This week 22 student winners from 11 nations are presenting their findings on “Technology and Sustainability” in travel destinations
The Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) is hosting its annual student/teacher conference at Le Meridien Nice in France from November 24 to November 28. Twenty-two high school students from 11 countries will share their finding on applying technology to enhance the visitor experience in their countries as well as the operations of the Travel and Tourism industry.
The students are winners of the 2014 Student Research Competition sponsored by the GTTP, a multi-country educational program to introduce young people to career opportunities in Travel and Tourism.
Student competition entrants research GTTP-assigned topics, which vary year to year. Winners at the national level present their findings or “case studies” at the annual conference.
“We structure these competitions to encourage the development of skills these young people will need in their careers and to focus them on issues and trends important to our industry,” said Michel Taride, Chair of the GTTP Advisory Board and Group President of Hertz International.
Nancy Needham, Executive Director of GTTP, said “Destinations want to continue being a place worth visiting. ‘Sustainability’ means people have employment, environments are protected, and visitors have a positive impact on the destination they are visiting. It all takes work.”
The GTTP, established in 1996, works in Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania and the United Kingdom. School systems provide teachers and classrooms. Some 2,500 local and international companies share their expertise with teachers and students and provide financial and in-kind support.
The international industry leaders supporting the GTTP are Amadeus, American Express, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Delta Air Lines, Enterprise Holdings, The Hertz Corporation, Hogg Robinson Group, KDS, Lufthansa, Starwood Hotel & Resorts, and Travelport. Their executives serve on GTTP’s Advisory Board.