New role will hopefully encourage opportunities and professionalism in the tourism sector

OTTAWA - Olympic Champion Nancy Greene Raine is the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council's (CTHRC) new spokesperson, supporting the Council in promoting tourism careers and first-rate HR practices.

The CTHRC is honoured to be associated with an athlete and entrepreneur of Nancy Greene Raine's stature. Ms. Greene Raine was named Canada's female athlete of the 20th century and appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for her triumphant ski career and her continued contributions to the sport. She won gold and silver medals at the 1968 Grenoble Olympics and overall World Cup titles in 1967 and 1968. She holds a Canadian record total 13 World Cup victories and won 17 Canadian Championship titles.

In partnership with her husband, Al Raine, she played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of ski tourism in British Columbia, greatly contributing to the growth of the Whistler Resort and later to Sun Peaks Resort.

With her wealth of experience in tourism, Ms. Greene Raine is perfectly suited to her role with CTHRC and embodies the attributes of the Council's brands: commitment to excellence, dedication to training, and spirit of innovation. She sincerely encourages work and professionalism in the sector.

"Tourism offers young people a job experience that is second to none," explains Ms. Greene Raine. "Right from the start they will work as part of a team, often closely with the owner or manager of the business. It's a great way to get experience in working with people and in multi-tasking. It can also be a great way to learn about being a business entrepreneur."

Ms. Greene Raine will figure prominently in the Council's upcoming promotions, particularly leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Games. Specific endorsements will include emerit tourism training and certification, Discover Tourism and careers in the tourism sector, and the Discover Tourism employee-rated Employer of Choice program.

For more information on Ms. Greene Raine, her role with the Council, and her experiences in the tourism sector, please visit www.cthrc.ca.