CTHRC News

Industry Canada Releases Financing Profile of Small and Medium-Sized Tourism Businesses

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:56:00 -0600

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) is pleased to announce that the Small Business Branch of Industry Canada has released A Small Business Financing Profile focused on the tourism sector. The CTHRC was pleased to provide its expertise and advice throughout the development of the study, and Scott Meis, CTHRC’s Special Advisor on Evaluation and Research, is cited as an external reviewer of the study.

CTHRC Explores Opportunities with Algonquin College’s Workforce and Personal Development Institute

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:22:00 -0600

In January, the CTHRC met with a representative from the Workforce and Personal Development Institute at Algonquin College. The Institute is interested in developing new courses for currently enrolled students and the general public that provide opportunities to earn industry credentials. The CTHRC provided an overview of the emerit training and certification programs and suggested some options that might suit the Institute’s model and target market. Discussions will continue once the Institute has had a chance to further review the emerit programs.

CTHRC Meets with l’Institut de l’événment in Montréal

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:13:00 -0600

In January, CTHRC staff met with representatives of the Institut de l’événement (IDÉ) in Montréal. One of the IDÉ representatives is an events professional and participated in the development of the Event Management International Competency Standards (EMICS). IDÉ has partnered with the Institut de Tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) to develop and deliver an event management program based on EMICS for working events professionals. The meeting provided an opportunity to learn about the program and to discuss opportunities to link students in the program to the emerit CEMP certification program.

CTHRC Participates in Meeting of the Technical Committee on Cultural Statistics

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:05:00 -0600

In January, CTHRC staff attended a meeting of the Technical Committee on Cultural Statistics to discuss the current and future data and project situation of Phase III of the project to develop a Culture Satellite Account for Canada. The information provided will assist the project managers in determining the future applications and evolution of the project in a changing financial, organizational, and government policy environment.

CTHRC Delivers Workshops to Immigrant Serving Agencies across Canada

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:27:00 -0600

In late 2011 and early 2012, the CTHRC, in collaboration with its provincial partners, delivered specially developed workshops in the Maritime and Prairie Provinces. The workshops were aimed at Employment Service Providers, especially Immigrant Serving Organizations, and focused on preparing Internationally Trained Workers for entering the Canadian workforce. The program consisted of a needs assessment as well as an introduction to relevant CTHRC tools and resources, including Finding and Applying your Skills in Tourism (FAST), Canadian Workplace Essentials, emerit training and professional certification, and the Ready-to-Work Program.

Labour Force Survey Highlights December 2011

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:23:00 -0600

In December 2011, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 6.0%. This was 1.1% lower than the rate reported in December 2010. In the Canadian economy overall, employment gains were seen in part-time and self-employment. However, more people entered the labour force during the time period, which resulted in a (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate of 7.5%. Over the past 12 months, employment growth in Canada totalled 1.2%, but nearly all of the gains were recorded in the first half of the year.

CTHRC and Conference Board of Canada Consult with Tourism Businesses

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:08:00 -0600

In November 2011, as part of the Tourism Labour Supply and Demand Project, representatives of the CTHRC and the Conference Board of Canada conducted 12 focus groups with stakeholders from Canada’s tourism sector. In total, 88 business representatives attended these meetings to discuss how the current economic environment was affecting revenues and their ability to find employees. The information they provided will be used to adjust the Conference Board’s preliminary projections of labour supply and demand so that they accurately reflect the growth in demand for tourism products and the availability of labour.

Ontario Tourism Education Corporation to Lead Workforce Development Strategy Project

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:11:00 -0600

The Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) has been contracted by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario to create a provincial Tourism Workforce Development Strategy. The CTHRC would like to congratulate OTEC, its partner human resource organization in Ontario, as they begin work on this important project being funded through the Tourism Development Fund and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

Labour Force Survey Highlights - November 2011

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:53:00 -0600

In November 2011, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 6.5%. This was 1% lower than the rate reported in November 2010. In the Canadian economy overall, a notable employment decrease brought the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate up to 7.4%. Despite recent declines, employment was up 1.2% compared to November 2010.

