P.E.I.’s tourism industry braces for ripple effects of Holland College program cuts [Video]

When Ricardo Salvini began his career in Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry, it changed his life, he says. 

Salvini enrolled in the hotel and restaurant management program at Holland College after moving to P.E.I. six years ago. Now he’s the vice-president of operations for Rodd Hotels and Resorts. 

“When I graduated four years ago, I was ready for the industry,” he said. “I took a management role right after Holland College.” 

Hearing that the province’s main community college is phasing out the hotel and restaurant management program — as well as others that feed skilled workers into P.E.I.’s tourism industry — was “devastating,” Salvini said. 

Holland College announced on April 11 that eight of its programs will be phased out because of a plunge in international student tuition revenue, and three more will be downsized for the upcoming school year. The news has caused concern for the tourism industry — …