CATT News

Labour Force Survey Highlights April 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:22:00 -0500

In April 2013, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 6.2%, which was 0.7% lower than the rate reported in 2012 (6.9%). Employment was little changed In the Canadian economy overall, keeping the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate at 7.2%.

CTHRC advises on third generation Meetings Industry Economic Impact Study

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Labour Force Survey Highlights March 2013

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

In March 2013, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 7.4%, which was 0.7% higher than the rate reported in 2012 (6.7%). In the Canadian economy overall, the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate rose 0.2 percentage points to 7.2%.

CTHRC & HAC partner to offer online sensitivity training through emerit Training Solutions

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council’s (CTHRC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) to offer online sensitivity training for hotels across Canada. The Access Canada Sensitivity Training Program will be delivered through CTHRC’s emerit training brand. It will be a voluntary program offered online, enabling hoteliers to better serve people with disabilities, including age-related disabilities.

Federal Budget Promises Skills Training

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Federal Budget tabled by the Government of Canada on Thursday focuses on job creation and skills training. This includes the Canada Job Grant, support for apprenticeship and skills training opportunities for groups under-represented in the Canadian labour force (Aboriginals, Persons with Disabilities, youth and newcomers). It also states there will be continued support for foreign credential recognition and job integration for newcomers to Canada. The Government of Canada will work with their provincial and territorial partners over the next year on the programs and funding announced.

New emerit Resources for Accommodations Management Occupations

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Skills training, upgrading and certification are all core components of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council’s (CTHRC) mission. They are addressed through our emerit Tourism Training brand. With more than 50 National Occupational Standards, occupation-specific training in paper-based and on-line versions, human resources tools for employers, and Professional Certification.

Labour Force Survey Highlights February 2013

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600

•In February 2013, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 6.8%, which was 0.5% lower than the rate reported in 2012. •In the Canadian economy overall, the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate remained at 7.0% as more people participated in the labour force.

CTHRC’s President Shares Insights on Labour Shortages at CRFA Show

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council’s (CTHRC) President, Wendy Swedlove, will be presenting at the Canadian Restaurant and Food Association (CRFA) show in Toronto on March 5 at 12:00pm.

CTHRC’s VP, Product Innovation & Marketing Talks Training with Canadian Lodging News

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

There has been some talk recently about the level of cleanliness of Canadian hotel rooms. The Canadian Lodging News looks at this issue in an article in their January 2013 edition. In that article, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council’s (CTHRC) VP, Product Innovation and Marketing provided insight into how training can help address issues.

CTHRC Sr VP Shares Insights in New Events Coordination Textbook

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The CTHRC is pleased to announce that Senior Vice President Philip Mondor has had the opportunity to share his knowledge and insights in a new events industry textbook.

Labour Force Survey Highlights January 2013

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

In January 2013, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 7.2%, which was 0.7% lower than the rate reported in January 2012.

CTHRC President To Moderate TFWP Session at HAC Conference

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

This year marks the 100th Anniversary for the Hotel Association of Canada, and its upcoming conference promises to be the best yet.

Money is not everything

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:23:00 -0600

A lot of employers will say that all their employees are interested in is making more and more money. It is true that people want to be paid a fair wage for the work they are doing. We all have bills to pay, things to save for and reasons why we need to earn money. But for the most part, money is not the only reason we work. If workers only cared about the wages that they earned, one could assume that giving raises to employees should ensure that retention rates remain high. But a recent global survey from the iOpener Institute for People and Performance found that there was no correlation between pay increases and retention rates. Employee engagement was identified as more important in retaining staff. This was particularly true for the younger Gen Y generation. This matches a recent survey conducted by CTHRC’s Workforce Matters Panel. The survey found a very high level of employee engagement among respondents (72% indicated they were very engaged). When asked about specifics in their job, a large majority also indicated they had a positive relationship with managers and peers, good levels of workplace communication, believed that their input mattered and had the resources available to do their jobs. Yet, despite the fact that approximately one-third of respondents felt they were not paid fairly for the work they were doing this group did not have lower engagement scores than the 66% who did indicated they were paid a fair wage. In fact, those who did those who were dissatisfied with their pay had slightly higher engagement scores. Tourism is experiencing a labour shortage that will only increase as fewer and fewer young people (tourism’s main labour source) enter the workforce. Fair wages and compensation are always necessary. However, employers need to understand what else is important to their employees. Being the highest paying employer is not going to help if there is an unpleasant work environment without the non-monetary aspects that employees want. Good management, training, flexible work hours, positive work environment – these are all things that attract employees in the first place and keep them from leaving once they are there. Highly engaged employees demonstrate higher retention levels, higher productivity and lower absenteeism compared to their less engaged counterparts. Offering an all-round employment package that hits the areas of interest for the target labour market along with a positive, well managed work environment will save on recruitment and retention costs as well as build an engaged, happy workforce to serve customers.

