Hands-On Hospitality: Students Explore Downtown Toronto
HLOs: 
Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management students embarked on a two-day excursion to downtown Toronto on November 22nd, exploring the city's hospitality landscape. The Semester 1 overnight trip provides students with the opportunity to be a guest in a hotel while experiencing food and beverage service, hotel operations, and visits to local attractions.
The day commenced with an exploration of Little Canada, a unique tourist attraction highlighting the sights and sounds of Canada on a miniature scale, where everyone was guided through a scavenger hunt. The adventure continued at Nathan Phillips Square, where the radiant holiday lights and picturesque scenes provided numerous photo-worthy moments.
A highlight of the excursion unfolded at the Courtyard Toronto Downtown Hotel, guided by Hotel General Manager and Program Advisory Committee (PAC) Member, Murray Kelsey. The world's largest Courtyard property, boasting over five hundred rooms, warmly welcomed the students, showcasing exemplary hospitality. A buffet dinner set the stage for insightful conversations as Murray shared his career trajectory and fielded many queries from eager students.
The following day commenced with a buffet breakfast, followed by a presentation from the hotel's fifteen-member department management team. Each manager imparted valuable career advice, emphasizing crucial attributes for success in the hospitality domain. Key pointers included the significance of time management, refined communication skills, fostering connections at college, and active participation in industry events beyond the classroom.
The continued partnership with the Courtyard Toronto Downtown Hotel team has been instrumental in shaping the professional journey of future hospitality leaders and stands as a testament to their dedication to nurturing student growth and development.
