Tourism Winnipeg

industry. It is a prestigious platform, honouring those involved in tourism, and it increases the relevance of the tourism industry. Tourism Winnipeg will offer and host an annual Winnipeg Tourism Awards program to celebrate Winnipeg's tourism industry. There are nine award categories that recognize success, leadership and innovation in Winnipeg's tourism industry. The awards also acknowledge the outstanding efforts of stakeholders in making Winnipeg a world-renowned destination a visitor won't soon forget. » Ambassador Program A community ambassador program enhances visitor experience, builds a positive destination image, strengthens a sense of community and increases economic impact. It builds upon collaboration by encouraging public and private participation. Tourism Winnipeg will work collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance visitor experience and influence friends and relatives to visit Winnipeg, and attract corporate business and meetings to Winnipeg through professional and personal associations. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Tourism education helps develop a healthy workforce that contributes positively to visitor experiences. It is, therefore, important to have a coordinated approach by government, training and education institutions, workforce organizations and industry to increase tourism training opportunities, improve awareness and perceptions of tourism career opportunities, and to expand recruitment efforts targeting tourism marketing and management graduates. » Hospitality Training and Industry Enrichment Visitor experience is of utmost importance in the tourism industry. Travel is no longer about where you have been, but about what you did while you were there, how it made you feel, the people you met and the memories you took home. A product is what you buy, while an experience is what you remember. Creating these lasting memories begins with a professional and well-managed workforce. Friendly, high-quality service and enjoyable personal interactions have a profound impact on visitor experience. A positive visitor experience will often translate into repeat visits, positive word-of-mouth advertising and longer stays, ultimately increasing tourism. The Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC) offers training, certification and resources to help sustain and grow tourism businesses through Manitoba Best Service training programs in main industry groups, including food and beverage services, accommodations, travel and transportation services, recreation and entertainment and tourism retail. Tourism Winnipeg will collaborate with MTEC to identify specific training and educational requirements within the hospitality industry, resulting in an enhanced curriculum. » Education Enhancement Post-secondary and university degree programs in tourism contribute to a strong and viable tourism workforce. Red River College and Université de Saint-Boniface offer tourism certifications and designations that support tourism labour needs. Tourism Winnipeg will collaborate with industry partners to support increased investment in human resource development and to raise the profile of career opportunities in tourism. Tourism Winnipeg will collaborate with post-secondary colleges and universities to support the development of a professional tourism workforce and to ensure industry demands are communicated to faculties. This will encourage the enhancement of tourism marketing and sales courses offered in the curricula. 36 A Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg | 2011-2015 | 2013 UPDATE

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