Imagine an opportunity where tourism, education, and economic development are aligned in a single, strategic investment. Imagine this investment underpinned by one of the fastest growing sectors in the market and sustained by demand from professionals, executives, and their organizations. Then, imagine yourself near the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by old-growth forests, adjacent to a 1908 castle, beside the Edwardian gardens of Hatley Park National Historic Site - one of the most beautiful and unusual properties in Canada, located only minutes from British Columbia's capital city of Victoria.
Welcome to our world, where a new tourism vision is enroute to becoming reality.
Our Vision for Visitors to Hatley Park National Historic Site
To deliver memorable experiences that engage the senses, tap the intellect, and enhance understanding of the importance of protecting and sharing our natural and cultural heritage so it may be preserved and enjoyed for future generations.
Our Vision for Tourism Education at Royal Roads University To deliver academic and professional development learning experiences so compelling and personally relevant, that we transform people in ways that enrich them for a lifetime.
Our Goal To become a demonstration site of excellence in tourism education and a kaleidoscope of experiential travel activities for visitors.
Our Values To be guided by the values of respect, integrity and empathy in designing, delivering and marketing sustainable tourism products, educational programs, facilities and services.
Specifically, we will demonstrate:
- Integrity as tourism professionals, educators, and guardians of Hatley Park National Historic Site
- Respect for the land, the people, and their cultures
- Pride in the provision of high quality, relevant tourism education; and
- Ability to work with others in progressive ways that evolve, embrace and adjust to the opportunities that the future holds.
Cornerstones of Our Approach
To achieve our goal of financial sustainability and fulfill our stewardship responsibilities, the tourism programs, services, and visitor activities will be developed and delivered in ways that are:
- Environmentally and culturally respectful,
- Economically viable,
- Socially responsible, and
- Pro-active lifelong learning.
Through our leadership, commitment to entrepreneurial business practices and applied learning, we will:
- Foster innovation, partnerships and collaborative action,
- Develop niche market opportunities that add value to the existing tourism offered,
- Embrace technology for on-site and global reach and program delivery,
- Encourage community involvement, and
- Demonstrate how tourism can be an enabler of sustainable heritage and a contributor to sustainable communities.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Consistent with the sustainable tourism guides established by the Tourism Industry of Canada and Parks Canada, Royal Roads University is committed to:
1. Protecting the natural and cultural heritage resources of Hatley Park National Historic Site in ways that foster support for the protection and sensitive use of the treasured heritage resources.
2. Promoting appreciation and enjoyment to visitors through providing enriched travel experiences that increase understanding, provide enjoyment and present accurate information on the past, present and future of Hatley Park National Historic Site.
3. Respecting and involving the local community through collaboration and partnerships that respect community rights and values, educates the community about the importance of tourism and involves them in optimizing the long-term economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits to the community.
4. Influencing traveller expectations and use by presenting a world-class attraction, exciting visitor activities, strategic marketing to target markets, and providing pre-trip planning and on-site traveler information.
5. Limiting the negative impacts of tourism on the natural and cultural environment through the responsible use of resources, effective waste management and minimizing of pollution, managing the footprint on the land and wear on heritage buildings.
6. Educating the public, students, staff and the business community about the importance of responsible tourism through formal education and industry training programs that recognize excellence and promote best practices in tourism.
7. Working in partnership and collaboration with communities, stakeholders, resource specialists, governments, travellers and other industries to achieve common goals, contribute to co-operative actions, exchange information, and develop shared tourism plans.
8. Contributing globally and showing leadership in the education and promotion of sustainable, responsible tourism practices through honouring international commitments, participating in policy and industry development and initiatives; contributing to building the tourism capability on a world scale; and sharing best practices with others to advance the long-term economic, social and environmental benefits of tourism.
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism actively fosters appreciation and stewardship of the natural, cultural and historic resources and special places by local residents, the tourism industry, governments and visitors. It is tourism that is viable over the long term because it results in benefits for the social, economic, natural and cultural environments of the areas where it takes place.
Tourism Industry Association of Canada