News

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

November 11, 2009

Posted on 11/04/09 at 10:22am

SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - Nov. 4, 2009) - 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) Vice President, Products and Partnerships Vince Accardi, 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.

An award-winning property known for fun family experiences, Great Wolf Lodge is passionate about creating a great place to work. Its team focuses not only on recruitment and retention, but also encouraging staff - called pack members - to grow and advance.

A variety of professional development opportunities allow pack members to further their skills, while multiple recognition programs ensure top performers know they are integral to the property's success. Numerous communications vehicles keep everyone informed and allow for regular feedback. A competitive benefits package assists employees and their families with staying healthy and happy. These and other programs have seen the Lodge reduce turnover by 55% since opening in 2006, and guest satisfaction is consistently high.

Additionally, Great Wolf Lodge is shaping the future tourism labour force by working with community organizations to provide employment and co-op placements to students, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and unemployed or underemployed youth.

"Quality HR practices are vital to the success of tourism businesses in Canada," states CTHRC President Wendy Swedlove. "It is always inspiring to see an establishment strive to raise the bar with its human resource policies. The CTHRC is pleased to acknowledge this achievement, and will continue to provide the resources necessary to allow businesses like Great Wolf Lodge to thrive."

D.P. Murphy Inc., Prince Edward Island, and Cambridge Suites Hotel, Nova Scotia, were among the other finalists for this prestigious award.

About the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC)

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) is a national organization that facilitates and coordinates human resources development activities which support a globally competitive and sustainable Canadian tourism sector. The Council conducts labour market research (www.cthrc.ca), offers training and recognition under the emerit tourism training brand (www.emerit.ca), promotes the advantages of working in the sector through Discover Tourism (www.discovertourism .ca), and helps identify companies with positive HR practices through its employee-rated Employer of Choice program.