Hospitality Companies Struggling to Fill Workforce Gaps in Louisville – Job Fair Organized

One of the most devastating impacts of the pandemic has been the rise in work instability, which has been exacerbated by higher levels of unemployment.

Now that the tourism sector is readjusting to the “new normal,” Louisville’s tourism business is restarting operations faster than expected. Companies, especially hotels, are nevertheless having trouble finding employees. According to its tourism sector, the city of Louisville received 19 million visitors in 2019, which resulted in a significant economic impact of $3.4 billion.

“We’re hoping to get back that,” said Stacey Yates, vice president of marketing communications for Louisville Tourism. “Here on a weekend downtown you’ll see droves of people going to conventions, there are youth sports in town, concerts and of course and all the bourbon activities. What we need now is the workforce to support those people and welcome them.”

As a result a job fair was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15,  at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Hotel companies are providing larger incentives as well as competitive salaries. It’s the biggest party of the year, with all of the hospitality industry joining together to make a tremendous economic effect.

The Kentucky Oaks weekend alone generates nearly $400 million each year. Greene wants to keep the money pouring into the city by bringing it in through the hotels.

Greene stated that there is something for every competent applicant, ranging from entry-level to first-time managers and director responsibilities jobs. “You don’t need to have a college degree for working in Hotels”,

The goal is to attract enough recruits to eventually assist even more places in the service hotel industry that is currently suffering.

Greene plans to recruit at least 100 staff for his hotel by end of the summer.