Tourism HR Canada is honoured and delighted to announce that Philip Mondor, President and CEO, is the proud recipient of the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Industry Award 2020.
The award is presented in recognition of significant support for the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ryerson University. Specifically, it recognized Philip Mondor as an industry leader, promoting the sector to help build a world-leading tourism workforce through employment data based on rigorous research, in addition to his contributions to the School as a member of its Advisory Council and as a guest speaker in classes and student-run conferences.
“When I first learned of this, I was absolutely floored and honoured,” Philip states. “I’ve come to know the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management well through my opportunity of being part of the advisory council. I appreciate why the school has such a great reputation, because of its faculty, the program and much more—so to get this from one of Canada’s most renowned tourism schools is a true honour and privilege.”
The award was presented as part of a virtual celebration hosted by the School on November 12, 2020. Students and alumni were also honoured at the event, well attended by faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and tourism associates.
“This is an incredible honour and testament to the work that Philip has done over the years and his complete commitment to excellence in improving Canada’s tourism Industry through the people who work in it,” says Darlene Grant Fiander, Chair of the Tourism HR Canada Board of Directors. “I have had the privilege of having a front row seat to Philip’s tireless work over the years’ and his passion for improving the credibility of the sector, by investing in the tourism workforce, is unmatched. Often it is the loudest voice that is heard and recognized, often for the wrong reasons, but Philip is an example of how doing quality work consistently and having a people-first agenda that serves the broader community always matters most.”
Speaking to the many students in attendance, Philip took a moment to acknowledge the current circumstances facing the tourism sector and provide some inspiration: “Recovery will be highly dynamic and ripe for rapid growth and innovation. Demand will outpace the supply. Tourism will rely on people, mostly young people, that have the right skills. These future skills are needed by all businesses as they reinvent their business models, learn to develop and introduce new products, tap into different and more diverse markets, and become nimbler so they can respond to future disruptions. Today’s students will be essential to recovery and creating the new tourism.”
“When I think about this award,” he added, “I first think about my colleagues at Tourism HR Canada and how this award is really a testament to all the work they do. I also think about the vast network of associations, schools, and other groups, all of whom work towards making this sector thrive. It’s a great reminder of a great industry I have been proud to be part of more than 30 years.”
View the full list of the awards recipients here. Watch the recording of the awards ceremony here.