UQAT's short program in aboriginal tourism management: admissions now open!

WENDAKE, QC, Jan. 15, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - , January 15, 2014 - The Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) officially launched the new short program in aboriginal tourism management on March 5 of last year and will welcome its first class in fall 2014. The program is intended for people working or who wish to work in the aboriginal tourism industry. Admissions are now open and the application deadline is March 1, 2014.

This new short program is unique in Québec. It comprises of 5 courses and is offered in both French and in English. It is available as a full-time in-class  program on the UQAT's Val-d'Or campus and also via videoconference or the web to enable entrepreneurs of all regions and from all walks of life to maintain a balance between work, family life and studies.

The program, with its comprehensive training plan, will help aboriginals, managers and employees of tourism companies, or anybody working in  tourism in Québec, acquire professional skills pertaining to the creation, management and development of an aboriginal tourism enterprise. "The curriculum aims to meet the need for specialized training of human resources in tourism and strengthen the presence of aboriginal managers in our companies. The success and growth of our companies depend on a qualified and dedicated workforce", said Nancy Picard, Huron-Wendat and Head of Operations and Marketing of the traditional Huron site Onhoüa Chetek8e since several years. Nancy Picard and Claude Boivin, Innu entrepreneur from Mashteuiatsh and founder of Aventure Plume Blanche, support the relevance and need of such a course. "The training will allow aboriginal entrepreneurs learn the basics of developing quality and eco-friendly tourism products in accordance with our distinct culture and as per customer and industry expectations," added Claude Boivin.

Québec Aboriginal Tourism is proud to have contributed, along with other aboriginal organizations, to the setting up of this innovative program. Québec Aboriginal Tourism, recognized by Tourisme Québec as the official representative of Québec's aboriginal tourism industry, also assists in the development of region-specific training programs that contribute to the success and growth of aboriginal tourism.

Each year, Aboriginal Quebec welcomes over 800,000 visitors, sustains 3,500 jobs and generates an estimated $169 million in economic benefits.

For any queries regarding eligibility requirements, the training schedule and  registration procedures for the short program in aboriginal tourism management, please visit uqat.ca/firstpeoples. You may also write to [email protected] or call 1-866-891-8728 ext. 6296.

For more information on Québec Aboriginal Tourism and its members, please visit aboriginalquebec.com

Image with caption: "Québec Aboriginal Tourism (CNW Group/Tourisme Autochtone Québec)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140115_C8890_PHOTO_EN_35542.jpg

SOURCE: Tourisme Autochtone Québec

Patricia Auclair, Communications Officer
Tel: [phone] Mobile: [phone]
[email protected]