Sweet deal for VIC managers

Do you work in one of the 112 Visitor Information Centres located in towns and cities throughout Saskatchewan? Or, maybe you know someone who does.

If so, we'd like to remind VIC managers that they can download copies of emerit National Occupational Standards for Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor and Tourism Visitor Information Supervisor.

The standards are ideal for training and orientation. Developed by the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) with input from employers and workers, emerit standards make it easier for you to prepare your staff and volunteers for their roles in your operation. Trained staff help boost visitor satisfaction, generate more business in your community, and inspire word-of-mouth referrals.

If you don’t already have the current emerit National Occupation Standards, download your free copy today (or order a printed copy for your office for $45). In addition to Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor and Tourism Visitor Information Supervisor, you might also be interested in Tour Guide and Heritage Interpreter.

You can download the standards from the emerit website. Look for the link on the right-hand side of the page for the free download.

For Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor, for example, you'll get a 44-page PDF booklet that provides a general job description and outlines the key attitudes, knowledge and skills a person needs to do the job. It also covers subjects such as tourism awareness, the role of the tourism/visitor information counsellor, communications skills, interacting with partner agencies, office routines, safety procedures, assisting people with special needs, product and service knowledge, selling, and handling payments.

Free USB key for first 20 VICs to request one!

If you are one of the first 20 Visitor Information Centres to ask for one, we will send you a free STEC 1GB USB flash drive. Each two-tone, blue and metallic, folding USB flash drive is emblazoned with the STEC logo and comes already pre-loaded with the emerit National Occupational Standard for Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor. We only have 20, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. We’re sure you won’t want to miss out! If you work at a Visitor Information Centre, simply post a comment below this blog post. Be sure to include the name and address of your Visitor Information Centre, so we'll know where to send your flash drive, as well as a link to your website.

Three new downloadable workbooks available from emerit

If you've earned your national emerit certification in one of Canada's recognized tourism professions, you're likely familiar with the training workbook that you received. While you were able to complete other components of your training online, that workbook was only available in its printed edition - until now.

This week, emerit released the workbook in a new, downloadable format, starting with these three occupations:

• Front Desk Agent.
• Reservation Sales Agent.
• Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor.

The cost for each of the downloadable versions is $70, compared with $85 for the hard-copy workbooks. You can still download and use the national occupational standards for free.

emerit is recognized by tourism employers across Canada. Tourism Certified Professionals meet job standards set by industry. To become certified, individuals must pass exams demonstrating their knowledge and practical skills, and complete a minimum number of hours to gain experience. It takes from six months to two years to become emerit certified, depending on past experience and knowledge.

emerit Professional Certification is available for 27 of the 46 tourism professions with National Occupational Standards.  STEC is the local representative of the emerit training brand, offered through the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council.  Certification obtained in Saskatchewan is recognized nationally across Canada. In 2011, STEC recognized the province's 2000th certified professional.

Designations are available for Tourism Certified Professional (TCP), Tourism Certified Supervisor (TCS), and Tourism Certified Manager (TCM).