CTHRC Delivers Presentation to Tourism Educators

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:42:00 -0600

At the CTHRC Educators’ Partners Meeting in Charlottetown, PEI in November, CTHRC staff delivered a presentation entitled “Labour Market Information: An Opportunity for Educators”, which included a historical overview of the CTHRC’s work around Labour Market Information (LMI). The Council was able to showcase its LMI to more than 25 representatives of college and university tourism programs throughout Canada. A constructive discussion of increased cooperation to enhance the use and benefits of CTHRC’s LMI assets followed the presentation.

CTHRC Continues Work to Enhance Postsecondary Tourism Programs

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:39:00 -0600

As a side meeting to the CTHRC Tourism Educators’ Partners Meeting in November, the CTHRC met with a representative of the University of Guelph School of Hospitality and Management to discuss their proposal to develop two new advanced education programs in tourism and hospitality. Areas of discussion included improved connections between CTHRC’s Labour Market Research Program and the coverage of tourism human resource management issues and associated Labour Market Information on tourism employment and labour characteristics in new tourism program curricula.

CTHRC Continues Collaboration with Industry Canada

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:34:00 -0600

In November, the CTHRC had conversations and with Andrea Pierce, Economist of the Small Business and Tourism Branch of Industry Canada, to discuss the appropriate terminology to use in describing new information emerging from custom data tabulations on small and medium size businesses in the tourism sector in Canada, as identified by the Canadian Tourism Satellite Account. This built on previous discussions at the Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference held in London, Ontario in June, 2011.

10th Annual Tourism & Hospitality HR Forum Had People Dancing and Singing…Literally

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:33:00 -0600

Over a year ago, the great folks at the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI) guaranteed the organizers of the HR Forum (the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council) perfect weather and unsurpassed hospitality, and they delivered on both in spades. Under beautiful blue skies and mild weather, 140 delegates came together to hear innovative new approaches to HR, inspiring stories of challenges overcome, and an agenda packed with HR takeaways for their own operations. This year’s Forum kicked off with a reception at the Rodd Charlottetown, where delegates were welcomed by Don Cudmore, Executive Director of TIAPEI, and HR Forum Master of Ceremonies Dean Sockett, Director of Human Resources, Keg Restaurants Ltd. Turnout was great and delegates were excited for the first day of content.

White Point Beach Resort Receives National Award for Tourism Excellence in Human Resource Development

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:00:00 -0600

(Ottawa, Ontario – November 25, 2011) Nova Scotia’s White Point Beach Resort took home the top prize for Human Resource Development at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Tourism Leadership Summit. The award, which was presented by Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) President Wendy Swedlove, recognizes a business that has demonstrated a commitment to professionalism in the Canadian tourism workforce through professional recognition, training, and excellence in human resource management.

Labour Force Survey Highlights - October 2011

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:44:00 -0600

In October 2011, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 5.8%. This was 1.0% lower than the rate reported in October 2010. In the Canadian economy overall, losses in full-time jobs brought the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate up slightly to 7.3%. Despite this loss, full-time employment has increased by 226,000 jobs (+1.6%) since October 2010.

Rodd Hotels & Resorts Sales Manager is 15,000th emerit® Certified Professional

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:22:00 -0600

Please join the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI) as we celebrate an important milestone at the 10th Annual Tourism HR Forum at Prince Edward Island’s Rodd Charlottetown Hotel November 14-16, 2011. Rodd Hotels & Resorts’ Lori MacKinnon is the 15,000th emerit Tourism Certified Professional, having successfully completed the requirements of the certification program for Sales Manager. Lori will be the guest of honour at a luncheon on Wednesday, November 16 at the HR Forum, where her accomplishment will be celebrated.

Labour Force Survey Highlights September 2011

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:51:00 -0500

In September 2011, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 5.9%. This was 0.9% lower than the rate reported in September 2010. In the Canadian economy overall, the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate was 7.1%. This was the lowest rate recorded since December 2008. Since September 2010, total employment in Canada has grown by 294,000 jobs, primarily in Ontario and Alberta. Over this period, full-time employment increased while part-time work declined.

