Students enjoy Christmas competition

Students studying the 'Tourist Destinations' module celebrated Christmas with their annual Cultural Food and Beverage competition.

Under the watchful eye of Module Leader Graham Bernstein, the students based their entries on tourism destinations they have selected for research and presentations to be conducted during Semester Two.

Course Leader Carley Sutton and the rest of the course team would like to wish all UCLan Tourism students a Happy Christmas and New Year.

See you in 2014!

OMAN CELEBRATES UK & IRELAND OFFICE’S TENTH ANNIVERSARY AND ANNOUNCES 2014 ROADSHOW DATES

In November the Oman Ministry of Tourism celebrated their 10th Anniversary of its UK Office along with its many achievements over the years. The destination increased its visitor numbers in 2012 alone by 18%, with consistently increased visitor figures from 25,000 to 121,528 from 2003 to 2012.

Alison Cryer, Director UK and Ireland Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR Office, says “we are delighted

Lancashire Tourism Awards 2013

UCLan was the headline sponsor at the recent 10th annual Lancashire Tourism Awards held at Blackburn Cathedral.

The glittering occasion saw 20 of the county's finest tourism businesses awarded for excellence in their field and recognised by an audience of over 400 industry colleagues and sponsors.

The ceremony was hosted by Simon Calder, Senior Travel Editor of The Independent, TV and radio broadcaster, while Marketing Lancashire's Chief Executive Ruth Connor gave the opening address. Celebrity Chef Paul Heathcote delivered the closing speech.

The presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award was a highlight of the evening, with the award going to all 250 Guilders of the Preston Guild 2012 - volunteers who welcomed over one million visitors to the city and ensured the smooth-running and success of this event held once every twenty years.

UCLan also sponsored the Visitor Event Award, won by the Lancaster Music Festival, and the Large Hotel Award claimed by Holiday Express, Burnley.

Jane Shaw, Division Leader for Tourism, Hospitality and Events at the university, said: "It was a wonderful evening and a great opportunity for UCLan to engage with a range of people from across the Tourism Industry.

"We are proud to be associated with the Lancashire Tourism Awards and hope to have the opportunity to be involved again next year."

Events Northern were UClan's guests for the evening - their representative Becki Cross' blog post about the event can be found here.

Cyprus delivers 'Tourism in Action'

Second year Tourism and Hospitality Management undergraduates gained industry exposure in a 'real world environment' as they visited one of the top tourist destinations in Cyprus.

The students explored Ktima Georgiadi in Scarinou as part of their 'Tourism in Action' module. Course Leader Anna Farmaki explained the purpose of the trip: "As part of their module students are conducting a business audit on an agrotourism development in the Larnaca region.

"We had distinguished guest speakers from the Larnaca Tourism Board and Cyprus Tourism Organisation who presented to students before our visit. We visited Ktima Georgiadi and spent the day there observing the facilities, performing activities and also had a traditional Cypriot lunch (including homemade wine and some dancing).

"Students interviewed the manager, interacted with visitors and also did some activities including donkey rides, tasting of donkey milk and olive oil making using the traditional mill method. It was a great experience and students will develop wikis sharing what they’ve learn by linking their experience to theories/models."

Anna also confirmed UCLan Cyprus is the first University to be granted permission to access restricted areas at Larnaca International Airport, with Swissport managers recently giving first year students a tour covering operations from baggage handling to security and also allowing them to see the way cargo is handled.

Master's students enjoy annual Residential

The largest ever number of International Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management postgraduate students travelled to Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District to participate in our annual Master's Residential.

Accompanied by Dr Martine Middleton and Mac McCarthy, over 65 students from around the world stayed for a wonderful weekend filled with activities designed to combine a programme of work, rest and play.

Fieldwork tasks were conducted relating to customer service, food and beverage provision, restaurant management, tourist attraction/destination appraisals and aspects of contemporary hospitality management.

The Residential represents the first event of several enhancement activities undertaken by students throughout the year. Other events will include a night-time visit to Manchester Christmas Markets and a full day/evening around the tourist historic city of York. The programme culminates in a Delegate Dissertation Away-day in support of student personal and academic development.

Tourism students take part in Masterclass

Eight outstanding UCLan Tourism students took part in a Masterclass at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. As part of the Institute of Transport and Tourism's involvement with the European Union Citizens' Rail Project, the group joined students from RWTH, Plymouth University, Design School Nantes and Hogeschool Zuyd at the two-day event.

This transnational and interdisciplinary Masterclass brought students together with a range of industry experts and leading academics to develop concept plans for community engagement at two sites in Germany and The Netherlands. Students presented their findings to partner members of the project from across Europe.

Associate Lecturer Peter Mcgrath accompanied the students on the trip and was full of praise for their efforts: "It was a privilege to see our students' professional and enthusiastic attitude. They were outstanding ambassadors for UCLan. They took the lead in all of their working groups and presented to a high-profile audience.

"I was really impressed with how the group applied their knowledge of tourism and linked it with other disciplines from the built environment and applied Geography to develop some really innovative ways of helping engage communities from a social, economic and environmental perspective."

