions I’d experienced. These interactions shifted my mindset - I no longer felt like just a student. Watching the next class of 30 under 30, I could imagine myself on that stage one day, contributing to the industry. This realization boosted my confidence and solidified my commitment to pursuing a meaningful role in tourism.

Experience Enables Students to Shape and Commit to the Industry's Future

My experience at the Annual Convention was just one chapter in my broader journey with Destinations International. As a Professional Development intern, I’ve been involved in developing certificate programs, attending meetings with industry leaders, and contributing to event planning and content creation. These hands-on experiences have connected my course work to the real world, making my learning more authentic and relevant.

As I partake in this work, I am gaining confidence, not just in my current role, but also in how my skills align with the future of the industry. As more students like me combine work with academic study, we begin to understand how our contributions can drive industry trends, innovations, and solutions. This balanced approach of connecting practical experience with academics produces well-rounded professionals who are ready to enter the field and also to shape its future.

The travel and tourism industry thrives on adaptability and fresh ideas. Engaging students early ensures the next generation is prepared to embrace changes and push the industry forward. Internships and immersive learning are essential in developing professionals who are confident in their ability to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.

A Student’s Insights on Building the Next-Generation Workforce

From my perspective, building the future workforce is more than just filling roles - it’s about creating opportunities that allow students to fully involve themselves in the industry. DMOs and other industry leaders should focus on establishing personal connections through internships, shadowing, and professional development programs. These experiences create a sense of belonging and purpose, showing students how our work is actually valued. Workforce development isn’t just a marketing campaign - it’s about creating genuine, lasting relationships that inspire growth and passion.

Mentorship is a crucial element in building a successful workforce. Passing on knowledge is important, but sharing enthusiasm for the industry is just as impactful. When mentors invest in students, they don’t just develop our skills - they also create a sense of pride and purpose in our work. Simple engagements, like inviting students to industry events or allowing them to shadow professionals, can make a significant impact. These moments of inclusion provide insight into the industry and help us build connections with professionals who can guide and inspire us.

All in all, creating an environment where students feel valued and invested in is key to shaping the workforce of the future. Both students and industry professionals must be committed to this process. When students feel respected as contributors, we become more confident and motivated to shape our paths within the industry. The more engaged we are, the more we envision ourselves as future leaders, driving the travel and tourism landscape for years to come.

As we work toward building the next generation of tourism professionals, I encourage destination leaders to consider how they can actively support their growth. One impactful way is by sponsoring local students to take part in Destinations International’s upcoming Business Intelligence Certificate program. With courses in Sales, Services, and Marketing and Communications, this program will provide emerging professionals with key skills in business events, such as decision-making, risk mitigation, and strategic planning. By investing in future leaders now with opportunities in professional development, such as the Business Intelligence Certificate, you’re ensuring they have the necessary tools to contribute to this growing and thriving industry.

Tourism is, at its core, about people. It’s powered by the connections we make, the stories we share, and the experiences we create together. From the dedicated hospitality workers who welcome travellers with warmth, to the local artisans and guides who bring our culture to life, it’s the people behind the scenes who truly make tourism thrive. Every journey is enriched by the unique contributions of individuals who are passionate about showcasing their communities and welcoming visitors from around the world.

Employment in the tourism sector remains lower than it was before the pandemic. According to the most recent annual data, employment levels for several advanced career positions in tourism and hospitality are dramatically lower than in 2019. Air traffic controllers are down 33 per cent, executive housekeepers and hospitality workers are down 31 per cent, and for conference and event planners, employment is down 19 per cent.

At a time when Canadian youth, newcomers, and members of underrepresented communities face record levels of unemployment, our sector is presented with a unique opportunity. We have a chance to transform our workforce, improve the quality of life of every Canadian, and make a positive impact that goes beyond an economic contribution. We must promote the rewarding and long-term career paths the tourism sector provides to attract and retain the next generation of Canada’s talented workforce.

