A unique and very special tourism opportunity is unfolding at Hatley Park National Historic Site and Royal Roads University.

The 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.

The Vision for Tourism Education at Royal Roads University
To deliver academic and professional development learning experiences so compelling and personally relevant, that  transform people in ways that enrich them for a lifetime.

The Goal
To become a demonstration site of excellence in tourism education and a kaleidoscope of experiential travel activities for visitors.

Through its requirement to develop Hatley Park into a tourism attraction that generates the $20+ million dollars required to protect and present the national historic site on behalf of the people of Canada, the university is the only institution in Canada operating a national historic site.

Combine this with public-private sector planning enroute to establish a partnership accommodation facility designed to meet the needs of Royal Roads students and visitors to Hatley Park, the University is poised to become an international demonstration of excellence in tourism education.

A Solid Commitment to Tourism
To guide the proactive, integrated development of tourism education and the commercial tourism operations, Royal Roads University created a Visitor Services Division. Guiding their business activities and the growth of tourism education on campus is Learning in Tourism Strategy: 2005 to 2015.

This strategy articulates the tourism vision, goals, values, heritage obligation, as well as the innovative opportunity for public appreciation and tourism education. Through delivering innovative visitor experiences, relevant tourism industry training, and unique tourism degree, Royal Roads has committed to embracing lifelong learning and tourism development in ways that are economically viable, culturally sensitive, and environmentally respectable.

Endorsed by the Royal Roads Board of Governors, the draft strategy was shared with the public at large at two institutional and seven community information sessions to obtain feedback. In December, the Board of Governors will be presented with the final version of this strategy.

Contact the Division of Visitor Services, (250) 391-2666 to obtain a copy of the draft Learning in Tourism Strategy. 

To discuss Royal Roads University’s unique approach to tourism education and commercial service operations.
Call Bonnie Nelson, Director of Visitor Services, today:

Direct Line:  250.391.2600 ext 2684
Toll-Free:  1.866.241.0674
Fax:  250.391.2620


Why a Tourism Operation at a Public University?
Quite simply – a unique opportunity exists, one that does not exist any where else in the world.

Here’s our story
Royal Roads University leases Hatley Park National Historic Site from the Department of National Defence for its campus operations. This lease transfers the stewardship responsibility for the site to the university. This means, on behalf of the people of Canada, Royal Roads University will protect and present the natural and cultural assets of this historic estate in ways that preserve the ecological and commemorative integrity of the heritage assets for present and future generations.

A study by the Department of National Defence in 2002 identified that the historic site required $10 million in deferred maintenance of the many 40 to 96 year heritage structures, as well as $9.5 million in heritage restoration.

Royal Roads University had a new challenge and opportunity on its hands.

Uniquely, Royal Roads University is the only university in the country – public or private -- with the financial and stewardship responsibility for a national historic site. The foray into tourism was essential to generate the revenue to ensure the long-term future of Canada’s largest national historic site.

And while the University remains passionate about its monumental contribution to Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, it does not receive any federal, provincial, regional or municipal funding to maintain the site, nor does the university build a heritage fee into their tuition structure.

From 2002 to 2004, the Executive of the university embarked on an amazing journey – to consult with the tourism industry to determine how they could add value the sector.
The answer: to develop the heritage attractions potential of Hatley Park National Historic Site and offer relevant, innovative tourism education through Royal Roads University.

Following feasibility studies and industry consultations, in March 2004, the Board of Governors was presented, and accepted a business plan to establish a commercial tourism line of business for Hatley Park and tourism as a new area of academic study for Royal Roads University. The commitment to optimizing the public education mandate of both a university and a national historic site is at the heart of the Learning in Tourism Strategy.

On June 1st, 2005, during Tourism Week in Canada, Royal Roads University made their official entrance into the tourism sector. Visitors from around the world are invited to visit Hatley Park and participate in a range of daily tours and experiential travel programs led by our cadre of trained guides and volunteer opportunities. Reaching out to a large range of guests, we welcome visitors arriving by car, public transit, on motor coach tours, or via a cruise ship! Opportunities to visit us abound.

With each passing month, the learning opportunities for tourism professionals to access innovative tourism education grows, both on site and off.

• A collaboration with the Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism had the Director of Visitor Services creating and delivering experiential travel training in Atlantic Canada with two leading edge tourism businesses, Corporate Quest Canada and Earth Rhythms

• Two full-day tour guide training sessions were held in April and May

• Invitations from the Nanaimo Port Authority and Tourism Nanaimo led to workshops being held in the community to advance the cruise sector potential

• An invitation to present two seminars on experiential travel at the Tourism Vancouver Island Association conference in May had 100+ professionals gain insight into the product expectations of this emerging market

• A partnership with Capilano College created the first graduate certificate in Strategic Leadership in Tourism for the BC tourism industry. The program was launched in October 2005

• Plans for a ‘Just-in-Time’ on-line tourism training program are being developed

• Approvals to offer degrees in International Hotel Management with the Ministry of Advance Education. Ideally, the first cohort of students will begin their program in the fall of 2006 and

• Experiential travel and tourism training workshops are being planned for 2006

Expanding lifelong learning opportunities at Hatley Park National Historic Site and Royal Roads University is our commitment to the future – the future of Canada’s heritage and tourism industry education. 

Contact us today!