OTEC and GTHA form partnership ‘to strengthen tourism & hospitality workforce’

This collaboration will provide GTHA members with access to high-quality training and skills development initiatives to support the industry’s evolving needs.

Representing over 160 hotels and approximately 32,000 employees, the GTHA serves as the primary voice of Toronto’s hotel industry. Through this partnership, OTEC and GTHA will work together to deliver impactful training opportunities for GTHA members, including the announcement of an exclusive 25 per cent discount on all OTEC self-paced, online training programs for GTHA members. Additionally, the two organizations will collaborate on innovative training activations, ensuring that members will have access to timely and relevant skills development opportunities.

OTEC’s award-winning training programs are designed to equip individuals with the critical competencies needed for success in the industry. GTHA members will benefit from specialized training in key areas such as service excellence, de-escalation, communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, and more.

Sue Christensen, senior director & co-lead at OTEC comments: “OTEC is thrilled to partner with GTHA in supporting the development of Toronto’s tourism and hospitality workforce. This collaboration will provide industry professionals with the tools they need to excel, ensuring the sector remains resilient and competitive. We look forward to working together to empower GTHA members with the skills that will drive success.”

 “We are excited to join forces with OTEC to bring top-tier training opportunities to our members,” says Kelly Harris, director of marketing & stakeholder relations, GTHA. “OTEC is widely recognized for its excellence in training and workforce development in our sector, and this collaboration reinforces our commitment to equipping hospitality professionals with the resources they need to thrive in today’s dynamic industry.”

This formal partnership underscores OTEC and GTHA’s shared dedication to advancing workforce development in the hospitality and tourism sector. By collaborating, both organizations will ensure that industry professionals have the necessary skills and support to navigate an evolving market successfully.

Effective immediately, GTHA members can contact OTEC to start receiving their training offer.

About OTEC

Founded over 30 years ago by government, education, and industry stakeholders, the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) is the go-to organization for award-winning skills training in Ontario’s tourism and service sectors. In addition to delivering world-class training, OTEC plays a key role in aligning businesses, educational institutions, associations, employment service providers, and all levels of government to create workforce solutions that address both current and future industry challenges.

About GTHA

The Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) represents 160 hotels with approximately 36,000 guest rooms and 32,000 employees, serving as the voice of Toronto’s hotel industry. Since its founding in 1925, GTHA has supported the hotel sector by fostering collaboration on key public policy issues, providing industry insights, and advocating for professional development initiatives that contribute to the ongoing success and sustainability of hospitality in the GTA.