Meet HTIM Graduate: Candice Smith

Employer: Tours Around Michigan
Title: Founder
Date of HTIM course completion: March 2024
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Why did you want to enroll in the HTIM business management course?
I love learning new skills. When I heard about this class, it was clearly a great opportunity to expand my knowledge and receive respected certifications. In my tour business, I work with alcohol and food in the experiences I offer. Having the knowledge offered in this course not only gave me the information, but the confidence of using proven methods.

How will this help you step up in your career?
I began putting the management and organizational skills into practice as soon as I learned them. As a growing business, having the tools to expand more efficiently and safely will add to our success. 
 
What advice do you have for others in the hospitality industry who are looking for ways to grow their career? 
Learn beyond what you think you need. Even if it's just a better understanding of industry aspects you work with closely, it can open your world professionally and personally.
 
What was your favorite part of the HTIM business management course?
I loved connecting with other people in the industry to hear their perspectives and real-life experiences in handling different situations or concerns. Being in the room with others is a great way to keep up on current trends in everything from hiring to supply chain. It allows us to connect with others in new ways, so the networking is also helpful.
 
How long have you been working in the industry?
I’ve worked in hospitality and tourism since 2017, although aspects of previous work have dabbled in it.
 
Can you share more background on your current role?
As the Founder of Tours Around Michigan, I own and operate tours and experiences in both public and private tours. We offer multiple subjects that include beer, wine, distillery and food. I'm heavily involved in Michigan tourism organizations, including serving on some committees in support of their operations. 
 
What was your first job in hospitality? How did you get into this industry?
I first worked closely with hospitality planning trips for and traveling with foreign government officials while working in international public relations. I began giving tours directly in 2017 when a Grand Rapids tour company was looking for an occasional wine tour guide. I quickly began helping develop customer centered tours and experiences for them, and was awarded 2017 Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) of the Year for Grand Rapids and Kent County. When that company went out of business at the end of 2017, I began my own tour company in early 2018 focused on maximizing the customer service experience for our tour guests. 
 
Interesting and fun fact:
I'm a big history geek, which serves me well when I research for stories to share on tours. I'm also the mother of four daughters and gave birth to my youngest in the car on the highway. 
 
Final thoughts:
I am passionate about accessible tourism. And this has resulted in sharing easy ways to be more accessible with the tourism industry. 
 
As a business, accessibility has always been top of mind for designing my tours and experiences. As a result, I was the first tour company in the US to be endorsed by Accessible Travel Press, a European based organization for accessible tourism. I was also the first service partner ever for AbleVu, which helps people in wheelchairs, who are neurodivergent, and have other needs, learn more about accessible businesses for them. 
 
My goal is to help people in tourism feel more comfortable with accessibility. Once they start acting on some free/cheap and easy things, they see how it makes a difference for guests, which inspires them to do more. They'll also keep it top of mind when redesigning a space or ordering items for guests. 
 
I'm passionate about continuing to spread the word on accessibility in tourism and helping everyone feel more comfortable with the clients who have a physical or sensory concern. I also help with ways to promote business' accessible features to travelers through their website, advertising, social media, and media. 

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