Saint John, NB / Charlottetown, PEI — Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence has signed a landmark agreement with Holland College to deliver Aquila’s Tour Guide Excellence Certification program to students enrolled in the college’s Tourism Travel and Events Management program — marking the first time in Canada that this internationally recognized certification is being offered through a post-secondary institution.
Under this new partnership, Holland College students are completing the Tour Guide Excellence Certification in a classroom setting, facilitated by a college instructor using Aquila’s online course materials. Fourteen students are currently participating in the pilot program, which blends classroom learning with Aquila’s proven industry-based curriculum.
Students complete both a written exam and a video assessment that are evaluated by Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence. Those who achieve a passing grade of 70% or higher on both components receive an official Aquila Tour Guide Excellence Certificate and pin, signifying their readiness to deliver outstanding guest experiences in the cruise and tourism sector.
“This collaboration with Holland College is an exciting first for us in Canada,” said Beth Hatt, Founder and Managing Partner of Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence. “We’ve trained thousands of guides around the world, and it’s inspiring to now see Canadian students gaining the same industry-recognized certification as guides in cruise destinations across the globe.”
“At Holland College, we are proud to be the first institution in Canada to partner with Aquila on this initiative,” said Ross Midgely, Program Manager – Culinary, Hospitality & Tourism. “This partnership gives our students a competitive edge and connects their classroom learning directly to the real-world standards of excellence demanded by the global cruise industry.”
The Tour Guide Excellence Certification has been delivered by Aquila in partnership with cruise lines, destinations, and tour operators in over 30 countries, setting the benchmark for service and storytelling in the cruise experience. This Canadian pilot marks a new chapter in strengthening the connection between education and industry within Canada’s growing tourism and cruise sectors.
#Cruiseindustry #Aquila #HollandCollege #TourismEducation #Training #ExplorePEI