As an industry, we must plug the gaps that hamper productivity and threaten to damage Canada’s reputation as a tourism destination. Strategic public investment is required to promote tourism as a vocation and enhance its labour force with talent. This is best achieved through meaningful partnerships—not only within our sector but with the federal government. These partnerships will be the cornerstone of our industry’s success.

To this end, TIAC is working with Restaurants Canada, the Hotel Association of Canada, and Tourism HR Canada to call on the federal government to fund a national marketing campaign through a three-year, $5-million investment. This campaign promotes tourism as a career among young Canadians. It builds on the work that THRC has initiated with its Discover Tourism program, which provides valuable career planning, curriculum, and HR tools to job seekers, employers, and educators. The logic underpinning this program presupposes that today’s youth are unaware of the career possibilities the tourism industry presents and the satisfaction that comes from showcasing Canada to its visitors. Nascent workers, read about the Discover Tourism program and take advantage of the resources available to you. Careers in tourism are varied and fulfilling; your perusal of these programs could lead you to your dream job.  

While we build our future workforce, we must leverage existing industry supports and government programs such as THRC’s Ready to Work program, which helps businesses recruit job seekers and integrate newcomers into a career in tourism. Its internships—a composite of in-class education and workplace training—facilitate job-readiness and career planning. Over the years, it has provided under-represented communities with career options and growth opportunities in the tourism sector by providing them access to certification programs (e.g., WHMIS, CPR, responsible alcohol service) that will open up new pathways in their pursuit of employment.

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot is an express-entry program that pairs employers with skilled newcomers, asylum seekers, and refugees to Canada. Such opportunities enable these individuals to flourish and ensure their new lives an auspicious start. It also makes available to employers qualified candidates whose background and education could provide unique skillsets and perspectives. Even without a firm job offer, talented refugees may nevertheless gain entry into Canada and begin their new life, with employment opportunities coming as they settle into the country. Tourism operators suffering from the labour gap are encouraged to take advantage of this program that is mutually beneficial for themselves and those skilled workers who hope to call Canada home.

As global demand for tourism rises, Canada must remain a top-tier destination. To do so, the fundamental needs of the sector must be met for it to thrive in the years ahead. By investing in our people and forging strong and reliable partnerships, we can ensure that Canada’s tourism industry does not just survive, but truly flourishes. Together, we can build a future that benefits our economy, our communities, and everyone involved in this wonderful sector.

Attending events and conferences as a young professional or emerging leader is a transformative experience that offers invaluable opportunities to network, learn, and enhance your contributions to your organization. Recently, my colleague Kelsey Hayes and I attended the Texas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau (TACVB) conference, which underscored how impactful these events can be for personal and workforce development. This guide aims to provide young professionals with actionable tips for maximizing their experience at industry events while highlighting the importance of encouraging leaders to invest in developing their emerging talent. 

Why Conferences Are Crucial for Workforce Development

In industries like tourism and destination promotion, staying up to date with evolving trends, technologies, and best practices is essential. Conferences are more than just learning opportunities—they are investments in the growth of both employees and organizations. By attending these events, emerging leaders gain fresh insights, acquire new skills, and build connections that can ultimately improve their team’s performance and contribute to the organization’s success.

Workforce development flourishes when employees—particularly younger team members—are given the tools and opportunities to grow. By sending them to conferences, leaders empower these professionals to bring back innovative ideas and actionable knowledge, strengthening the organization. Investing in young talent is the cornerstone of building a resilient and forward-thinking workforce as we prepare for the future. 

Building Connections: The Power of Networking

One of the most rewarding aspects of attending the TACVB conference was connecting with other young professionals at the Young Professionals Reception. Meeting peers navigating similar challenges offered an immediate sense of community, which is crucial for those new to the industry.

Networking is an essential component of workforce development. Building relationships with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators can significantly impact your career trajectory. These connections often open doors to new opportunities and create a support network you can rely on throughout your professional journey. Events like TACVB provide the perfect platform to establish these relationships early, laying the foundation for long-term success. 

