Established in 1993, the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) addresses labour market issues and promotes professionalism in the Canadian tourism sector. Collectively, council members work on behalf of 174,000 businesses and 1.75 million employees that make up the sector, including those in the lodging industry.

The CTHRC brings together tourism businesses, labour unions, associations, educators, and governments to coordinate human resource development activities in support of a globally competitive and sustainable Canadian tourism sector. Below are just a few ways the CTHRC is working for tourism and hospitality businesses in Canada.

Skills Training and Certification

The emerit brand offers competency based training and recognition for tourism professionals. National Occupational Standards, workbooks and online training, and Professional Certification are available from emerit for dozens of occupations. Interactive and customizable emerit business planning and HR tools are ideal for entrepreneurs and owners of small to medium-sized businesses.

Tourism Sector Research

The CTHRC is a world leader in tourism sector research , compiling important tourism facts and figures, Labour Market Information, compensation and benefits data, and HR trends and issues. This information assists tourism and hospitality businesses in understanding the sector and formulating effective HR strategies. Hospitality professionals are invited to partake in the Council’s online advisory panel, Workplace Matters .

Discover Tourism

For those considering a career in tourism, the Discover Tourism website offers career information, a tourism school finder, job search tools, extensive information for foreign trained workers considering employment in Canada, and an interactive zone with career quizzes, occupational videos, and self-assessment tools.

Employers of Choice

The Employers of Choice website is dedicated to making it easier for businesses to improve their HR practices, and their bottom line. Resources and tools are available to help with HR planning, attracting and retaining skilled employees, developing and delivering effective training, calculating return on training investment, and assessing the workforce management of the organization. Companies who demonstrate exceptional HR practices may choose to promote their success by pursuing the national Employer of Choice designation .

Working with Educators

The CTHRC works with educators across the country to ensure that the tourism workforce of tomorrow is equipped with the skills and knowledge they will need as future leaders of the industry. The Council administers the Canadian Academy of Travel and Tourism , a national high school program designed to introduce students to tourism careers. Articulation agreements are also in place with various postsecondary institutions, and educators are using emerit training resources and CTHRC research to inform curriculum, as well as incorporating Professional Certification into tourism and hospitality programs to provide graduating students with industry recognized credentials.