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.

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.

Great Wolf Lodge has a vision and passion for the guest service experience that begins with their belief in creating a great workplace environment for their staff. Its management and employee training programs are geared to ensuring their Wolf Pack team is motivated and equipped to handle even the most complicated guest service challenges. Guest satisfaction is consistently high. 

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.  Most recently, Great Wolf Lodge has included skills demonstrations in their interview process. These and other initiatives contributed to staff turnover being reduced by 16% in the last year. 

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. Strong relationships with local post-secondary education institutions include participation on industry advisory committees and presentations to students.

 “Recognizing the importance of employees to business success is key for tourism employers ,” states CTHRC President Wendy Swedlove. “It is always inspiring to see an establishment strive to continue 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.”
Gold Eagle Casino and Gold Eagle Lodge, Saskatchewan were among the other finalists for this prestigious award. 

For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Wright
Corporate Communications
T: (613) 231-6949
http://www.cthrc.ca