UCLan Tourism student Beth Higson felt the trip was a useful aid to her studies: "The Masterclass has helped develop our presentation skills as we had to outline a range of complex ideas to an international audience."

Emma Robinson commented: "It was an excellent opportunity being involved in such a large project and it’s good to know our ideas will be developed into a finished product."

Pictures from the trip can be found here. Final presentations from each workshop group and photos from the event are here.

UCLan and Merlin team up for 'Tourism in Action'

First year Tourism Management students took time out from their theoretical studies to gain some real industry exposure with one of the largest visitor attraction operators in the world - Merlin Entertainments.

Europe's leading name in location based, family entertainment has partnered with UCLan to deliver a 'Tourism in Action' module which has been designed specifically to engage students directly with industry at a very early stage in their course.

Merlin Operations Manager Brad Rowbotham conducted a presentation followed by a Question & Answer session. The students then visited a number of Blackpool's leading attractions including Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Tower Eye and Blackpool Tower Dungeons, with a view to assessing tourism development and facilities within the resort and the influences determining the success of visitor attractions. It was also an opportunity to develop their research and networking skills.

Students will be conducting a presentation on the project’s findings and creating a Wiki site detailing these as part of the module.

Course Leader Carley Sutton and Merlin Group have established ongoing work experience and international graduate opportunities for UCLan Tourism students, which could see them progress straight onto the company's 18 month fast track graduate programme, training to be one of the future leaders of a global business.

Carley said: "In engaging students directly with the tourism industry, the Tourism in Action module allowed students to visit Blackpool and its Merlin Entertainments cluster. This study visit exposed the students to professional tourism practices and allowed them to understand the complexities of destination management and organisational challenges – the students had a unique field visit experience."

  



OMAN
CELEBRATES UK & IRELAND OFFICE’S TENTH ANNIVERSARY AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET



The Oman Ministry of Tourism will be celebrating the 10th
Anniversary of its UK Office along with the destination’s many achievements
over the period at this year’s World Travel Market (stand number ME500). Oman increased
its visitor numbers in 2012 alone by 15% and consistently increased visitor
figures from

Oman Celebrates UK & Ireland Office's Tenth Anniversary at World Travel Market

The Oman Ministry of Tourism will be celebrating the 10th
Anniversary of its UK Office along with the destination’s many achievements
over the period at this year’s World Travel Market (stand number ME500). Oman increased
its visitor numbers in 2012 alone by 15% and consistently increased visitor
figures from 25,000 to 121,000 from 2003 to 2012.



Alison Cryer, Director UK and Ireland

OMAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM HOLDS THEIR FIRST SHORT FILM FESTIVAL & TOURISM SOUK IN THE UK

The Oman Ministry of
Tourism recently welcomed nine partners and over 200 travel trade and media
guests to participate in the 2013 Roadshow in the form of a short film festival
and tourism souk in private cinemas across the UK including: Blythswood Square
Hotel Glasgow; On the 7th Manchester and at the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, London.



Throughout the roadshow
guests had the

COLLABORATIVE
EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE SULTANATE OF OMAN TO EUROPE’S BEST





The
Sultanate of Oman represented by the Ministry of Tourism and Oman Convention
and Exhibition Centre is taking centre stage to build awareness as one of the
world’s newest and exciting international congress venues.



With
the venue due for completion in late 2016, the operator, AEG Ogden together
with the

Another prize for Joanna

UCLan International Tourism Management graduate Joanna Kipps has scooped another prestigious award.

Following her achievement of being named the best performing student on the course, The Association for Tourism in Higher Education have now chosen Joanna as their Best Undergraduate Student of Tourism for 2013.

Joanna will be presented with her award at the prizewinners’ lunch to be held at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, Kent on Thursday 5 December.

After the lunch Joanna will have access to the afternoon's conference papers.

UCLan Tourism would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Joanna on this well deserved accolade.

Placement opportunities

We advise all our Tourism students to undertake a work placement to help their future career prospects.

TUI UK & Ireland's award-winning student placement scheme gives you the opportunity to work in a real role, making important commercial decisions and with real responsibility.

TUI have confirmed applications will be opening soon for placement opportunities within the Commercial Division at their head office in Luton. The roles are within four departments - Product, Yield, Purchasing and Cruise.

The placement scheme is a great opportunity for your future career. You'll be part of a huge organisation, in a full-time role with real responsibility, making important commercial decisions.

For more information and to register your interest please click here.

Catherine Rawcliffe from Enterprise Rent-a-Car is coming to UCLan on October 23 to discuss career opportunities. Their General Management Training Programme provides internships and placements for students.

The event takes place in Harris Building, HB003 at 2-3 pm. To book your place please email Futures.

Carley visits Blackburn College

Course Leader Carley Sutton recently met a group of potential new UCLan students at Blackburn College.

The students are currently studying Travel and Tourism and are aiming to secure a place on UCLan's International Tourism Management BA (Hons) course. 

Carley gave the group an in-depth overview of the course and what it can offer including international study visits, internship opportunities and the varied career paths following graduation.