Hotel Association of Canada Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence – Call for Nominees

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:14:00 -0500

The Human Resources Award Recognizes an Individual or Company with Exemplary HR Practices The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence. Information about all the awards, eligibility criteria, and nomination forms are available on the HAC website. Applications must be submitted by Monday, November 28, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Federal Tourism Strategy Officially Launched

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On October 6, 2011, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), officially launched the Federal Tourism Strategy. The Federal Tourism Strategy will help position Canada to take advantage of tourism growth opportunities, to increase tourism revenues, to create jobs in all regions of Canada, and to support an internationally competitive tourism sector. The strategy is the result of extensive industry consultations and a collaborative approach among some 15 government departments and agencies.

World Tourism Day Celebrates Cultural Understanding Through Travel

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:22:00 -0500

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognizes September 27 as World Tourism Day, a day dedicated to raising the awareness of the importance of tourism to the global community and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. The theme for World Tourism Day 2011 is Tourism– Linking Cultures. In 2010, 940 million tourists travelled outside of their home country; this incredible amount of international travel serves to introduce people to unfamiliar cultures and helps foster global understanding and increased tolerance of different traditions. The economic importance of the tourism sector in Canada is undeniable. Tourism is a growth engine and a job generator even in times of economic uncertainty, in every community, in all regions of the country. It generates $74 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 1.6 million people– one in ten Canadian workers. The demand for tourism goods and services is expected to continue to rise as tourists from emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil begin travelling abroad in greater numbers. Despite these impressive facts, the Canadian tourism sector faces real and growing human resource challenges that must be addressed now to ensure its sustainability and continued competitiveness.

Labour Force Survey Highlights August 2011

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:07:00 -0500

In August 2011, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 6.2%. This was 0.9% lower than the rate reported in August 2010. In the Canadian economy overall, the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate was 7.3%.

Workplace Matters Panel Continues to Inform CTHRC Research Activities

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:42:00 -0500

Tourism businesses are encouraged to participate in this important online forum In 2008, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of the Canadian tourism labour force, the CTHRC developed an online forum to gather and share information related to human resource practices in the tourism sector in Canada. Since then, the Workplace Matters panel has grown to include over 600 tourism business owners and human resource personnel. Panel members respond to short monthly surveys allowing the CTHRC and its provincial partners to receive timely feedback from tourism businesses and industry HR representatives. The opinions and expertise provided by the panel members help the CTHRC identify and respond to the operational and occupational issues that are currently impacting the workforce, or will affect human resources in the tourism sector in the future. Input from the Workplace Matters panel has been instrumental in several research projects conducted by the Council.

CTHRC Partnering to Conduct Hotel Executive Compensation Study

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:49:00 -0500

As Canada’s sector council for the tourism industry, with experience in conducting compensation studies, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) was asked to sit on the advisory board to provide input on the HVS Executive Search compensation survey of hotel properties in Canada. HVS has conducted wage and salary surveys in the United States for several years, and this survey marks their first foray into the Canadian market. The goal of the study is to review total rewards and provide benchmarking and best practice analysis for executive compensation trends and practices at Canadian hotel properties. Having just released the 2010 Tourism Sector Compensation Survey, which looks at front-line occupations, the CTHRC is pleased to assist with this complementary study which is focused on management positions.

Labour Force Survey Highlights July 2011

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:19:00 -0500

In July 2011, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 5.8%, down slightly from the rate recorded one year ago. Following three consecutive months of increases, total employment in Canada was little changed in July. The (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate declined slightly to 7.2%, as fewer people, especially younger students, participated in the labour market.

CTHRC Meets with the Barbados Liaison Service

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:37:00 -0500

Organization assists Canadian businesses find and employ Barbadian workers The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) recently met with the Barbados Liaison Service (BLS) to discuss how the service can assist employers in the Canadian tourism sector. Created through the cooperation of the governments of Canada and Barbados, the BLS is an agency of the Barbados Ministry of Labour and Social Security with over forty years experience in the recruitment, selection and placement of Barbadian temporary foreign workers in Canada.

Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax’s Experiences with Ready-to-Work Graduates

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:23:00 -0500

Strong Partnership is Central to Ready-to-Work Partnerships have been the key to the success of the Ready-to-Work program in Nova Scotia. Those contributing to make the Cambridge Suites’ experience so positive were the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council (NSTHRC), the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC), Reachability, The WorkBridge Association and other Nova Scotia tourism employers. The standard Ready-to-Work program offered by NSTHRC runs for five weeks, and in this time, students can also complete two national CTHRC emerit certificates: Tourism Essentials and Canadian Workplace Essentials. In addition, they can add several provincial and program-specific certificates to their portfolios: Superhost Atlantic, Serve Right Responsible Beverage Service, Stress Management, Time Management, Basic Budgeting, Workplace Etiquette, First Aid/CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), Tourism WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), Food Handlers, Professionalism, Basic Communication Skills and Job Readiness.

CTHRC Proposes New Partnership at Tourism Research Partners Forum

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:22:00 -0500

In June, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) attended the Tourism Research Partners Forum in Toronto, Ontario and presented a partnership proposal for the development of a Provincial Territorial Human Resource Module of the Tourism Satellite Account.

Labour Force Survey Highlights June 2011

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:15:00 -0500

In June 2011, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 5.9%, which is essentially unchanged from the rate recorded one year ago, and is lower than the unemployment rate in the economy as a whole. In Canada, the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate was 7.4%. Over the past 12 months, employment has grown by 1.4% (238,000 jobs).

CTHRC Presents at International Labour Organization Seminar

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:07:00 -0500

For three days in June, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) attended, moderated and presented a Canadian case study at the International Labour Organization Seminar: Measurement of Employment and Decent Work in the Tourism Industries in Indonesia that was held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

CTHRC Brings Together Canadian Tourism Businesses for Consultations

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:39:00 -0500

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC), in partnership with Delta Hotels and Resorts, recently undertook an extensive industry consultation process to evaluate the effectiveness of its emerit tourism training brand. Nine meetings were held across Canada, involving nearly one hundred participants representing tourism stakeholders, including both users and non-users of emerit. The goal of these sessions was to ensure that emerit offers the right resources in the right format to meet the unique human resource needs of tourism businesses as labour shortages return to the sector.

"It’s Not Work” Video Live on YouTube

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:36:00 -0500

The Canadian Academy of Travel & Tourism (CATT) is pleased to release the 2010 “It’s Not Work” video. This video is the end result of a project taken on by CATT students across Canada, and was designed to showcase the incredible range of career opportunities available in the tourism sector in this country.

"It’s Not Work” Video Live on YouTube

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:36:00 -0500

Canadian Tourism Sector Compensation—What Are Your Competitors Paying?

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:04:00 -0500

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) has released the results of the 2010 Canadian Tourism Sector Compensation Study. This biennial study gathers and analyzes data on human resource practices, compensation, and benefits in the tourism sector in Canada. The study contains valuable information on salary and wage trends, gratuity splitting practices, perquisites, benefits, attraction and retention trends, employee turnover, and minimum wage rates. Included in the study are national, provincial and territorial wage tables that show the median annual salary and/or hourly wage for 31 tourism occupations by industry group, region, and employment status.

CTHRC Attends Skills Canada National Competition

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:47:00 -0500

In early June, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) attended the Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City. This annual three day event is Canada’s largest display of trade and technology talent, with over 500 secondary, post-secondary, and apprenticeship students competing at over 40 Olympic-style contests, including baking, cooking, and restaurant service.

CTHRC Meets With Barbados Delegation

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:38:00 -0500

In early June, Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) staff met with representatives from the Human Resource Development Advisory Council of Barbados. The delegation were visiting Ottawa to learn about the relationship between the Alliance of Sector Councils (TASC) and individual councils, and how the relationship fosters co-operation and sharing of resources and best practices.

CTHRC Exhibits at Rendez-Vous Canada

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:17:00 -0500

For three days in May, representatives of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council attended Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) in Quebec City. Presented by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), and produced by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, RVC is an annual event that connects international buyers with Canadian sellers of tourism products and services.

CTHRC Attends the Polytechnics Canada Conference

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:11:00 -0500

In May, the CTHRC attended the annual Polytechnics Canada conference in Vancouver, hosted by the British Columbia Institute of Technology. The Council participated in a session on Labour Market Outcomes along with representatives from polytechnic institutions and other sector councils. There was much discussion about the looming labour and skills shortages and how postsecondary institutions, industry, government and sector councils can partner to attract and train future workers.

