For Immediate Release
Courtice, Ontario (June 3, 2026 ) – Tourism HR Canada, in partnership with Central Counties Tourism (CCT), is expanding access to the Belong: Accessible Tourism Workplaces eLearning program — helping tourism businesses across the region build more inclusive, accessible, and supportive workplace cultures.
Just launched in CCT’s Learning Lab ahead of the busy tourism season, the self-paced online training provides practical tools and knowledge to support employee onboarding, workforce upskilling, and stronger workplace experiences across Ontario’s tourism sector.
Rooted in the idea that great visitor experiences start with great workplaces, Belong: Accessible Tourism Workplaces helps tourism employers create environments where employees of all abilities feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to succeed.
“Tourism workplaces are strongest when employees feel supported, respected, and included,” said Philip Mondor, President and CEO of Tourism HR Canada. “As businesses prepare for the busy season and welcome new staff, this training provides accessible, practical learning that helps teams strengthen workplace culture and expand their talent pool while enhancing the visitor experience.”
The industry-validated eLearning program includes short, self-paced modules designed for frontline tourism workers, supervisors, managers, and organizational leaders. Topics include accessibility, inclusive workplace practices, mental health awareness, workplace accommodations, reducing bias and barriers, and creating welcoming experiences for employees and visitors.
Learners will also gain practical tools to help foster respectful communication, advocate for accessibility needs, support coworkers experiencing discrimination or barriers, and contribute to ongoing accessibility initiatives within their organizations.
Each module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and can be accessed online at any time, making the training ideal for seasonal onboarding, staff refreshers, and ongoing professional development.
“Our Learning Lab is designed around the real needs of tourism businesses, providing practical tools they can use right away,” said Chuck Thibeault, Executive Director of Central Counties Tourism. “Our Tourism Ambassador Program has long supported visitor experience training, and Belong: Accessible Tourism Workplaces adds an important new dimension to that offering, complementing our existing suite of modules by strengthening how tourism businesses support their teams through more accessible and inclusive workplace practices. After all, friendly and welcoming environments start with strong workplaces.”
To learn more or register, visit learninglab.centralcounties.ca.
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About Tourism HR Canada
Tourism HR Canada is a pan-Canadian organization with a mandate aimed at growing a world-leading tourism workforce. As a Workforce Development Council, it facilitates, coordinates, and enables activities that support a globally competitive and sustainable industry and foster the development of a skilled, diverse, inclusive, and resilient workforce. For over 30 years, it has developed a range of tourism training and certification programs under its Emerit brand. Explore its activities at TourismHR.ca.
About Central Counties Tourism
Central Counties Tourism (CCT) was established as a regional tourism organization in 2010 under the framework developed by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mandate is to help stakeholders build their capacity which, in turn, grows visitation and vibrant communities throughout the York, Durham, and Headwaters regions. CCT is funded by the Ontario Government and managed as a not-for-profit organization by a voluntary tourism industry board. CCT’s mission is to develop, support and promote tourism within the region.
Media Contact
Chuck Thibeault
Executive Director
Central Counties Tourism
cthibeault@centralcounties.ca
