Success Stories > Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre
Achievement type: Hotel Association of Canada Award
Date achived: February 27 2008
Located in Parksville, British Columbia, Tigh-Na-Mara offers 192 log cabin units spread throughout a forested 22-acre property. Established in 1946, the property has grown significantly, and in 2005, implemented a director-level Human Resources position, an innovative decision for an independent resort. This led to Tigh-Na-Mara creating forward-thinking HR strategies to attract and retain motivated employees, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and an overall increase in the company’s bottom line.
“Tigh-Na-Mara’s commitment to excellence in human resources and employee management begins as soon as a new member joins the TNM team,” says Gwen Wright, Public Relations Coordinator. “We strive to go beyond what is expected of a private company, and this has positively impacted employee development, loyalty, morale, and the organization’s bottom line.”
Tigh-Na-Mara’s HR strategies include specialized training programs for every level of employee. During orientation, members learn about all aspects of the resort in addition to their specialized training. Two further training options prepare staff to climb the ranks: a three-day Train-the-Trainer workshop prepares them to train new team members, and an intensive six-month program, Organizational Career Management, equips employees with the knowledge and skills required to advance their career growth plans through education and mentoring.
Supervisors and managers have the opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership skills through the recently developed Leadership Development Series; over a six-month period, the leaders examine the resort from a global perspective, participate in a cross section of meetings and job shadowing, and are provided with mentors to maximize their success.
Recognizing the importance of reaching the up-and-coming labour force, TNM’s co-op program allows students to experience every aspect of the resort, from room inspections to meal planning to sales meetings. They enjoy a lunch with the general manager and spend a night at the resort to report about their experience as a guest.
To show how highly Tigh Na Mara values its team members, the resort has a range of performance and long-service awards. Employees who demonstrate an exceptional work ethic, initiative, and outstanding performance are awarded by the SEA Star (Service Excellence Award) recognition program, whose recipients are invited to a monthly awards reception with prizes and certificates. The annual Spirit Award is presented to a team-selected member who represents the core values of TNM, as well as the spirit of hospitality and the ability to be a role model to other employees. This winner receives an all-expenses paid vacation for two to Mexico in recognition of their achievement.
“Tigh-Na-Mara’s dedication to high employee standards also includes assisting our employees in furthering their educational goals, and offering our 240 team members many resort perks, from spa services to free parking,” adds Ms. Sagle. “We are proud of our team members, who go above and beyond in offering superior guest service.”
Contact information
1155 Resort Drive
Parksville, BC V9P 2E3
Tel: (250) 248-2072
Info@tigh-na-mara.com
www.tigh-na-mara.com