Tourism Winnipeg

As part of Tourism Winnipeg's commitment to demonstrating corporate responsibility, several Winnipeg-based charities will be supported through a variety of fundraising, donation and volunteer initiatives. Green practices will also be supported and introduced where necessary. The Meeting Professionals International Certification in Meeting Management is a designation for senior meeting professionals. It focuses on strategic issues that are critical to advancement in the meeting industry. The certification enhances strategic thinking, leadership and executive decision-making skills. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Certification is a validation of skills, promotes high standards of performance and recognizes technical competence. Achieving certification designations through post-secondary institutions and industry associations demonstrates the professionalism and dedication of an individual. The tourism industry, in particular, has a number of significant programs offering excellence in leadership, management, marketing and sales. The Royal Roads University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management offers a graduate certificate program in Destination Development, Sustainable Tourism and Tourism Leadership. Senior executives build on existing skills and experience, and apply new knowledge and strategies to achieve greater success in their fields. Tourism Winnipeg seeks to cultivate highly skilled employees by providing a nurturing environment that supports professional development. Destination Marketing Association International, whose mission statement is "to enhance the professionalism, effectiveness and image of destination marketing organizations," offers a Certified Destination Management Executive designation. This designation recognizes and acknowledges that senior executives have the vision, leadership and management skills required to successfully guide destination marketing organizations through an everchanging global economy. The Convention Industry Council Certified Meeting Professional designation enhances the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals. It also promotes the credibility of the meeting profession, and advances uniform standards of practice. The National Tour Association Certified Tour Planner designation is considered the hallmark of professional competency and excellence in the packaged travel industry. It represents a high level of experience, knowledge and professionalism. The American Bus Association Certified Travel Industry Specialist designation is a mark of excellence, providing industry-specific knowledge for the motorcoach and group travel industry. The program presents new concepts and trends in the travel industry, and expands professional and personal skills. Winnipeg Skyline: Dan Harper Conclusion The Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg is a living document intended to be a catalyst for growth. The strategies outlined in Winnipeg's Master Tourism Plan create opportunities to fundamentally increase tourism activities and initiatives that will drive economic growth. The overarching outcome gained from the timely execution of Winnipeg's Master Tourism Plan is an increase to tourism visitation and expenditures, creating a greater return on investment for multiple stakeholders including the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. Winnipeg's intent, as the initiatives outlined move forward, that the community, made up of citizens, stakeholders and tourism industry partners, will actively participate in further evolving and elevating Winnipeg's Master Tourism Plan into a 25-year vision to be owned by the community. Tourism Winnipeg is passionately committed to leading the implementation of the Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg and facilitating a long-term plan for the city, ultimately striving to strengthen Winnipeg's tourism industry. The Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg is the first step towards developing a high-level plan for the city as a whole. It is Tourism A Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg | 2011-2015 | 2013 UPDATE 39

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