However critical labour shortage in tourism sector poses some concern

Employment numbers are rising in South Florida’s tri-county area, which is steadily getting back to work.

The United States (US) Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that unemployment for two out of the three counties within South Florida remains lower than the national average, which sits at 5.8 per cent. In their most recent data release, the bureau says both Palm Beach and Broward Counties are averaging unemployment rates of 4.7 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively. 

However, Miami-Dade County lags behind at 6.9 per cent unemployment. But although all signs are pointing toward a strong economic rebound for the region, labour shortages within the hospitality and tourism sectors in South Florida could threaten to impede this progression if not immediately addressed. The state of Florida, in particular South Florida is known for its tourism, hotels and beaches.

South Florida has a strong contingent of Jamaican hospitality workers. In Broward, CareerSource Broward recently created multiple hotlines to get workers back on the job, launching the Help4Hospitalityworkers.com and Help4aviationworkers.com platforms.

This is in addition to their own Rapid Employment Program that saw over 1,000 people attend virtual job fairs and being matched with potential employers.

Surging demand for tourism in South Florida

This move could not come at a more opportune time, given the numerous headlines over the past few months, pointing to the surging demand for hotels and rising occupancy rates in Florida. The overall lack of available high quality talent is one of the primary factors feeding into the state’s pervasive labour shortages.

Speaking with Invest, Jackie Volkart, general manager of the Ritz Carlton Bal Harbor and South Beach, explains that, “finding employees is already a challenge, but finding people who love to work, and are willing to provide an incredible experience is a challenge”.

While some lay the blame on the overall unavailability of talent, others feel the issue is more deeply rooted in the state’s expanded unemployment benefits.

In a study first reported by Local10, Florida Atlantic University released a survey where many believe those expanded benefits are the central issue to the labor shortage facing industries. In a statement to Local10, Peter Ricci, head of FAU’s hospitality and tourism management programme, said: “It caused them (workers) to reflect for a long period of time about what they want to do with their lives and if these crazy hours and low pay are worthwhile.”

Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale’s president and CEO, told Invest that the industry is still looking at a strong recovery, and even hotels that opened earlier saw high occupancy rates that suggested the industry’s recovery was happening sooner rather than later.

According to her, “there are hotels that have opened despite the pandemic, such as the Hotel Maren, which had its ribbon-cutting mid-February and experienced 70 per cent occupancy in their first weekend”.

Others in the industry are likewise bullish. such Tamas Vago, general manager of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.