Tourism Week in Canada Celebrates Economic Importance of the Sector

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:27:00 -0500

(OTTAWA, ONTARIO- June 6, 2011) Tourism Week in Canada, June 6-12, 2011, is the perfect time to recognize the importance of the tourism sector in our country, reflect on the present and future challenges that face business in the industry, and examine ways that we can ensure a strong, sustainable Canadian tourism sector in the future. Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy, and drives economic growth in every region of Canada, contributing as much to our nation’s wealth as fisheries, forestry and agriculture combined. Generating about $70 billion of economic activity annually, the Canadian tourism sector is comprised of over 170,000 businesses, provides 1.6 million full-year jobs, and employs 1 in 10 Canadian workers.

Labour Force Survey Highlights April 2011

Wed, 25 May 2011 08:54:00 -0500

In April 2011, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 8.0%, which was 0.8% higher than the rate recorded one year ago. In Canada, the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate was 7.6%. For the first time since October 2008, full-time employment has returned to pre-recession levels.

CTHRC Attends Ontario Cooperative Education Association Conference

Tue, 17 May 2011 12:59:00 -0500

In the first week of May, the CTHRC and the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) exhibited at the Ontario Cooperative Education Association conference held in Toronto, Ontario.

CTHRC Attends Ontario Cooperative Education Association Conference

Tue, 17 May 2011 12:59:00 -0500

In the first week of May, the CTHRC and the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) exhibited at the Ontario Cooperative Education Association conference held in Toronto, Ontario.

CTHRC Presents at National Association of Career Colleges Conference

Tue, 17 May 2011 12:48:00 -0500

In early May, the CTHRC attended the National Association of Career Colleges conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Along with a member of the Supply Chain Sector Council and an employer representing the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council, the CTHRC presented on a panel about Sector Councils.

CTHRC Presents at National Association of Career Colleges Conference

Tue, 17 May 2011 12:48:00 -0500

CTHRC Invited to Present on Labour Statistics and Measurement of Tourism Employment in Jakarta

Mon, 16 May 2011 09:59:00 -0500

The CTHRC is pleased to accept the invitation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to act as a moderator and to present at the National Seminar on Measuring Employment in the Tourism Industries taking place in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 24-25, 2011. The seminar is being jointly organized by the ILO’s Jakarta Office, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia, and the National Statistics Office of Indonesia.

CTHRC Invited to Present on Labour Statistics and Measurement of Tourism Employment in Jakarta

Mon, 16 May 2011 09:59:00 -0500

Hotel Association of Canada Survey: Formal Training Programs Matter to Canadian Travellers

Mon, 02 May 2011 09:07:32 -0500

In early 2011, the Hotel Association of Canada surveyed 1,627 Canadians about their leisure and business travel habits and their opinions on issues affecting travel in Canada. While the study results showed that transportation modes as well as the amenities sought by travellers have shifted due to economic constraints, it remains clear that lodging properties with a formal employee training program are viewed more favourably than those without one.

Hotel Association of Canada Survey: Formal Training Programs Matter to Canadian Travellers

Mon, 02 May 2011 09:07:32 -0500

CTHRC Promotes Tourism Opportunities at Career and Community Fair

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:37:29 -0500

The CTHRC recently attended the annual career and community fair at the Adult High School in Ottawa. This proved to be an exciting and informative experience for everyone in attendance, and students were eager to learn about the wide variety of career opportunities in the tourism sector.

CTHRC Facilitates Professional Development for Independent Contractors

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:31:08 -0500

The CTHRC recently facilitated a Contractor Meeting at the Council’s office in Ottawa. This event was attended by a large group of independent contractors who have worked with CTHRC in the past, or who may bid on CTHRC projects in the future.

CTHRC Presents Demographic Research on Tourism Labour Force at OTEC Diversity Workshop

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:24:32 -0500

In late March, the CTHRC participated in the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation’s Diversity Workshop in Toronto, which was hosted by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The CTHRC presented its latest research on the changing demographics of Canada’s labour force and the resulting effects on labour supply for the tourism sector.