Tourism in Manitoba is an economic force offering massive opportunities for a new generation of leaders to build dynamic and fulfilling careers.

RRC Polytech’s new Business Administration – Tourism Management program is giving students the opportunity to become those leaders. The program gives students the skills and experiences to join the industry ready to create impact and build experiences, community and the local economy from day one.

National Tourism Week (April 20-24, 2026) highlights the impacts that the tourism industry has both locally and nationally. Manitoba tourism supports over 25,000 jobs and contributes $373 million to provincial tax revenue annually according to the Province of Manitoba and as one of the fastest growing industries globally, students have more opportunities than ever to create impact and help share Manitoba with the world.

Roselle Turenne, an instructor in the program, has worked in tourism for nearly 30 years with experiences spanning from outdoor adventure, major event planning, and destination and business development to entrepreneurship, and education.

“Tourism is big business in our province and what is great about this major is you are never locked into one stagnant career. It is dynamic, challenging, and ever-changing,” Turenne said. “Future grads will help make destinations more competitive and more successful on a global stage.”

Graduates will become leaders in event planning, public programming, destination development and marketing, cultural tourism, attractions, tours and other entrepreneurial ventures.

The program is situated at the Exchange District Campus in the heart of Winnipeg’s historic exchange district, giving students abundant opportunities to explore local tourism offerings and events both in and out of class. Students are just steps away from The Forks, the Sports and Entertainment District, galleries, hotels and world-class museums. These opportunities give them a sense of the wide-range of possible careers and of what working in the industry will be like after graduation. It also helps students know they’ll be equipped with the skills employers are looking for.

“Being a tourist in our own city is the best homework we can assign!” Turenne said.

With project-based assignments and real engagement opportunities, students like Jessica Sinclair are gaining behind-the-scenes knowledge of what goes into local tourism events like the Grey Cup. She says it’s been eye-opening to learn how these events are brought to life and that she experiences events differently now that she knows the work required to make them happen. She’s also happy to have instructors who have “been there” and worked in roles that students like her want to pursue one day.

“Instructors have a passion for what they’re teaching and have actually worked in the fields they’re teaching us about. I feel like this program is going to put me in a great position to start my career once I graduate.”

Sinclair is currently looking forward to a career in events and sports tourism after graduation but she’s inspired by the wide range of opportunities in the tourism industry and is keeping an open mind.

“Winnipeg has so much to offer, and it’s exciting that I’ll be able to contribute to others seeing that too!”

Students gain a foundation in business in their first term of the Business Administration program before moving into the Tourism major in terms two, three and four. The program combines academic learning, industry connections, and hands-on experiences to prepare students for the ever‑changing tourism sector from day one of their careers.

For those looking toward long-term growth, the diploma serves as a launchpad for further academic advancement, including pathways to a degree in tourism.

With visitor spending hitting record-breaking highs in Manitoba (Travel Manitoba, 2025), students who take the Business Administration – Tourism Management program will be at the forefront of bringing new and exciting experiences to visitors and locals alike.

For more information or to apply: https://www.rrc.ca/explore/program/business-administration-tourism-management/

Links for reference:

• https://www.gov.mb.ca/looknorth/invest/tourism.html
• https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=68217
• https://industry.travelmanitoba.com/press-releases/agm-2025/#:~:text=Winnipeg%2C%20Manitoba%20%E2%80%93%20November%205%2C,its%20Annual%20General%20Meeting%20today