ITHQ Master Classes: a new program of excellence for the industry elite

The Centre d'expertise is to offer high-calibre professional development courses starting in 2016

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 3, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Centre d'expertise of the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) announces its new Master Classes, a world-class training program developed specifically for skilled industry professionals. The goal of this professional development program, which is presented in collaboration with the Association des restaurateurs du Québec (ARQ), is to transfer knowledge and know-how through teaching excellence. Its short workshops, covering topics including the latest management trends, will be offered starting in February 2016, further enhancing the educational offering of the ITHQ, Canada's leading management school specializing in tourism, hospitality, food service and sommelier training.

"This major development program is the outcome of an in-depth study of the real needs of industry professionals seeking to hone their skills," stated the Director-General of the ITHQ, the Honourable Liza Frulla, P.C. Drawing on nearly 50 years of experience, the ITHQ continues to innovate in a highly competitive field, enabling Québec tourism, hospitality and food service professionals to earn international recognition. "Through our Master Classes, we will be hosting widely renowned educators who will transmit best industry practices with passion," said Ms. Frulla.

Mastering one's art with industry's finest
Courses offered under the Master Class program will be directed at professionals including the managers of service organizations, restaurants, hotels and tourism businesses, as well as artisans of gastronomy. The keynote speakers to be hosted by the ITHQ include Bruno Goussault, the father and champion of sous-vide cuisine, experience management pioneer Lou Carbone, the founding President of Experience Engineering, and Christiane Germain, Co-President of Groupe Germain Hotels, partenered with Daniel Gauthier, Chair of both the Board of Directors and the Executive & Strategic Development Committee of Massif de Charlevoix.

All of the courses are developed in close collaboration with eminent ITHQ professors including Pasquale Vari, Nelson Théberge, Daniel Gallant and Jean Lagueux. For more information on the program, please visit www.ithq.qc.ca/masterclasses.

A supportive and committed partner
The Association des restaurateurs du Québec (ARQ) is enthusiastic in its support for the Master Class program, as it firmly believes that professional development is a means of ensuring that Québec restaurant businesses maintain their good reputation and quality. "Restaurant managers need ongoing training as well as up-to-date information on innovative business practices if they are to be successful. ITHQ Master Classes will provide a unique opportunity to develop and improve best practices in use both here and elsewhere," stated Claude Gauthier, Chair of the ARQ Board of Directors. "The ARQ is proud to be associated with such a prestigious and innovative project dedicated to excellence."

About the ITHQ
Founded nearly 50 years ago, the ITHQ is a centre of excellence specializing in tourism, hospitality and food service training. Through its distinctive educational approach, applied research activities and sustained industry partnerships, it aims to train new generations of cutting edge professionals and future industry leaders.

SOURCE Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Lydia Juliano, Matom Communication, [email protected], 514-949-1446; Julie Deschambault, Matom Communication, [email protected], 514-891-8645; Source: Françoise Théberge, Director of Communications, ITHQ, 514-282-5111, ext. 4076, [email protected]