The Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism (GMIST) is an organization based in Gros Morne, Newfoundland that offers training programs and development support services to advance the quality and success of tourism operators and destinations in Canada. GMIST is offering programs this fall to help tourism businesses expand with new experiences for travellers.
Leadership and Innovation for the Future of Tourism (LIFT)
GMIST's LIFT program is a peer-to-peer program designed to help operators create new or enhanced tourism experiences. Work with 20 pre-qualified peers over an eight-month period to create engaging tourism experiences that showcase the best of Canada!
Kathi Stacey, Partnership and Experience Development Manager at Valley Sky Luxury Camping in Wolfville, is currently working through the LIFT program to create an onsite winter dining experience in the glamping domes based on a chef-inspired menu that highlights the amazing offerings of the Annapolis Valley.
“Taking into consideration the realities of travel trends and the demographic of our visitors and what they seek, is invaluable to us as we look at our business and what we have to offer,” says Kathi. “The courses in the program have helped us identify and match our offerings with those travellers are seeking.”
The LIFT program includes both online learning components and a four-day in-person component in Gros Morne, Newfoundland where you’ll join other operators to refine your experience concept. GMIST will apply a $5000 scholarship to cover the full cost of tuition, online and in-community training, e-courses, and coaching.
“The onsite training component in Gros Morne and the tremendous amount of research and expert feedback and input from the project staff and consultants combined with the feedback from other business owners makes this an essential program for tourism operators wanting to bring their business to another level by creating relevant experiences for their guests,” says Kathi.
Get the full details about the program at https://gmist.ca/course/lift-beyond-the-edge/. The deadline to apply is September 8, 2022.
Other Learning and Development Opportunities
Sandbox Sessions
Join GMIST on Tuesdays in November for informal Zoom sessions cover a range of interesting topics including collaborating with Indigenous tourism partners, wellness travel and more.
More information on Sandbox Sessions
Nature's Table: Let's Get Wild!
This collaborative learning experience explores guiding principles and practices for developing or expanding your unique culinary experiences in nature. Sessions will take place via Zoom over six Wednesdays starting November 2. Apply by September 14.
More Information about Nature’s Table
Destination: Story
A course designed to help tourism operators use the tool of storytelling to communicate their personality, experiences, and core identity to engage digital visitors across your digital platforms at every stage along their path to purchase. This course includes four Zoom sessions and several one-on-one coaching sessions starting October 3. Apply by September 14.
More Information about Destination Story
Festivals & Events Webinars
GMIST is offering two Festivals & Events webinars this fall which are ideal for festival organizers, event managers or festival committee members.
- October 20 - Sponsorship: Old Ways Won't Open New Doors
- November 17 - The Element of Volunteers