University of Guelph business professor Marion Joppe was in Victoria, BC last month as a co-chair for the 2019 IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism conference.
The second annual conference was a collaborative national dialogue that focused on the tourism industry and its impact on Canada’s economic, social, environmental and cultural fabric, and on its contribution to Canada’s sustainable future.
This year’s conference held sessions that explored climate change, technology, transportation, indigenous culture, policy, and new tourism trends and experiences. Joppe co-chaired this year’s conference, alongside Keith Henry, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
As part of the conference’s presentations, Henry provided insight into authenticity of Indigenous tourism and why authenticity matters. This subject area is of particular relevance to Joppe, who is a professor in the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management.
Joppe’s research interests cover the planning, development and marketing of destinations with a focus on Indigenous learning in tourism curriculum.
“Much has been written on the need to decolonize universities in terms of governance, hirings of staff and faculty, and creating a safe and supportive place for Indigenous students to feel welcome,” said Joppe. “Part of that effort involves indigenizing university curricula.”
Joppe’s recent research project explores how to embed indigenous learning outcomes in tourism curriculum. Rather than treating indigenous culture like any other product that should be commercialized for the benefits of an ever-expanding demand for ‘authentic’ tourism experiences, her research looks at placing emphasis on real reflection about different ways of knowing, being and doing, so that graduates complete the curriculum as global citizens with an understanding of Indigenous world views.
The IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism conference took place in Victoria BC from January 19 to 22, 2019.
