Group - Experts Select Winning Student Vision for the Future of Tourism in Kent
Search form

Experts Select Winning Student Vision for the Future of Tourism in Kent

Travel and Tourism students from our Canterbury College recently faced UK industry giants as they pitched their visions for the future of local tourism.

Tasked with exploring opportunities in the events sector, the students worked individually and in small groups to create business plans that would boost the Kent economy and impress industry experts.

CEO of Dreamland Margate, Eddie Kemsley, Marketing and Events Manager at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Paul Brooks, CEO of HS1, Dyan Crowther, and CEO of North Wales Tourism, Jim Jones, were among the sector professionals who gathered online to hear the pitches, along with Social Media Consultant, Jeni Taylor, and Susan Holt from Cruise Holidays UK.

The students took it in turn to share their ideas with panel, each receiving valuable feedback and industry insights from the judges.

Three proposals wowed the judges, including James Caldwell and Rachel King’s ‘Canterbury Christmas Festival’ idea, Ethan Bright’s ‘Touring Mobile Cinema’, and Jasmin Sims and Chloe Jarreno’s ‘Travelling Winter Food and Drink Festival’.

“The students really embraced this challenge, they were keen to formulate realistic business plans and their focus was on making the events business viable to make a profit,” commented Travel and Tourism Lecturer at the College, Linda Marsh.

She continued: “All the students work extremely hard on their projects and plans and spent time roleplaying their pitches, they really were going all out to impress the industry experts.”

The valuable feedback and opportunities the students have gained during the project is part of the College’s commitment to ensure all students are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to thrive in their chosen industries.

Visit our Canterbury College's website for more information about Travel and Tourism courses and to apply online.