New and Improved CTHRC Membership Now Available

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council brings people and organizations together to address vital human resource issues and build a competitive and sustainable tourism sector. CTHRC has recently reviewed the membership program and made improvements to the benefit offering. The benefits include discounts on emerit training and opportunities to promote your own corporate profile.

Labour Force Survey Highlights December 2012

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Labour Force Survey Highlights – December 2012

A well-trained team plays key role in restaurant success

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:33:00 -0600

Most restaurant-goers would agree that the key to a positive dining experience is the quality of service provided by those that work at the restaurant. Good food prepared by skilled kitchen staff and served by pleasant servers keeps people coming back again and again. A recent article on www.restaurantcentral.ca lists twenty key factors to success in the restaurant industry. Empowering staff, controlling labour costs while providing quality customer service with flawless execution are included in this list. Providing quality food with a winning attitude is also mentioned. All of these factors can be met with a staff that has the training, skills and knowledge to deliver a high level of quality products and services expected by patrons.

I am a restaurant shares stories of opportunity

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Attracting and retaining workers is top of mind for most industries these days. Retiring baby boomers and fewer young people entering the labour force is heating up competition for workers.

CTHRC congratulates Tony Pollard, the 2012 Pinnacle Awards’ Lifetime Achievement recipient

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) would like to extend our most sincere congratulations to Tony Pollard, this year’s recipient of the Pinnacle Award’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Labour Force Survey Highlights - November 2012

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600

In November 2012, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 7.0%, which was 0.5% higher than the rate reported in November 2011 (6.5%).

Invest in Training, Reward Successes, and Say "Good Morning" to Your Staff

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 13:22:00 -0600

The times they are a-changing, and the tourism industry workforce is no different. As the Baby Boomer generation continues its mass exodus to retirement, Generation Y is stepping up to fill positions. But they are not alone; prospective employees come from a wide variety of demographic groups including First Nations people, newcomers to Canada, and retirees. Hospitality business owners and managers are faced with the Herculean feat of attracting and retaining a diverse range of employees in a highly competitive market.

Great Wolf Lodge Receives National CTHRC Award for Excellence in Human Resource Development

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600

(Gatineau, QC – November 20, 2012) Niagara Falls’ Great Wolf Lodge took home the top prize for Human Resource Development at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Tourism Leadership Summit. The award, 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 2012

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:32:00 -0600

In October 2012, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 5.9%, which was essentially unchanged from the rate reported in October 2011 (5.8%). On a provincial basis, tourism unemployment rates ranged from 4.1% in Alberta to 17.1% in Newfoundland and Labrador. In most jurisdictions, the unemployment rate in tourism industries was lower than, or comparable to the rate in the overall economy.

Tourism sector in Alberta hitting its stride as labour shortage increases…

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:14:00 -0500

A recent article released by Travel Alberta reported that preliminary numbers indicate strong results for the tourism sector in 2012. Record attendance at festivals like the Calgary Stampeded and Edmonton Fringe Festival and increased occupancy rates at hotels all point to an end to the impact of the global economic recession on tourism in the province. (Travel Alberta, 2012) As other sectors of the Alberta economy pick up speed, the tourism sector also benefits from increased corporate travel. All of this increased demand is great news for tourism businesses in Alberta after the global economic recession caused a slowdown in business. The challenge, however, will be to attract and retain enough staff to meet the business demand.

2012 Tourism Sector Compensation Survey Now Open!

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and our provincial partners are pleased to invite tourism businesses to participate in the 2012 Canadian Tourism Sector Compensation Study

Canadian Tourism HR Council Receives CAPLA’s Recognizing Learning Award

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:22:00 -0500

(Ottawa, ON – October 22, 2012) The Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) honoured the Canadian Tourism HR Council (CTHRC) for its outstanding contributions and lasting benefits to Prior Learning Assessment and Qualification Recognition (PLAR). Bi-annually, CAPLA recognizes a person, a program and an institution or organization on the basis of three criteria: the commitment to and promotion of the recognition of prior learning; the results achieved; and the lasting benefits within the field of practice during the previous two years. “The CTHRC’s ability to support the recognition of prior learning and qualifications for the benefit of tourism professionals and businesses is remarkable,” says Bonnie Kennedy, Executive Director, CAPLA. “The Council’s latest achievements are a testimony to the importance of leadership, expertise, innovation and collaboration – all key ingredients for advancing PLAR practice in Canada.”

