Testimonials
“Having done the program… I was energized and now ready to work on my own cultural tourism destination project here with all the people in the region… to develop Cupids and the surrounding area as a cultural tourism destination.”
Kathi Stacey, Cultural Tourism Specialist, Cupids 400 Inc. (Building Place)
“Having attended the first offering of this course, I can say that it was an eye-opening experience for me. By participating in cultural events on the Bonavista Peninsula along with group learning activities, I was able to transfer this understanding to work I was already doing. Have fun learning in Bonavista and go home with a whole new perspective and new skills to help develop tourism offerings in your region or in your business.”
Anne St. Croix, Destination St. John’s (Building Place)
“The Bonavista Institute for Cultural Tourism presented a comprehensive and interactive conference program in a beautiful setting. The speakers, conference location and overall experience and interaction with colleagues from across the region was invigorating and exhilarating! … and the food was awesome.”
Bernard Burton, Executive Director, Atlantic Craft Alliance (Conference)
Insightful, jammed packed with captivating presenters who shared a myriad of experiences that encompassed cultural tourism perspectives from local to global in nature. This course was definitely worthwhile and valuable. Topics presented were excellent, relevant and helped broaden the understanding of the various aspects of cultural tourism locally, provincially and nationally.”
Sheila Kelly-Blackmore, General Manager, St Jude Hotel, Clarenville, NL and Former President of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (Conference)
“As part of my dissertation research I was able to attend the Bonavista Cultural Institute for Cultural Tourism Conference in November 2009. Not only was the roster of speakers excellent and informative, the venue, locally catered meals, and entertainment combined to make it a very personal and unforgettable experience. Further, through the interactive aspects of the conference I was able to make contact with experts in my field of study whom I can consult during the research and writing of my PhD thesis.” (Conference)
Emily Urquhart, PhD Candidate, MUN Folklore
“I was very pleased to be able to attend the BICT conference last November in Trinity. It was an excellent event. The range of speakers was very well chosen: each one was relevant, well spoken and interesting. (Of course, the food, the locale and the entertainment were great too!) I met some great people and got lots of ideas for future projects. “
Anne Manual, Executive Director, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (Conference)
“I am walking away with solutions to real problems in our neck of the woods.”
Emily Foster, Campus Administrator, College of the North Atlantic (Building Place)
“The course (Culinary Tourism and the Arts) that was put on by the Bonavista Institute not only re-ignited our interest in tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador but allowed us to synthesize what we wanted to accomplish within the tourism industry, what our niche was and how to incorporate the cultural component. For that we have you to thank for visiting us and getting us to register and go – for that we can be forever thankful.”
Dale Cameron and Todd Warren, Owners/ Operators Inn ByThe Bay, George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast Dildo, Newfoundland
http://www.dildoinns.com
http://www.georgehousebnb.com
“Two things stand out for me since taking the course, (besides now making my own ice cream and experimenting with my menu), and it came about from the networking. I have increased my web presence by also registering with BB Canada and I raised my rates by 15-30%. At this time last year (2010) I had no reservations. This year (2011) I already have 32. I was encouraged to do this by a few participants and it appears to be working. I would say the Government ads are working as well, but not selling yourself short also seems to be working. If the snow ever leaves we will be opening soon.”
Sharlene Hinz, Owner/Operator
Aunt Edna’s Boarding House B & B and Parlour Little Bay Islands, NL
http://www.auntednaslbi.com
“I have traveled to many parts of this country but this experience will stand out above all others….”
Martha Mullowney
Mullowney’s Puffin and Whale Tours
http://www.guidetoadventures.com
“The course provided me with unique networking opportunities, which continue to be of measurable value to our business today.”
Marieke Gow
Artisan Inn
http://www.trinityvacations.com
“As a result of my attending the program (Culinary Tourism and the Arts) I have contacted both local farmers and fisherman to arrange for local food for my new supper and picnic menu. I’ve taken the information and example of all the attendees to heart and look forward to adding additional services to our guests. The idea of serving meals was always in mind but after talking with my fellow participants taking idea to action is transitioning naturally. Since my cooking interests lie in international cooking I will be focusing on offering local fare with international flavors such as seafood gumbo, Indian curries and even seaweed from our local shores. Another aspect of the program that fostered ideas to action was for me to offer more to our guests than a song on the deck at sunset. I’m starting to organize my seasonal photography to create a slideshow that will accompany my many original songs. Many of my songs have natural themes that are in keeping with our beautiful natural and rugged landscapes. In the spirit of partnership I have invited another Vacation Rental homeowner to offer her creative flare to the project and I see the potential of this project evolving for many years to come. Robin (my partner) is also looking to expand our services by offering kayak trips to the Puffin site. In the past we offered this service free of charge but now look to charge for this great opportunity. I have such fond memories of my experience attending the Culinary Tourism and Arts program and extend the warmest of wishes to all my fellow hosts that work so hard to make the stay of each guest personal and memorable.”
Charlotte Ritman, Owner/Operator
Bird Island Inn B&B
Elliston, NL
http://www.birdislandinn.com