CTHRC Presents Award Recognizing Leadership in Human Resources at the Hotel Association of Canada’s Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence

February 04 2010

(EDMONTON, AB – February 3, 2010) Fantasyland Hotel of Edmonton, Alberta graciously accepted the Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) Human Resources Award at the annual gala held on Wednesday evening. Sponsored by the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC), this award recognizes an individual, team, or property whose human resource practices rank them among the ‘new generation of leaders’ in Canada’s lodging industry.

CTHRC President Wendy Swedlove presented the sixth annual HR award to Barry Zwueste, general manager of the Fantasyland Hotel. At the heart of the West Edmonton mall, the hotel features 120 exciting theme rooms in 11 unique styles, world-class restaurants, and a dedicated staff that provides every guest with a one-of-a-kind vacation experience.

Offering employees the best perks and benefits is a key priority for Fantasyland Hotel. The staff is exposed to workshops on topics such as safety, employee rights, and teamwork. To facilitate their “promote from within” philosophy the hotel developed the University of West Edmonton Mall (WEM) program to prepare employees for advancement within the organization.

On top of development opportunities, Fantasyland Hotel offers competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, and perks like tuition reimbursement and passes to attractions at the adjoining West Edmonton Mall. Two-time winner of the Employer of Choice designation by the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), the hotel shares its accolades by celebrating staff achievements with regular Employee of the Month ceremonies and the annual Over the Top Awards gala.

“As an organization that promotes industry sustainability through strong, innovative human resource practices, we are proud to highlight the achievements of businesses such as Fantasyland Hotel,” says Wendy Swedlove, CTHRC president. “They have truly shown leadership in human resources, and are more than deserving of this nationally recognized award.”

In addition to the Human Resources Award, the HAC’s Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence Program also recognized HAC members that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership, and tireless commitment in the areas of Humanitarianism and Energy & Environment.

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. They are also part of a network of tourism education councils across the country that work together to establish and implement emerit national occupational standards, tourism training and professional recognition that help the tourism sector improve financial performance by improving people performance. For further information on CTHRC visit www.cthrc.ca and on emerit products and programs visit www.emerit.ca or call 1-800-486-9158.

For more information, please contact:
Jon Kiely
Vice President of Communications
T: (613) 231-6949
E: jkiely@cthrc.ca
www.cthrc.ca