Tourism is a major industry globally and continues to drive growth and development in Canada and in British Columbia.

This course provides a broad overview of the tourism industry in the province. Participants will gain practical skills and knowledge about how BC’s tourism industry is organized and an overview of the major sectors.

Topics covered:

1. Organization of tourism in British Columbia
2. Understanding the business of the visitor industry
3. Transportation and infrastructure sector
4. Adventure and ecotourism
5. Cultural interpretation and Indigenous experiences
6. Food and beverage sector
7. Accommodation sector
8. Events and attractions sectors
9. Ethics of hospitality: hosts and guests
10. Where do I fit in? Resources and opportunities

Duration: 10 days

Delivery: Virtual classroom

This course is offered over two weeks (usually Monday to Friday), with mornings learning in a virtual classroom via Zoom and afternoons completing daily assignments.

This course is also available as a custom offering. In person training may be possible (customs only) depending on location and instructor availability. Please contact us at cstudies@unbc.ca to set up a course date and time that works for you and your employees or community members.

The StrongerBC future skills grant (FSG) is here to help you pursue the future you want. The grant will cover up to $3,500 of eligible costs for your short-term skills training at public universities and colleges in BC.

This course is eligible for FSG funding in semesters when the FSG is available. To confirm if funding is available at this time, and for  information on how to apply for funding please access the StrongerBC future skills grant web page. 

About the Instructor

Dr. Kelly Whitney-Gould lives and works on the islands of Haida Gwaii, located off the northwest coast of British Columbia. Returning to education later in life (2005 to 2016), she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Recreation at Vancouver Island University, a Masters of Tourism Management at the University of Acadia in Nova Scotia, a Doctorate of Tourism Management at the University of Otago in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and a Post-Doctorate through the University of Northern British Columbia.

Kelly’s main areas of interest within the tourism industry include stewardship/sustainability, ethics and moral responsibility, and Indigenous tourism. She brings life experience and humor to her classes and uses a discussion-based approach to sharing ideas and knowledge.