The importance of a professional attitude cannot be overstated, if a serious and sustainable Aboriginal tourism industry is to be developed. Those principles dictating the norms for the development of both the Canadian and the international tourist industries must be adapted to apply to Aboriginal entrepreneurship.
One of STAQ’s first tasks was to draft a coherent compendium containing the rules of ethics and standards underlying the development of highly professional attitudes and infrastructures to faithfully represent the exceptional value of the tourist products offered.
The rules of ethics and the standards are two complementary aspects of a code of requirements to be respected: the first pertaining to a personal code of behaviour, and the second covering the application of this code to the proposed activities.
This compendium of rules of ethics and standards covering Aboriginal tourism was drawn up to ensure the sustainable development of Aboriginal communities and to stimulate their growth and prosperity. This initiative clearly demonstrates that STAQ’s accreditation of quality is serious and stringent.
The following summarizes the efforts that have been made to ensure the provision of quality products under safe and comfortable conditions.
Rules of ethics The rules of ethics, divided into sections representing the main fields of activity, are designed to help Aboriginal businesses provide quality products.
The following sections are covered:
Section 1 : Professional Skills and Attitudes
Section 2 : Authenticity of the Tourism Product
Section 3 : Conservation and Protection of the Environment
Section 4 : Customer Relations
Section 5 : Customer Health and Safety
These rules dictate behaviour and attitudes that are conducive to the comfort and safety of tourists, thereby ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. These rules will also enhance the reputation of the various establishments.
Although the rules covering behaviour and attitudes in the compendium are difficult to quantify, they will be the subject of regular customer satisfaction surveys.
Norms The articles in the section of the compendium on standards are basic requirements that must be respected for STAQ accreditation.
Standards are also divided into sections representing the main fields of tourist activity to be regulated.
1-Authenticity :
Style and Features of Sites and Services
2-Environment :
Protecting the Environment
3-Infrastructures and equipement :
Organization and Layout of Buildings and Sites
4-Human resources :
Personnel Training and Knowledge
5-Customer service :
Customer Service and Activity Management
The Aboriginal tourism industry is experiencing rapid growth. STAQ’s compendium of rules of ethics and norms for Aboriginal tourism and its accreditation system guarantee comfortable, safe and high quality experiences in Aboriginal communities.
