Travel and Tourism students from Telford College of Arts and Technology are working with the local council on a project to help promote the town as a top visitor destination.
TCAT has joined forces with Telford & Wrekin Council to allow students to become active members of the borough’s newest business network – the Visitor Economy Forum.
The Level 3 students are now working with the council to shape its destination programme, and support the future growth and success of the local tourism and hospitality sector.
Telford & Wrekin Council administers the Visitor Economy Forum business network in conjunction with Telford Business Board, aiming to establish the town as a top visitor destination and ensure the borough competes on a national level to attract more visitors and investment.
The Visitor Economy Forum is a free-to-join business network which provides bespoke support solutions for tourism, hospitality, retail, food and drink and service suppliers – all who contribute to attracting 4.4 million visitors per year to the borough.
Daniel Blasczyk Enrichment Co-ordinator at TCAT said: ‘‘Enrichment is a vital part of the students experience on a course. We are committed to offering students a varied programme of activities throughout the year to broaden their horizons and provide them with opportunities to prosper.
“I’ve always had a positive working relationship with the council and regularly liaise with them regarding events and developments across the borough.
“It made perfect sense to get Travel and Tourism students involved in the team’s activity and I’m really pleased with the council’s support. The Visitor Economy Forum is a great way of providing opportunities for our students to gain invaluable life experience.’’
So far, the students have supported Telford & Wrekin Council and Telford Shopping Centre for their Christmas Lights switch-on, helping to survey visitors and attending the Visitor Economy Forum launch to understand industry trends and meet future employees.
Beckie Bosworth, Travel and Tourism lecturer at Telford College, said: “I am really pleased with how enthusiastic the students have been, this has motivated them with their studies as they have had the opportunity take part in real work activities.
“It has helped them with their project work towards Unit 5 Marketing Travel and Tourism Products and Services.”
Councillor Shaun Davies, Cabinet Member for Business, Neighbourhood & Customer Services, said: “Telford & Wrekin Council is keen to support the growth of the sector from grass roots upwards and working with local students, colleges and our businesses community we can match our future workforce with local jobs.
“Meeting with the students of Telford College of Arts & Technology is not only refreshing for the forum but provides the opportunity to introduce them to the real world of Travel and Tourism while supporting their studies.”
Telford & Wrekin Council and the Visitor Economy Forum says it will work closely with Telford College of Arts & Technology for future events and will try to get students involved wherever possible.