Tourism HR Canada congratulates Tourism Kingston on being named Tourism Employer of the Year at this year’s Canadian Tourism Awards gala. Hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), the awards recognize success, leadership, and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry, and reward those people, places, organizations, and events that have gone above and beyond to offer superior tourism experiences in Canada.
Sponsored by Tourism HR Canada, the Tourism Employer of the Year Award recognizes a business that has made a commitment to foster equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Recipients embrace progressive HR practices, including: supporting and encouraging work-life balance, fostering a culture of training and professional development, providing fair compensation and benefits, offering incentive programs, and promoting empowerment and personal growth.
Tourism Kingston, the city’s destination marketing/management organization, earned this recognition due to a number of key programs that support, recognize, and celebrate staff, build a positive workplace culture, and provide a foundation for staff and organizational success that supports the local tourism industry. This includes:
- Professional development opportunities
- Student employment and mentoring
- Support of employee volunteerism and community engagement
- Competitive salaries, vacation, healthcare benefits, and employer RRSP match
- Paid sick days and an employee/family support program
“Recognition at the national level is incredibly humbling,” says Megan Knott, Executive Director of Tourism Kingston. “The Canadian Tourism Awards recognize the best of the best across Canada—this award is a testament to the amazing team we have at Tourism Kingston. It’s an honour to work alongside them each day and to build a workplace culture that supports their success and wellbeing.”
Tourism Kingston is Rainbow Registered by Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), underscoring its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The organization was also named a Culture Innovator by the Canadian Workplace Culture Index program in December 2021.
“We are delighted to showcase Tourism Kingston’s commitment to providing a welcoming, diverse, and supportive workplace,” states Philip Mondor, Tourism HR Canada President and CEO. “The organization is a model for positive HR practices that make all staff feel valued, encouraging them to seek opportunities to grow professionally and personally. We applaud their leadership around investing in the most important asset—their people.”
Tourism HR Canada would also like to acknowledge the two other finalists for the Employer of the Year Award, who are both dedicated to fostering the development of innovative programs and services that meet the changing needs of all employees:
- Kingsbrae Garden – Saint Andrews, NB
- Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls, ON