PATHS Program
Ongoing | Product Development
Canadian Ecotourism Services (CES) has partnered with ITO to create the PATHS Tourism Builder, a business planning tool that takes a deep dive into your business and isolates four major directions that help your business run more effectively.
Through the supportive methodology and approach of PATHS, IBAs will train, coach, and mentor Indigenous tourism businesses in a variety of aspects as to elevate their operations. In this process, Indigenous entrepreneurs will be empowered to recognize their potential and celebrate their achievements, charting their own trajectory forward while creating harmony within their operations and communities.
The first direction, “Preparing For Guests”, looks at planning, and reviews the tasks we need to complete before we launch a business. What licensing, permits, and paperwork need to be pursued before we launch? Do we incorporate or register as a sole proprietorship, do we have enough insurance, do we need particular permits? Once we’ve launched our business, it’s time to say hello to our guests.
The second direction, “Saying Hello”, focuses on marketing and branding, and encourages entrepreneurs and organizations to define the experience they are offering to the world clearly. This direction examines the “personality” and “soul” of your business, the core “story” you’ll share with guests, and the most effective way your organization can reach out and communicate with customers.
The third direction, “Welcoming Guests”, shares lessons and stories from Indigenous tourism operators across Canada. How do guests experience your business through their own eyes, and how can you elevate your product and service experience to create memorable moments? Cultural authenticity is discussed, and the touchpoints where guests discover and experience your organization are isolated and explored.
The fourth direction in the PATHS Tourism Builder is “Caring For Our People”, and focuses on creating a safe workplace for your guests and team. Do you understand waivers? Do you have a safety plan in place? What are possible risks you may encounter, and what steps can you take to mitigate the exposure?
