CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Rodd Hotels and Resorts in P.E.I. is preparing for a strong 2022 tourism season. Despite pandemic-related uncertainty over the last two years, the hotel chain has continued to invest in staff, infrastructure and upgrades.
“The last two years have been tough, but it’s important for us to ensure we are ready when travel returns,” says Mark Rodd, CEO of Rodd Hotels and Resorts. “Government supports have helped the industry, but in the end, as private sector, we need to protect our investments and the jobs and economic impact we create. We are in the midst of hiring for more than 200 positions on P.E.I. alone, many of our staff are from the communities surrounding our rural properties.”
Although many infrastructure projects were paused due to supply-chain and resource issues, the company has capitalized on its downtime to offer refreshed rooms, exterior, meeting spaces and common areas. Over the next 24 months, $12.4 million has been budgeted across the chain for more renovations.
“With [more than] 750 employees during high season and a plan to hire 450 in the next two months, we recognize that we play an important role in the economy of the Maritimes and in rural communities providing job opportunities closer to home,” says Rodd. “It will continue to be a challenge over the next 12 months as we and the industry re-build, but we are excited and ready.”
