Mississauga, Ontario – June 11, 2026 – Ontario's hospitality industry supports more than 450,000 jobs and generates billions in economic activity annually. However, hospitality continues to face workforce shortages and challenges in attracting new talent. With more than 60% of hospitality workers under the age of 35, investing in youth awareness, career exploration, and workforce development is essential to ensuring the industry's future success.
To help address these challenges, OHI – We Are Hospitality, powered by the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA), continues to build pathways between students and the industry through workforce development initiatives such as the Be Our Guest Program. By connecting students with employers, educators, and workplace experiences, the program introduces young talent to the wide range of rewarding careers available within hospitality.
2 weeks ago, OHI celebrated the success of these efforts through two Be Our Guest Program Celebrations. The first event took place on June 2, where Friday Harbour Resort welcomed students from the Simcoe County District School Board. A second celebration was hosted on June 4 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel for students from the Toronto District School Board. Together, the events brought together more than 100 attendees, including students, teachers, hospitality employers, industry leaders, and family members, to celebrate the achievements of over 35 students.
Throughout the school year, participating students gained valuable hands-on experience through workplace placements, mentorship opportunities, industry field trips, and exposure to hospitality professionals. These experiences helped students develop workplace skills, build confidence, and gain a better understanding of the many career opportunities available within the sector.
"The Be Our Guest Program is much more than a student placement initiative," said Fatima Finnegan, VP Workforce Initiatives & Industry Relations at ORHMA. "It connects high school students with hospitality operators across Ontario, creating meaningful opportunities for students to gain exposure, build experience, and discover rewarding careers. Through these connections, students see firsthand the passion and possibilities that exist in our industry, while employers inspire the next generation of hospitality talent.”
For nearly a decade, the Be Our Guest Program has connected students with Ontario’s hospitality industry, helping bridge the gap between education and employment. The program supports career readiness while showcasing the diverse opportunities available within the sector. OHI and ORHMA thank the educators, employers, industry partners, sponsors, and volunteers whose continued support has made the program a success. Be Our Guest remains committed to creating pathways to employment, building industry connections, and inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals.
"When we launched the Be Our Guest Program in 2017, our goal was simple: introduce students to the inspiring world of hospitality and tourism, connect them with hospitality employers and showcase the opportunities our industry offers," said Hani Roustom, Founder of the Be Our Guest Program and CEO of Friday Harbour Resort. "Nine years later, it is inspiring to see the program continue to create meaningful pathways for students. Investing in our youth today is key to developing the hospitality leaders of tomorrow."
As Ontario's hospitality industry continues to face workforce challenges, initiatives such as the Be Our Guest Program play an important role in strengthening the talent pipeline and introducing young people to meaningful career opportunities across the province. Educators, students, parents, and hospitality employers interested in learning more about the Be Our Guest Program can visit www.beourguestprogram.ca for program details, participant information, and opportunities to get involved.