Registration is open for OPTIS & NOPTIS

Destination Northern Ontario (DNO) is excited to partner with Lakehead University and College Boreal to sponsor several seats in the upcoming Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (OPTIS)/Northern Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (NOPTIS) micro-credential Fall 2026 cohort at Lakehead University.

Sponsorships will be given on a first-come, first-served basis and will end once the allotted contribution by DNO has been made.

For those who live, work, or own a business in Northern Ontario, full sponsorships will be granted, with a $250 deposit provided by the participant, that will be refunded fully upon completion of the course.

For those from outside Northern Ontario, partial sponsorships of $450 will be granted.

To best support tourism in Northern Ontario, DNO will be looking to prioritize NOPTIS seats when possible.  NOPTIS is the full OPTIS course + the module covering Northern Ontario.

To apply for sponsorship in the Fall 2026 OPTIS/NOPTIS course, please complete the expression of interest form: 

Complete the Expression of Interest Form

 

Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (OPTIS) - 6 weeks
October 19 to November 23, 2026
Registration Fee: $750

 

Northern Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (NOPTIS) - 7 weeks
October 19, 2026 to November 30, 2026
Registration Fee: $800
 

Both courses are available online and require a weekly commitment of 4 hours, which can be completed at your own pace.

Promotional graphic for Lakehead University’s Micro-Credential Program featuring two hikers near a waterfall in the woods, with text reading "Become a Tourism Specialist!" Logos at the bottom include Destination Northern Ontario, Tourism Excellence North, Collège Boréal, Lakehead University, and Ontario. Text below highlights two training paths: Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (OPTIS) and Northern Ontario Professional Tourism Industry Specialist (NOPTIS).
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