Forging a Path in International Event Management

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:28:00 -0500

FORGING A PATH IN INTERNATIONAL EVENT MANAGEMENT Conexus Arts Centre’s Lynn Severt earns the first CEMP™ designation in Canada. (OTTAWA, ON – September 21, 2012) Lynn Severt’s father once told her that if she could find a job she loved, she would never work a day in her life. With a natural passion for planning events, family parties, and fundraisers, Event Management seemed a natural fit. After 33 years, Severt remains an energetic contributor to the advancement of the field. On top of a demanding and satisfying career at Regina’s Conexus Arts Centre, Severt teaches Event Management at a local Community College, and volunteers her event planning services to a variety of organizations. A certified Event Coordinator and Event Manager, this fall, Severt adds to her list of accomplishments: Canada’s first emerit international Certified Event Management Professional (CEMP™) designation. The emerit CEMP™ designation is based on a set of occupational standards developed and validated by international industry experts; the designation is recognized across the globe.

Labour Force Survey Highlights – September 2012

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:57:00 -0500

In September 2012, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 5.8%, which was essentially unchanged from the rate reported in September 2011. In the Canadian economy overall, the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 7.4% as more people participated in the labour market.

Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence – Call for Nominees

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:25:00 -0500

the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) is sponsoring the Human Resources Award. This award is given for programs that develop a human resources culture that attracts, develops, and retains highly qualified employees resulting in motivated staff who are able to generate new or repeat business, create goodwill among guests, provide special services, reverse negative public relations situations, and effectively resolve guest complaints. The nominee must be a member of HAC and have been actively involved in Canada’s lodging industry for a minimum of five years.

Finalists for 2012 CTHRC Award for Excellence in Human Resources Development Revealed

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:28:00 -0500

The CTHRC Award for Excellence in Human Resources Development

Silverwing Youth Volunteer Program

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:19:00 -0500

Winnipeg-area students of the Canadian Academy of Travel & Tourism (CATT) schools have recently had the chance to take part in an innovative volunteer program at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. We got to catch up with the Silverwing Youth Volunteer Program Coordinator Claudette St. Pierre to learn more about this great opportunity for youth.

National Tourism Job Training Program Enables Local Solutions

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:18:00 -0500

Through a mix of case management, classroom instruction and on-the-job training, this national program has provided over 11,000 individuals with practical and marketable credentials and training. Participants work closely with employers in their chosen field , giving them the knowledge, mentoring, personal connections and confidence they need to overcome barriers to employment and to kick start a successful career.

Building Sustainable Tourism Operations – One Skilled Employee at a Time

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) joins the global tourism industry in celebrating World Tourism Day (WTD). This year’s WTD theme is Tourism & Sustainable Energy.

How the 2012 Tourism & Hospitality Human Resource Forum will Boost Your Business (and rock your world)

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:41:00 -0500

It isn’t always easy to know where to start in building a robust employee culture, but the good news is: you’re not alone. The 2012 Tourism & Hospitality Human Resource Forum is a great opportunity to meet like-minded trailblazers who are dealing with the same issues that you are. The Forum will be held in Toronto from October 2 – 4, 2012 at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel, with the theme, “Talent Management: Strategies for Business Success”. Senior decision makers, general managers, human resource executives, and educators travel across Canada to tackle the challenges, issues, and opportunities that we face in today’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Labour Force Survey Highlights – August 2012

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Labour Force Survey Highlights – August 2012

Tourism is Dotting the I’s and Crossing the T’s on Literacy and Essential Skills for Frontline Jobs

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:40:00 -0500

The UPSKILL Essentials to Excel demonstration project offers employers in the Accommodations sector a customized training solution for their frontline staff. The Program helps participating employers identify essential skills needs and delivers customized training solutions to address gaps.

Fairness, Rewards for Performance and Training: Among Key Success Factors in Tight Labour Markets

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

that rewarding employees for performance and providing them with relevant training can reduce staff turnover. This is especially important during a labour shortage.

Tourism Labour Market Analysis: Changing Demographics and Labour Supply and Demand

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:39:00 -0500

The Future of Canada’s Tourism Sector: Shortages to Resurface as Labour Markets Tighten quantifies the impact of long-term demographic and economic trends on labour supply and demand in Canada’s tourism sector, and outlines potential labour shortages over the next 20 years.

Labour Force Survey Highlights – July 2012

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:32:00 -0500

Unemployment numbers for July 2012 for the food and beverage, accommodation, transportation, and recreation and entertainment industries.

