DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Some Door County businesses are having a bit of trouble hiring this summer. But they’re not alone.
“For any tourism destination this year, it’s certainly been a struggle to find workforce. Certainly that has been the case in Door County. I know lots of businesses that have struggled to fully staff up,” said Destination Door County Public Relations Director John Jarosh. “No matter where they go, they’re going to run into the challenge of staffing shortages. No matter what destination they choose to go to this year around the country.”
Business owners up in the peninsula say they are having trouble finding workers because many of the foreign workers who spend their summer in the county are not coming to the U.S. this year. Destination Door County says they usually get about 500 foreign workers each summer. This year, they have barely 280.
However, those struggles aren’t likely to keep tourists away.
“It’s going to be a robust year in Door County. We’re seeing numbers that are easily hitting what 2019 was, most likely exceeding the numbers, which was a banner year for tourism in Door County,” Jarosh told WTAQ News. “We’re really just asking visitors to pack their patience and just realize that there may be some delays, or maybe a little bit longer wait in some cases…Our visitors have been very understanding in instances where they have had to perhaps wait a little bit longer, and frankly I think visitors are just excited to be out and about.”
2019 saw about $374 million in direct visitor spending. Tourism in the county typically brings in over $300 million each year, even hitting that mark with the pandemic-riddled 2020.
Jarosh points out that as a seasonal destination spot, businesses have had to utilize creative entrepreneurial tactics to stay afloat. Some businesses have been adapting quickly as well, with things like additional outdoor seating for people who may have to wait for a table at a restaurant.
“So if somebody does have to wait a little bit longer for table they’ve got a spot where they can relax maybe get a drink in joy the outdoors while they’re waiting for that table,” Jarosh said. “We’ve seen over the decades that our business community figures out a way to step up and deal with the staff that they do have, and figure out a way to work that through and provide the best experience that they can for their guests.”
Jarosh’s key to having an enjoyable and relaxing vacation this year, whether it’s in Door County or elsewhere, is planning ahead.
“Book as much as you can in advance and if you do that you’re gonna be able to really enjoy yourself and everything that Door County has to offer this year,” Jarosh said.
You can learn more about things to do in Door County and tips to plan your trip at Destination Door County’s website.
Comments