ABOUT ME
With an academic background in international studies including a master’s degree in international history and politics, my specialty is explaining Quebec City’s history not only from a local point of view, but also by highlighting the international context of the last five centuries.
Before being a tour guide, I too traveled…After 13 years away that took me to Toronto, Switzerland, Spain, and Mexico, I returned to settle in my hometown of Quebec City in 2013. As a jack-of-all-trades (in the good sense!), long before becoming a certified tour guide, I worked for various international organizations including the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED).
My professional experience goes beyond the institutional sector. From 2009 to 2013, I was general manager and co-owner of La Hacienda del Gobernador, a boutique hotel, restaurant, and art gallery in Mexico. Under the supervision of Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, by applying principles of conservation of built heritage and sustainable development.
When I returned to Quebec City, I directed the tourist and cultural operations of the magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, a National Historic Site, for several years. I also served as vice president and interim general manager of Quebec City’s religious heritage and tourism council, vice president of Old Quebec’s borough council, and board member for Destination Québec Cité, the city’s tourism board.
Tommy Byrne.