LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS, OHIO, March 11, 2018 --- As the snow and ice starts to melt and temperatures begin to rise, one’s thoughts turn to summer, and for thousands of Shores & Islands residents, summer jobs. Did you know that more than 13,000 people locally are employed in the travel and tourism industry? In Ottawa County, that’s one in every six jobs. In Erie County, one in every four jobs is supported by tourism. Those jobs generate more than $340 million in local wages.

Tourism-related jobs are a gateway to opportunity, building critical skills in customer service, developing strong work ethics, and more. In fact, a 30-year study by the U.S. Travel Association discovered that those who begin working in the tourism industry ultimately earn higher wages in their careers than those who begin in almost any other industry.  Nearly 40% of workers who began their careers in tourism earn at least $100,000! The travel and tourism industry employs such positions as human resource professionals, accountants, engineers, executive chefs, senior level sales managers, and more. In summary, the tourism industry has the ability to launch careers.

But how does one begin a career in travel and tourism? For many, it is a “front-line” job. Front-line jobs are workforce development training grounds. The skills and experience that workers gain at those positions can help propel them into a career opportunity. For example, U.S. hotels report that 94% of new-hire hourly employees are eligible for promotion within their first year of employment. Also, more than half of U.S. hotel department managers started in hourly entry-level positions.

Luckily for area job-seekers, there are a wide variety of jobs in the Shores & Islands region to choose from. To assist job-seekers looking for a career in the local travel and tourism industry, Lake Erie Shores & Islands offers an Employment Opportunities page on its popular website. Visit SHORESandISLANDS.com/contact-us/careers to see what is available at area waterparks, amusement parks, ferry lines, islands, and more. With so many great job opportunities in the Shores & Islands region to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone, including the likelihood of a new career!

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ABOUT SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO

Shores & Islands Ohio is the Midwest’s favorite getaway. This coastal destination boasts 152 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, the best fishing on the Great Lakes, welcoming communities, rich history, a wine trail, and an abundance of family-friendly attractions. World-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park calls it home, along with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, other indoor and outdoor water parks, animal parks, sports venues, and more. Visitors enjoy ferries and cruises to Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass, and Kelleys Island. One of the country’s best areas for spring and fall bird migration, the area is overflowing with natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. More at SHORESandISLANDS.com

Media Contact:

Jill Bauer, Public Relations Manager
Shores & Islands Ohio
Phone: 419.625.9495
Email: jill@shoresandislands.com