Tip: Be Intentional About Networking

To make the most of these opportunities, approach networking with intention. Find a buddy with someone at your level to explore the event with. Be proactive in introducing yourself to others, ask insightful questions, and genuinely engage in conversations. Make sure to bring the business cards and wear a name tag. Remember, it's not just about expanding your professional circle—it's also about building meaningful connections that can offer support, guidance, and collaboration in the future. Make these connections meaningful by connecting on LinkedIn or sending an email note.

Expanding Your Skills Through Professional Development Sessions

Professional development sessions are a goldmine for enhancing your skillset. At TACVB, I had the opportunity to attend several sessions that directly aligned with my role. From learning about cutting-edge marketing strategies to discovering the latest tools for stakeholder engagement, these sessions provided practical insights I could immediately apply at work.

These sessions are vital for workforce development and equipping young professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel. By learning directly from industry leaders and experts, young employees can bring back innovative practices that enhance their organization’s operations. 

Tip: Select Sessions Wisely

Review the conference agenda beforehand to maximize your learning and choose sessions that align with your current role or areas where you want to grow. Divide and conquer with your colleagues at the conference to maximize the sessions attended. Don’t forget to bring your desired note-taking guide. Think critically about how you can apply what you’ve learned to your job or your team’s objectives. Review your notes within 24 hours. Don’t go on information overload; take the time to sit and reflect with your notes.  

A Pivotal Moment: The First-Timer Lunch

Another pivotal experience at the TACVB conference was attending the First-Timer Lunch. This gathering brought together professionals at different stages of their careers, from CEOs to coordinators, providing an open forum to exchange ideas and share experiences. It was an eye-opening opportunity to connect with industry veterans while building relationships with peers attending for the first time.

Interacting with experienced leaders offers invaluable mentorship opportunities and career insights for young professionals. Exposure to those further along in their careers allows you to learn from their experiences, gain advice, and explore potential career pathways. This type of engagement is crucial for workforce development, as it helps younger employees envision their future within the industry and fuels their drive to grow within their roles. 

Tip: Seize Opportunities to Engage

Don’t be intimidated by titles or experience levels—these events are designed to encourage conversation and knowledge-sharing across the board. Take advantage of casual moments, like lunches or receptions, to introduce yourself to seasoned professionals and ask thoughtful questions. These connections can help shape your career path. Prompt questions and an elevator pitch to yourself for who you are and what you do beforehand if socializing does not come as naturally to you. Bring fun merch to hand out; this can be a great way to not only promote your brand but also get your foot in the door, so to speak, for initiating a conversation.

Remember to take care of yourself. Rest and recharge your social battery to avoid burn-out throughout the conference.  

Bringing Value Back to Your Organization

The ultimate goal of attending any conference is to bring the insights and skills you’ve gained back to your organization. After attending TACVB, we returned to our roles with new ideas for improving marketing strategies and more effective approaches to stakeholder engagement. The knowledge I acquired enhanced my performance and allowed me to contribute more meaningfully to my team’s success. 

From a workforce development perspective, this is where the investment pays off. When young professionals return from conferences, they come equipped with a renewed sense of purpose and valuable insights to benefit the organization. Leaders who prioritize sending their younger team members to events foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, ensuring that the organization remains agile and competitive.

Tip: Share What You’ve Learned

Don’t keep the knowledge you gain to yourself—host a debriefing session with your team to share key takeaways from the conference. This will position you as a proactive leader and help disseminate valuable information throughout your organization, enhancing overall performance.

Conclusion: Investing in the Next Generation

Workforce development is critical for any organization looking to stay competitive in the tourism and destination marketing industry. Conferences and events allow young professionals to expand their skills, form vital industry connections, and bring innovative insights back to their teams. Our experience at TACVB emphasized just how powerful these opportunities can be, both for personal growth and for an organization's long-term success.

By investing in young professionals, leaders are building a more skilled, motivated, and connected workforce—one that is ready to lead the industry into the future. Attending events is not just a steppingstone in personal career growth; it is an essential part of developing the leaders of tomorrow.