Did you know that emotional intelligence was ranked 6th in the World Economic Forum’s list of the top skills that employees will need to thrive in the workplace?

Since OTEC introduced the Tourism SkillsNet Ontario in October 2018 to help create strategies and find solutions to solve evolving labour shortages across Ontario’s hospitality industry, much has happened. Bringing the industry and stakeholders together in 10 regions of Ontario to collaborate and focus on industry led solutions has created many positive outcomes to date.

OTEC announces new Board Chair and Executive: John Wilkinson elected as new Chair and Dr. Statia Elliot as Vice Chair at OTEC AGM

Part of a new, innovative pilot project, OTEC is proud to be leading an initiative in Ontario to provide career opportunities for new Canadians and support the hiring needs of hospitality employers.

A new model for workforce innovation and strategy, Tourism SkillsNet Ontario was formed to specifically address the issue of labour shortages by leveraging partner collaboration and HR technology for regional workforce development.

Did you know millennials are projected to make up 46% of the total workforce by 2020?

Millennials have been transforming the workplace with new ways of thinking, learning and working causing a positive effect on the people and work space around them. Not only are they technology savvy but they are creative, self-confident, open and tolerant in diverse and inclusive workplaces.

It is an exciting year for Canada’s tourism and hospitality industry as the country collectively prepares for the Canada-China Year of Tourism. Chinese visitation increased by 12% in 2017 to become Canada’s second largest international inbound market and the country is expecting over 10 million visitors over the next two years* accounting for huge economic impact to our destinations. So what can businesses do to prepare?