Cultural Heritage Tourism Courses
Supporting inclusive leadership and participation in tourism requires education that is culturally relevant, accessible, and community-driven. To meet this need, we offer courses tailored for tourism entrepreneurs, community leaders, and tour operators working with Indigenous communities and other culturally rich destinations. These programs provide the tools to develop respectful, sustainable tourism that honors local heritage and strengthens community capacity.
Our courses are designed to…
- Provide tourism businesses and community leaders with the information they need to build and operate successful businesses
- Meet the needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs
- Provide participants with flexible and accessible training opportunities
- Build the capacity of Indigenous communities
- Facilitate opportunities for networking and collaboration
- Enhance the visitor experience
- Advance Indigenous Representation in the tourism sector
Looking for training tailored to your organization or community? Contact us to explore custom course development or private instruction options.
OUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES
Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism
Increasingly, travelers are interested in authentic experiences that will allow them to witness firsthand the lives and traditions of indigenous people. And for these communities, which are often marginalized and struggling to find alternative ways to increase their livelihoods, tourism can provide an economic incentive to sustainably maintain their cultural and natural resources while fostering a sense of cultural pride.
The Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism Program provides tourism entrepreneurs and community leaders with the tools to identify and develop the assets that would most appeal to tourists.
Cultural Heritage Enterprise Training Program
Designed for Native American tourism entrepreneurs, operators, and suppliers throughout the U.S., the Cultural Tourism Enterprise Training Program was developed by the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies in partnership with the Native American Development Corporation and Triia, and is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency.
This program is a non-degree, non-credit-bearing self-paced training series designed to be flexible and meet the needs of Native entrepreneurs, such as campground operators, guides, and artisans, interested in sharing their cultural heritage with tourists and travelers.
