Professional Certificate Program in Cultural Heritage Tourism
In partnership with the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies
May 2 – June 19, 2022
Explore the fundamentals of tribal tourism planning with the Professional Certificate Program in Cultural Heritage Tourism offered by AIANTA in partnership with the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies.
The online program brings together industry experts who help students explore the importance of including authentic Native American cultural experiences in their tourism planning.
Requirements
Designed to be flexible and meet the needs of busy individuals interested in professional development and career advancement, the Professional Certificate Program in Cultural Heritage Tourism is comprised of six online modules. One module is scheduled per week during two three-week blocks with a one week break between the two blocks.
Each week typically features a course lecture, a guest lecture and selected readings. Participants are also required to contribute to a chat-style forum with other classmates as well as complete a written assignment at the end of each course.
Upon successful completion of the six online modules, students will receive a certificate of completion from the George Washington University School of Business. This is a non-credit, non-degree program.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the different speakers and instructors each week. The homework load for each week’s classes was very doable, even with my busy schedule. I appreciate all the knowledge I gained from this program.”
–Rilda Means
Director of Community Relations & Marketing
Red Cloud Indian School
Course Schedule
Intro to Cultural Heritage Tourism
May 2 – 8, 2022
This course begins with a tourism industry overview before examining how cultural heritage tourism can help to attract and engage visitors and drive economic development. The curriculum covers important considerations to help determine whether cultural heritage tourism is the ‘right fit’ for your community and includes case studies illuminating successes and challenges.
Tourism Resilience in Uncertain Times
May 9 – 15, 2022
This course focuses on lessons learned from the global pandemic and introduces approaches for developing dynamic capabilities to achieve a more sustainable future in uncertain times. Topics include approaches for building more resilient, sustainable tourism; strengthening cooperation and partnerships; and evolving strategies to innovate during uncertain times.
Tourism Planning & Management
May 16 – 22, 2022
This course provides tools that participants can use to engage their communities in cultural heritage tourism planning processes. These processes include assessing tourism potential, determining readiness, evaluating costs and benefits of development, and introducing local tourism management models.
Community-Based Tourism Product Development
May 23 – 29, 2022
This course will introduce multiple strategies communities can utilize to promote cultural heritage product development by the public and private sectors. It will also cover individual business planning, including using data to design and develop cultural heritage tourism products.
Break May 30 – June 5, 2022
Tourism Marketing
June 6 – 12, 2022
This course introduces the travel trade landscape, and the strategic role that marketing plays in tourism development. Participants will learn basic promotional techniques, with an emphasis on social media, that can help to effectively sell a new or existing tourism product or destination
Workforce Development
June 13 – 19, 2022
Outstanding customer service is the sign of a thriving tourism workforce. This course examines both sides of the workforce equation: developing training and management in the tourism sector and creating a customer service culture that sets your community apart.
About the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies University
As a global leader in tourism education and research, the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies has been guiding businesses, communities, governments and nonprofits toward sustainability for thirty years. The Institute advances critical industry issues through thought leadership and research, and we offer professional-level certificate programs, courses and workshops in destination management and cultural heritage tourism.
More Information
For more information, contact Bianca Mitchell at info@aianta.org or 505.433.2120 or contact culturaltourism@gwu.edu.