TORONTO — The Chelsea Hotel Toronto was awarded ‘Tourism Employer of the Year’ by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, at TIAO’s annual Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence gala.

The awards are presented annually to organizations, businesses and individuals “that represent the quality of offerings that make Ontario a destination of choice,” according to TIAO.

The Chelsea Hotel Toronto has been a recognized employer in downtown Toronto for almost 50 years, ever since the property opened in 1975. The hotel currently employs 600+ hospitality professionals.

Fondly known in the industry as CHELSEA U (Chelsea University), the hotel has successfully developed and groomed dozens of leaders who are now leading hospitality and tourism organizations, not just in Toronto but across Canada and throughout the world.

Chelsea Hotel Toronto is an affiliate property of the Langham Hotels and Resorts. It is in full compliance with Langham Corporate programs that uphold a balanced and fulfilling employee experience via thoughtful initiatives that serve the guests, fellow employees, owners, the community and the environment.

At the same time Chelsea Hotel Toronto remains an independent brand and has put in place people programs and policies that are specific to the needs of the Chelsea employees and that better enable these employees to contribute to the success of the business, says GM Rob Housez.

The hotel fully embraces and celebrates the diversity of its workforce, with more than 25 nationalities, and with all five generations represented, all working towards the common goal of providing the best experience to guests and delivering the best returns to the hotel’s owners. The property also enjoys a high Colleague Engagement Score.

Housez notes that several colleagues still employed at Chelsea Hotel Toronto now started working for the hotel in 1976, one year after it opened. The hotel is also proud of its many ‘boomerangers’: colleagues that were once employed with the Chelsea Hotel, left the hotel, but then came back.

“The continued commitment and engagement of the employees at Chelsea Hotel, Toronto does not happen accidentally. The HR Team, with the full support of the hotel’s Executive Committee, expends an intentional and strategic effort to continue to deliver an inspiring employee experience. We are proud of our admirable reputation,” says Housez.