Even though tourism is still one of the biggest industries in the province — either second or third, depending on the performance of resource industries — most tourism employees fall into their vocations while making their own lifestyle choices.
A new program created by the B.C. Centre for Tourism Leadership and Innovation is looking to change the way people in the province — particularly high school students — think about careers and opportunities in tourism.
This Friday, Sept. 22, secondary school tourism teachers from around the province will meet at the Squamish Adventure Centre to discuss the potential of implementing a new tourism curriculum in B.C. high schools. The curriculum is part of a new Tourism Learning System, which will offer programs from Grade 10 through college and university.
“We want to ensure that secondary-level teachers are able to deliver the new programs in a world class way,” said Bob Thompson, chair of the Secondary Tourism Educators Group. “We’re excited to be able to bring together a diverse group of instructors in the true spirit of innovative education.”
The program is based on industry-recognized certifications, and is specific to B.C.’s changing tourism industry with topics that include aboriginal tourism and sustainable tourism development.
Squamish will also use the opportunity to showcase its own regional economic model, which includes establishing the district as an international learning destination as well as the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.
