On September 27, we’re celebrating World Tourism Day, and we thought that there was no better way to celebrate than to showcase of our entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. Read on to learn more about what it’s like having a business in this industry.

Skai Dalziel – Whistler Tasting Tours
(Whistler, British Columbia)

Whistler Tasting Tours offers guided dining tours of Whistler Village where each delicious course of the meal happens at a different restaurant. They offer lunch, dinner and dessert tours, and it’s a fabulous way to explore the food scene in Whistler.

What’s the best part of having a business in the tourism industry?

The best part of having a business in tourism is that you get to deal with people from all over the world. Not to mention, they’re always in great spirits since they’re on vacation, especially when they’re dining at the best restaurants in Whistler!

What is one piece of advice you’d have for other entrepreneurs aspiring to start a business in the tourism industry?

The tourism business is tough because you’re always going after new customers rather than servicing the same customers again and again. My best advice is to make sure every customer has a great experience and is encouraged to write a review on social media sites so other prospective customers can read about the amazing service.

Photo from a weekend of facilitating the filming of a UK TV show, Wild Table, Canada with chef Valentine Warner (far left) on Hecla Island. Heather is the one on the far right.

Heather Hinam – Second Nature, Adventures in Discovery
(Winnipeg, Manitoba)

Second Nature, Adventures in Discovery is an award-winning business that serves both the tourist and the tourism industry as a whole. Heather helps develop new tourism experiences and improve visitor education through experiential tourism training workshops and the creation of engaging interpretive media such as trail signage. Second Nature also offers customized travel experiences for visitors to Manitoba’s Interlake for people looking to get off of the beaten track and up close and personal with the people, places and wildlife that make this region special.

What’s the best part of having a business in the tourism industry?

The best part of working in the tourism industry is the variety of work and people you get to meet. Working behind the scenes, I have the great pleasure of helping new tourism ideas come to fruition. As a tour operator, I get to engage with interesting people from all over Canada and the world, from local groups to celebrity chefs from overseas.

What is one piece of advice you’d have for other entrepreneurs aspiring to start a business in the tourism industry?

Be flexible. Flexibility is an asset not only when creating memorable experiences for your clients, but also as you develop your business. In the last four years, Second Nature has shifted focus dramatically, and by being flexible and ready for new opportunities to apply my skills I have managed to make it this far.

Peter Derkacz –  Kelowna Pete’s Edventures
(Kelowna, British Columbia)

Kelowna Pete’s Edventures is an athletic-based travel and tour provider in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia offering stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, hiking, wine tours, cross-country skiing, and more.

What’s the best part of having a business in the tourism industry?

Personal growth, being outdoors all the time, surrounded by nature, and finally, meeting people. I love people, their stories, successes, hopes and dreams. It really melds all of my passions into one.

What is one piece of advice you’d have for other entrepreneurs aspiring to start a business in the tourism industry?

Keep going! Getting your brand out there takes time. The Okanagan is a destination/lifestyle location. People plan to be here, and they act accordingly once here, following their schedules of planned events. Also, plan to love what you do, as you will be pushing for it 24/7. You must love what you do!

Benjamin Gillies – Winnipeg Trolley Company
(Winnipeg, Manitoba)

Winnipeg Trolley Company is a public city tour taking place on board Manitoba’s only tourist trolley. The trolley is designed to resemble an original local streetcar from the 1920s, and is an exciting tour that takes visitors through Winnipeg’s best neighbourhoods while guides share humorous and engaging stories about the city and its people.

What’s the best part of having a business in the tourism industry?

It is an amazing opportunity to spend your time sharing all the reasons why Winnipeg is an incredible place to live with both tourists and locals alike. Our city has so much history, beautiful architecture and stunning greenspaces, but it is sometimes forgotten. Having people from around the world visiting our city and letting us know it is one of the most fascinating and amazing cities they’ve been is a really incredible feeling.

What is one piece of advice you’d have for other entrepreneurs aspiring to start a business in the tourism industry?

Each city or town or region has their own unique qualities. Seek those out. Tourists are looking for authentic experiences, and what might seem just normal to you can be thrilling or breathtaking to someone visiting for the first time. Ask what makes your home – and the service you will be offering – unique; that is where, in my experience, the value of a new venture can be found.

Photo Credit: Jessica Graham

Paul Amano – Boreal Journeys Sled Dog Kennel
(Kaministiquia, Ontario)

Boreal Journeys Sled Dog Kennel provides residents of and visitors to northwestern Ontario with a unique dog experience. Offering all-day programs in which participants learn how to take care of, manage, and run a team of sled dogs.

What’s the best part of having a business in the tourism industry?

The best part about having a business in the tourism industry is being a part of the cultural story of your own community and getting to share that with visitors from all over the world.

What is one piece of advice you’d have for other entrepreneurs aspiring to start a business in the tourism industry?

The best piece of advice I have for new entrepreneurs in the tourism field is to align your experiences with the cultural identity of your community, because that is the image that your regional destination marketing organization will be presenting to the world.

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