Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency, is highlighting the French offer and its revival across Canada through its new “France Connaisseur” learning program, reaffirming France as a reference destination.

Learners who are travel consultants or employees of tour operators will be able to better guide their clients according to their expectations and offer them exceptional experiences. France Connaisseur also aims to surprise and show the diversity of French tourist destinations, whether it be heritage, activities, accommodation, or regional gastronomy. 

This system also responds to a desire to show the dynamics of a country that innovates and meets the societal and environmental expectations of travellers. 

Tour operators and travel agents are invited to follow a fun course adapted to their level of knowledge to discover each French destination. Several modules allow them to enrich their knowledge and acquire a “France Connaisseur” certificate, provided they complete the entire course of modules and obtain 75% of correct answers in the final assessment.

These modules are now available in English, French and several other languages*, for specifiers in long-haul markets.

Moreover, the France Connaisseur program is endorsed by the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA), which means that each travel agent who completes the training (all modules available) will benefit from a “France Connaisseur” certification

and 4 ACTA credits. Please visit ACTA’s website for more information.

The 19 modules already produced offer an original and differentiating learning experience:

• Adapted in real time to the learner thanks to the innovative solution chosen
• Paced thanks to various gamification tools to discover content and secure learning
• Accessible on all types of devices, thanks to an adapted development (responsive)

This course will soon be enriched by new modules specifically dedicated to “Sustainable Tourism,” the major international sporting events that France will host in 2023 and 2024, and to welcoming people with disabilities.

Lyon featured destination for the launch of the new training program!

Often recognized as the culinary capital of France, the city of Lyon is the official partner of the France Connaisseur launch. Lyon, the second-largest city in France, a large city on a human scale, offers a unique journey through time and the French art of living. From gastronomy to UNESCO’s Historic Heritage, via light, silk and cinema, the city has many assets that make it a charming destination for all lovers of France, all year long.

• From January 22 to 23, 2023, the world’s most prestigious culinary competition, the Bocuse d’Or will be held in Lyon. The talented chef from the ITHQ hospitality and tourism school in Montréal, Samuel Sirois, will represent Canada to win the gold medal
• Lyon will shine internationally in September 2023 by hosting the Rugby World Cup! See you on September 24 for Wales—Australia at the OL Stadium!
• Lyon’s culinary excellence is honoured in the new Cité of Gastronomy in the historic and grandiose Hôtel Dieu. Our 2000 years of history combined with the talents of our chefs, make Lyon the flagship destination of the French art of living!

More information: en.lyon-france.com.

Giveaway

For the launch of the new France Connaisseur learning program, OnlyLyon Tourist Office and Convention Bureau is giving away 2 gift vouchers worth each CAD200 exchangeable for purchase at epicerienouvelle.ca and/or doucefrance.ca. Draw raffle on January 20, 2023, among two learners who will have completed at least the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes module by January 15, 2023.

• Discover France Connaisseur: atoutfrance-e-travelacademy.com
• Read the contest rules: shorturl.at/bjpG0