Importance of Partnerships with Indigenous Tourism BC
Presenting Organization
Indigenous Tourism BC
Description
This workshop will provide participants the opportunity to discuss, explore and share business opportunities that are existing and emerging in the tourism industry.
Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and co-operative marketing programs, ITBC is a one-stop resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. ITBC works closely with tourism, business, education and government organizations to help B.C.’s Indigenous tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promotes these experiences to visitors and local residents.
Meet and learn from a panel of Indigenous tourism experts ranging from start-up to export-ready to discuss opportunities and challenges in building a successful business.
Topics may include the following:1. Information Kiosk and Virtual Welcome Centre2. ITBC Corporate Website and Resource Learning Centre3. Indigenous Regional Specialists4. Training and Development
What Participants will Learn by Attending
- Enhance Indigenous tourism businesses and local Indigenous tourism economies
- Provides an opportunity to develop businesses that showcase a community’s culture.
- Enhances cultural awareness and sharing with visitors delivering understanding and connection.
- The upcoming training opportunities with Indigenous Tourism BC.
Presenters
Paula Amos, Chief Marketing and Development Officer
Dana Schoahs, Director of Marketing
Presenter Biographies
Paula Amos, Director of Partnerships and Corporate InitiativesPaula Amos is of Hesquiaht and Squamish Nation descent, born and raised in the Nuu-chah-nulth territory on Vancouver Island. She has worked for ITBC for the past 7 years and has held various positions with the organization.
Paula’s career aspiration was to work in the socio-economic development for Indigenous people. Her education background includes a degree in First Nations Studies and Business Management at Vancouver Island University.
Dana Schoahs, Director of MarketingThrough her past employment with Blue Ice Communications, Dana’s work with Indigenous tourism began with organizations such as Sasquatch Tours, the Tsimshian Nation and HaiCo. The growing relationship and expertise in marketing First Nations tourism businesses led to Blue Ice Communications being selected to develop the ItBC marketing program in 2004. Dana has played a key role in creating the program outline and has managed its implementation for a number of years.
With a passion and affinity for tourism, Dana draws on 17 years in marketing and sales to develop inspiring strategies and programs for tourism organizations. Beginning with her degree in Tourism Management, she has worked for several international airlines, highâend hotels, as well as major tour operators.