12 Vacation Towns Struggling With Worker Shortages
Vacation towns rely heavily on frontline workers who keep hotels, eateries, and attractions running year-round. Soaring housing costs, seasonal wages, and strained infrastructure increasingly erode staff retention. As travel rebounds, many destinations still struggle to fill essential roles despite full bookings. The towns below illustrate how labor shortages ripple through local economies, guest experiences, and community wellbeing. Each community faces unique pressures shaped by geography, housing supply, and shifting travel patterns nationwide. Together they reflect the hurdles facing popular getaways across regions during the ongoing tourism rebound after pandemic disruptions.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado, endures as a premier ski hub in the Rocky Mountains, yet labor shortages strain its hospitality industry. Sky-high housing costs narrow where workers can reside, leading to lengthy commutes from nearby valleys. The seasonal nature of tourism yields variable earnings, hampering year‑round stability. Restaurants, lodgings, and ski facilities frequently report vacant roles during the peak winter period. Local leaders pursue housing solutions for workers, but demand still exceeds supply. The mismatch limits service hours, shapes guest expectations, and hampers capacity during Aspen’s peak travel times each year.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming sits adjacent to Grand Teton National Park and relies heavily on tourism-driven employment. Worker shortages endure as housing costs rise faster than wages in hospitality and retail roles. A tight rental market forces employees to live far from town. Seasonal demand peaks during summer and winter, straining staffing availability. Employers cut hours or services when positions stay vacant. Community leaders discuss zoning and housing development, but progress is slow. The labor gap increasingly shapes visitor experiences and business operations across Jackson’s tourism-centered economy, influencing stability and long-term planning in the region.
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah, balances its identity as a premier ski destination and a film festival hub while contending with worker shortages. Service jobs struggle to compete with elevated housing costs driven by second-home ownership. Many workers commute from remote towns, increasing turnover and fatigue. Seasonal influxes during winter and festival periods heighten staffing needs. Restaurants and lodging properties frequently operate at reduced capacity owing to labor gaps. Local efforts focus on expanding workforce housing and improving transportation, though demand still outpaces supply. The challenge reflects broader pressures on resort communities in the Mountain West as tourism growth outstrips local workforce capacity.
Key West, Florida
Key West, Florida, attracts visitors year‑round for its beaches and cultural appeal, yet shortages of workers persist. Housing scarcity on the island drives up living costs for staff. Limited land availability hampers new residential development. Many employees commute from the mainland, raising time and expense. Hospitality businesses regularly report difficulties filling housekeeping, food service, and maintenance roles. High tourism demand clashes with a tight labor pool. Local leaders consider transportation and housing initiatives, but geographic constraints complicate solutions in this densely packed island with limited room for infrastructure expansion.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui, Hawaii, relies on tourism as a central economic engine, yet labor shortages are widespread. Steep housing costs and scarce inventory make it tough for service staff to live near their jobs. Many workers face long commutes or shared living arrangements. Seasonal visitor spikes place added pressure on hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Labor gaps translate into reduced services and longer wait times. Community discussions emphasize affordable housing and sustainable tourism practices. Maui’s situation mirrors broader island challenges of balancing visitor demand with resident workforce needs in the face of limited land and environmental protections statewide.
Lake Tahoe Basin, California And Nevada
Lake Tahoe, straddling California and Nevada, faces persistent labor shortages tied to housing affordability. Vacation rentals and second homes shrink the pool of long‑term housing for workers. Seasonal tourism peaks during ski season and summer, increasing staffing needs. Employees frequently commute from distant towns, contributing to turnover. Hospitality businesses adjust hours or scale back services when positions stay vacant. Regional planners explore workforce housing projects, though environmental rules slow progress. The shortage continues to influence guest experiences and the area’s economic resilience around the lake year round.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride, Colorado, faces labor challenges typical of remote mountain towns. High property values and limited rental options restrict housing access for service workers. Seasonal tourism drives elevated labor needs during the ski season and summer events. Long commutes from nearby areas strain workers. Businesses report difficulty maintaining stable staffing, affecting operating hours. Local initiatives aim to expand workforce housing, yet geographic constraints limit expansion. Telluride’s shortages highlight the tension between luxury tourism growth and ensuring essential community services and everyday operations can endure long term.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket, Massachusetts, depends on seasonal tourism yet grapples with housing its workforce. Limited land and high real estate costs cut into affordable options. Many service workers rely on seasonal housing or lengthy ferry commutes. Summer travel drives demand for hospitality staff, straining availability. Businesses report staffing shortages that affect service consistency. Local authorities discuss zoning changes and housing development, though progress remains slow. Nantucket’s challenges reflect broader issues facing island destinations that combine tight housing markets with strong visitor demand during peak months.
Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado, draws winter sport enthusiasts from around the world, yet staffing shortages linger. Housing costs far surpass wages in hospitality and retail roles. Many workers commute from neighboring communities, increasing turnover. Seasonal peaks strain available labor, particularly during ski season and holiday periods. Employers report trouble filling entry-level positions essential to daily operations. Workforce housing efforts persist, though supply remains tight. Vail’s experience underscores ongoing challenges for alpine resorts balancing luxury tourism with the needs of frontline workers and long-term community stability amid growing travel demand.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky, Montana, has surged as a luxe resort destination, intensifying labor shortages. Housing options lag behind development, leaving workers with limited choices. Many staff commute long distances from Bozeman or nearby towns. Seasonal tourism waves raise the demand for service personnel during peak times. Businesses adjust hours or curb services due to staffing gaps. Local leaders pursue workforce housing projects, yet building out infrastructure remains complex. Big Sky demonstrates how rapid tourism expansion can outpace the community’s ability to support workers, transportation, and affordable living for lasting stability.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley, Idaho, struggles with workforce challenges tied to its popularity as a ski and summer recreation hub. High housing costs constrain where staff can live. Seasonal tourism cycles create variable income opportunities. Employers report difficulty filling roles in lodging, dining, and maintenance. Long commutes from nearby towns contribute to turnover. Local planning addresses housing shortages, but development faces environmental and zoning hurdles. Sun Valley’s labor issues echo those of other resort towns that depend on seasonal visitor economies and limited residential infrastructure, especially during peak travel periods that strain services.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, draws crowds to its red rock landscapes and wellness tourism, yet worker shortages persist. Housing affordability remains a major barrier for service employees. Limited rental options push staff to commute from farther communities. Tourism demand stays strong year-round, increasing staffing pressure. Restaurants, hotels, and tour operators report unfilled roles affecting operations. Local discussions prioritize workforce housing and transportation solutions. Sedona’s experience shows how scenic destinations struggle to balance tourism growth with sustainable staffing amid local environmental protections and zoning limits.