UCWBackpack: As an expert in hospitality, what do you think university students should consider when choosing a place to visit in Vancouver?

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Honestly, choosing where to go or what to eat really depends on so many little things—your mood, your budget, who you're with, what kind of vibe you're after. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there’s a quote I love that I often share with students: “Life is a book, and those who don’t travel read only one page.” And I really believe that. You don’t need to travel far or spend a lot. Sometimes the best adventures are right around the corner.

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We’re incredibly lucky to live in B.C., especially around Vancouver. There’s so much beauty here that’s completely free to enjoy. If you haven’t been yet, go check out Kitsilano Beach, Buntzen Lake, Lynn Canyon, Deep Cove, Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Burnaby Mountain… there are so many gems. Most of them are just a bus ride away. And being out in nature, even for a short walk, can be such a great way to clear your head, get inspired, or just take a break from the pressure of school.

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To students, I always say: don’t wait. Get out there. Try things. Explore new places. You don’t have to go far or spend big to have meaningful experiences. Talk to people. Try that hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Walk around a new neighborhood. Every time you step out of your comfort zone, you grow a little. You learn something—not just about the place, but about yourself.

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UCWBackpack: Beyond price, what factors should students pay attention to when selecting a dining experience?

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When it comes to dining, yes, price matters (we’ve all been there!). But think about the experience too. What kind of atmosphere are you looking for? Do you want somewhere cozy and quiet, or somewhere social and fun? Are you craving comfort food or curious about something new? Vancouver has an amazing food scene—different cultures, different flavors, something for every taste.

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But while you’re out and about, just remember to be smart. Keep an eye on your surroundings. Look out for your friends. Be respectful of the communities you’re visiting. And support local when you can—those small businesses really appreciate it.

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UCWBackpack: Students may spend a good amount of time exploring the attraction or trying various foods and restaurants. What should they be careful and cautious about?

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Travel isn’t just about pretty views or cool photos. It’s about opening your mind. It’s about learning, connecting, and sometimes even getting a little uncomfortable in the best way possible. And who knows? One random outing might lead to a new friendship, a career idea, or just a moment that sticks with you for a long time.

So go explore. Be curious. And keep adding pages to your story.

 

UCWBackpack: To what extent are students directly or indirectly connected to the hospitality industry in a city like Vancouver?

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Believe it or not, more than 25% of Canada’s hospitality workforce is made up of international students (Stat Canada, 2021). That’s a pretty powerful reminder of how important students are to this industry. And in a city like Vancouver, where tourism and hospitality are part of everyday life, students are more connected to it than they might think.

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Hospitality isn't just about working the front desk at a hotel or serving tables at a restaurant (although those are great ways to start!). The industry is so much bigger than that. There are roles in event planning, revenue management, digital marketing, guest experience, travel services, and even in Destination Management Organizations (DMOs). So if you're someone who loves organizing, creating, solving problems, or connecting with people—there’s a space for you here.

Globally, the hospitality and tourism sector is a major employer, supporting 1 in every 10 jobs worldwide (UNWTO, 2019). That’s a massive part of the workforce—and it shows how many paths exist, and how far those paths can take you.

Here in Vancouver and across B.C., that means tons of opportunities for students—not just jobs, but experiences that can help you build skills, meet people, and maybe even discover your own career path. Whether you’re drawn to the numbers side like revenue management, the creative side like marketing, or the service side like guest experience, there’s a niche for every personality and every passion.

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So yes, students are a big part of hospitality. And for those who are open to it, it’s also an industry full of possibility, variety, and maybe even your next big idea.

 

UCWBackpack: What opportunities exist for university students to start a business or build a career in the hospitality industry in Vancouver or BC more broadly?

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Hospitality is an interesting industry, but it’s also not easy. It’s competitive, it moves fast, and it can be a tough environment sometimes. High turnover, long hours, and a lot of pressure? That’s part of it. For many people, it starts as a first job. Maybe you're working in a hotel, a restaurant, or at the front desk somewhere. And honestly? That’s a great place to begin. It teaches you how to work with people, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to adapt quickly.

Starting a business is a great idea! If you’re curious, creative, and willing to put in the work, it can grow into a career, and even more than that, something you build on your own.

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That’s where I love to talk about Blue Ocean Strategy (Kim & Mauborgne, n.d.) You don’t have to fight for space in a market that’s already crowded (the “red ocean”). Instead, make your own ocean. Think differently. Ask, “What’s missing?” or “What could I do better?” Maybe it’s a pop-up food experience for international students. Maybe it’s a local tour that shows off hidden gems in the city. Maybe it’s helping visitors connect with local culture through storytelling, food, or music. There are so many angles.

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You don’t need to have a huge business plan right away. Just an idea. Start small. Test things. Talk to people. Some of the best businesses I’ve seen started with a side hustle or a weekend project.

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And one last thing, success isn’t always about starting at the top. I’ve seen people start out bussing tables or working in guest services and later become revenue managers, directors of sales, even general managers. They stayed curious, they kept learning, and they genuinely cared about their work by being consistent, learning as they go, and staying passionate about what they do.

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So if you’re thinking about hospitality, go for it. Just be ready to learn, work hard, and maybe think a little outside the box. Who knows? You might just build something amazing and make a new path not just for yourself, but for others too.

 

UCWBackpack: How can hospitality services in Vancouver become more inclusive and accessible for university students? What challenges or gaps do you see?

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These are big questions, and honestly, I don’t think I’m the person with all the answers. Making hospitality more inclusive and accessible takes more than good intentions. It involves policies, pricing, training, and bigger systems that aren’t easy to fix overnight.

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But what I can speak to is what I see working with students every day. And from that perspective, I can say: there are definitely gaps. A lot of hospitality services just aren’t really designed with students in mind. Whether you're new to the city or you’ve lived here for years, it’s not always easy to find experiences that feel affordable, welcoming, and relevant.

Simple things like student discounts, fair pricing, and friendly, open service can make a big difference. It’s not always about offering more—it’s just about being thoughtful. Students don’t expect luxury. They just want to feel seen and respected.

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And then there’s the fact that so many students are also working in hospitality. It’s often their part-time job while they’re studying. But that side can be tough too. High turnover, low pay, limited training… it’s easy to feel like you’re just there to fill a shift. I’ve seen students give so much to their jobs, but not always get the support or chances they deserve.

From the student side, it’s also about being open—exploring what’s out there, asking questions, and being willing to engage with the industry in different ways. Sometimes we focus too much on the “perfect” experience and forget that the real value comes from the people we meet and the small moments along the way.

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There’s always room for improvement, but I also believe in the power of students to shape the future of this industry. Many of you will go on to work in hospitality—or even run your own businesses. So maybe the real change will come from the inside, from people like you who care about making others feel welcome, respected, and included.

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Reference

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Kim, W. C., & Mauborgne, R. (n.d.). What is Blue Ocean Strategy? Blue Ocean Strategy. https://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/what-is-blue-ocean-strategy/

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Statistics Canada. (2021). International students and the Canadian labour market during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2021011/article/00001-eng.htm

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World Tourism Organization. (2019). World Tourism Day 2019: Tourism and jobs – a better future for all. https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2019