Join the Panel Today

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:31:00 -0500

We are expanding our online advisory panel, Workplace Matters, to all workers in tourism and hospitality.

Labour Force Survey Highlights – June 2012

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:41:00 -0500

In June 2012, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 5.8%, which is virtually unchanged from the rate recorded one year ago.

CATT Students Volunteer for Gimli Ice Festival

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

On March 3 – 4, 2012, the town of Gimli hosted its inaugural Ice Festival to celebrate the magic of winter. The success of the winter festival rested on the shoulders of 100 volunteers, many of whom are high school students following the Canadian Academy of Travel and Tourism (CATT) program. The Ice Festival featured a variety of outdoor activities for young and old, and attracted locals and tourists alike. We sat down with Event Coordinator and Gimli resident Susan Holfeuer to talk about the festival, the volunteers, and the future.

Labour Force Survey Highlights – May 2012

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:56:00 -0500

In May 2012, the unemployment rate in the tourism sector was 6.2%, down 1.5% from the rate reported in May 2011 (7.7%). In the Canadian economy overall, the (seasonally adjusted) unemployment rate remained at 7.3%.

Tourism Labour Supply and Demand Report Now Available!

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:27:00 -0500

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) is pleased to announce the release of the latest update of the Tourism Labour Supply and Demand study, The Future of Canada’s Tourism Sector: Shortages to Resurface as Labour Markets Tighten. The study found that 2228,000 jobs in the tourism sector could go unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of workers. The report is now available as a free download from our website.

The NSTHRC 17th Annual Recognition of Excellence Certification Dinner

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:24:00 -0500

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) was honoured to attend the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council (NSTHRC)’s 17th Annual Recognition of Excellence Certification Dinner on May 15 at the Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax. Nova Scotia’s Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Percy Paris helped to celebrate nearly 200 tourism sector professionals (with more than 20 graduates of the Ready-to-Work program) who achieved emerit certification in a wide range of professions.

CTHRC Attends the Tourism Educators Conference

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:12:00 -0500

On May 9 – 11, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) was pleased to take part in the Tourism Educators Conference, at Selkirk College in Nelson, British Columbia. The CTHRC joined 80 participating tourism educators from British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The conference featured presentations on adventure tourism and sustainable travel, a seminar on the latest educational technology, and networking opportunities. The CTHRC presented on tourism labour market information and the emerit suite of products.

CTHRC Attends Rendez-vous Canada

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:03:00 -0500

On May 13 – 16, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) participated in Rendez-vous Canada, the Canadian Tourism Commission’s premier international tourism marketplace. The CTHRC had the chance to meet with tourism industry operators, as well as destination marketing organizations, and build awareness on existing human resource and training services and products. Rendez-vous offered a wonderful opportunity to connect directly with owner/operators and to introduce them to the emerit suite of products.

Reservation Sales Agent - Industry Validation Committee Meeting

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:58:00 -0500

Reservation Sales Agents (RSA) from across Canada met in Ottawa from May 14 – 16 for the Industry Validation Committee (IVC) meeting for the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC). Participants came from a variety of tourism businesses, such as adventure travel companies, bed and breakfasts, and hotels. They worked together to ensure that RSA certification products are up to date and relevant to the industry. Participants noted that they appreciate IVC meetings for the networking and professional development opportunities.

The CTHRC Meets with the Heads of Hospitality & Tourism

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:30:00 -0500

On May 3, the CTHRC and the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation met with the Heads of Hospitality & Tourism (HOHTO), a group of 23 Ontario College Academic Deans who represent the Hospitality and Tourism Departments of Ontario Colleges. The HOHTO were interested in emerit standards and certification, and requested more information on how to integrate emerit resources into their programs. The CTHRC was invited to attend the HOHTO Annual Meeting on May 16 – 18 to present on its educational resources.

Supervisor Industry Validation Committee Meeting

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:23:00 -0500

On April 18, Supervisors from across Canada travelled to Ottawa to validate the Supervisor certification for the CTHRC. With representatives from a variety of industries, such as Food and Beverages, Education, and Recreation, participants enjoyed making connections with colleagues, while contributing to the update of the Supervisor certification materials.

Education Sector Council Partnership Project Meeting with Vancouver School Board

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:19:00 -0500

In April, the CTHRC, met with a group of superintendents, principals, and teachers from the Vancouver school board, as well as several colleges and universities in the Vancouver area. The meeting was initiated by the Alliance of Sector Councils, and there were other sector councils as well as representatives from LinkBC and go2. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the school board to sector councils and the services they can provide to enrich the experiences of elementary and secondary school students.