1. 25/05/2008
The “Outrageous Joy” of
Tourism Stage one students
Words can’t adequately express the joy and pride I felt last week as a
participant and facilitator in the learning of 101 tourism students.
Who would have thought, 10 weeks ago at their first class when they were
struggling with the difference between Travel and Tourism that this week, they
would be basking in the glory of title “Tour operator?”
This means that they were responsible as part of their assessment in the
research of a Victorian destination of their choice, for a coach tour including
accommodation, meals and tours. This required students to negotiate the best
possible prices for those industry sectors for their best price, checking
availability and booking and recording all details.
Students worked in groups of three to come up with the most creative itinerary
under $200.00 sufficient to accommodate all stage one groups.
The outcomes were far and beyond the content of the curriculum document.
How do I know this you may ask?
The answer is in the cost effective and imaginative itineraries all groups
presented.
The answer is in the level of excitement and passion with which the students
embraced this task.
The answer is in the way the students learn when they are ready… Asking the
timely and important questions which demonstrate they are “getting it”
The answer is in the number of students (98) who paid for themselves to come
on the winning itinerary to Phillip Island on 14/15 May.
The answer also lies in the feedback from students who loved this style of
learning.
It was also in the celebration of “getting to know” each other and students
could be heard saying again and again, “How close have we become as a group
since doing this?”

2. The answer was also in the “spark of the eye” on a Monday morning when yet
another group had traveled over the weekend deep into country Victoria where
they had never been before to test the itinerary they were planning.
I acknowledge you Yusuf and Natasha
This article would not be complete without acknowledging two of the members
of the winning team who learnt so much about themselves as a result of this
tour. In particular neither saw themselves as leaders and yet they led 60 people
for two days. Neither considers they had an eye for details. I can’t begin to tell
you how wrong they were on that one!
Yusuf and Natasha demonstrated outstanding commitment, passion, inclusion
of others and extraordinary ambassadorship for WAI in their dealing with
tourism operators.
Their place in the Industry is already assured as evidenced by the Industry
beating down their doors while on tour to offer them work opportunities.
Well done Stage 1. You are my heroes.
So all in all it was a blast! We stayed in a waterfront First class hotel, we
enjoyed fabulous meals, helicopter rides, and bowling and pool competitions to
just name a few activities.
If tested would the stage one group be able to write a definition of Travel and
Tourism? Who knows? Who cares?
There is no doubt however that their first hand experience has them way ahead
of the rest on so many levels.
Barbara Hillman
Tourism Lecturer, William Angliss Institute