Hiring is ramping up across the tri-state as the FIFA World Cup approaches, with tourism companies preparing for a surge of international visitors expected this summer.

Statue City Cruises, the official ferry operator that transports visitors to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, held a job fair Wednesday as it prepares for what it expects to be one of its busiest seasons in recent memory.

The World Cup begins in June, with eight matches scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, including the finals. Fans from nearly every continent are expected to travel to the area.

“We’re hiring concession associates, guest service agents for Battery Park and Liberty State Park, as well as marine crew, captains, dock attendants, deckhands, all in anticipation of our season this year, 2026,” Said Rafael Abreu, with Statue City Cruises.

The hiring push comes after what Abreu described as a slower than usual year for international tourism in 2025.

“The FIFA event that’s coming up, there’s actually a fan zone that’s going to be set up here at Liberty State Park, that we’re looking to obviously see some movement from that event with regard to our services,” he added.

Find more information on job opportunities with Statue City by clicking here.