The students are looking forward to visiting the campus on one of our Applicant Days.

UCLan Travel Bursary Scheme

Over recent years the UCLan Travel Bursary Scheme has provided financial support to individual students, enabling invaluable international travel and work experience.

We are delighted to announce the Student Travel Bursary Scheme 2013/14 is open for applications until 25th October 2013.

Please check the Student Portal to download the application form and to read the terms and conditions.

Completed applications are to be brought to the International Office, Foster Building FB030 and one electronic copy emailed to the Travel Bursary Scheme.

Citizens' Rail European project: update

As part of the Citizens' Rail European project the SSTO's Institute of Transport and Tourism (ITT) are looking at the work of Northern Rail's community ambassadors - a pioneering scheme to encourage more community engagement with the stations and train services.

Among other activities, Sultana Jamil, one of the ambassadors, takes parties out on trains and explains about how to buy a ticket, how to find to about the train you are catching and the different places you can go.

Dr Jo Guiver praised the scheme: "What became evident during the journey was how Sultana had done her homework about the group and was prepared to explain simple things which experienced train-users take for granted, such as how to buy a ticket and find out the ultimate destination of your train, so you recognise it on the departure board."

The Institute will present their findings from interviews and observation to a group of European partners at the Citizens' Rail project in Aachen during October.

Study abroad at UCLan

Would you like to study abroad as part of your degree?

UCLan is holding a series of Wokshops designed to help choose between studying in Australia, Canada, Europe and the USA, or a work placement in the EU.

Details on the Workshops can be found here. For more information please email the Study Abroad Team.

Get into Teaching

Are you interested in a career in Teaching?

UCLan's Careers and Employability Service have arranged a series of events designed to help you get into teaching.

Full details on all the events can be found here.

Booking is essential - please email futures@uclan.ac.uk to reserve your place.

Lakeland Sustainable Tourism Fourm

Dr Jo Guiver from the SSTO's Institute of Transport and Tourism took part in the recent Lakeland Sustainable Tourism Forum.

This brought together organisations such as Nurture Lakeland, Cumbria Tourism, Friends of the Lake District, the Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria Business Environment Network, Morecambe Bay Partnership, Nurture Eden, transport and accommodation providers and others in the tourism industry, to help make the Lake District a green and attractive tourist destination. Also in attendance was Andrea Nicholas, the managing director of Green Tourism.

Nurture Lakeland reported on their research into Environmental Quality Marks and what tourism businesses gain from becoming accredited and on a new project to reduce the energy used in holiday lets.

Jo (pictured above - 3rd left) said the Forum will help enhance our students' learning experience: "As always with the Forum, I felt as though I got more out than I put in. The information about the specific difficulties of insulating traditional properties and trying to change guest behaviour without detracting from their holiday will definitely be fed back to Tourism and Hospitality students studying how to make tourism more sustainable."

Are budget airlines bad for us?

Mark Smith of Seat61.com, an advocate for train and ferry travel, debates budget air travel with Guardian transport correspondent Gwyn Topham. Does it take the joy out of journeys? Or is the opening up of foreign travel to millions of people on modest incomes a great social good?

Greenways and Sustainable Tourism

OMAN TOURISM MINISTRY HITS THE ROAD WITH A THREE-DAY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL AND TOURISM SOUK

The Oman Ministry of Tourism will be on the road next
month for a three day roadshow starting on 1 October at Glasgow’s Blythswood Square. This will be followed
by events at On the 7th

Cycling and Society Symposium

UCLan's Dr Richard Weston was the host at the recent 10th annual Cycling and Society Symposium.

The event, held at Tyn Dwr Outdoor Centre, saw nearly 40 academics and interest groups from around the world meet to discuss the development of cycling for both everyday and leisure use.

A variety of speakers looked at different topics with a view to understanding developments within the research community, what the future holds and how the wider cycling world is changing.

Dr Weston, Director of the University's Institute of Transport and Tourism, said: "This was a tremendously successful event, bringing together people with a genuine desire to promote the value of cycling.

"Everyday life based around bicycles instead of cars would create a happier, healthier society and benefit everyone, including those who don't cycle. The Institute, in conjunction with Cycling and Society, remains committed to open and critical inquiry into cycling and its promotion."

Delegates who attended the Symposium have kindly given permission for their presentations to be showcased online. Just click on the names to view.

Andre Neves
Damien Ó Tuama
David Raffo
Dave Horton
Emese Mako
Heather Jones
Jennifer Bonham
Paul Schepers
Pedro Malpica
Tim Jones

Dave Horton's excellent 'Thinking About Cycling' blog can be viewed here.

Students enjoy Team Spirit

New UCLan Tourism undergraduates have been taking part in a team-building event alongside students from our Hospitality and Event courses.

It has been planned and organised by Jade Winders and Shauna Greensmith who have just completed a 48-week placement with Team Spirit.

They are being assisted by Alex Grebenar, who is a UCLan Event Management graduate and who will be shortly undertaking a PhD in the School. Event Managers from Team Spirit are also in attendance.

In the first part of the event the students will be attempting Accumulator, where participants undertake a wide variety of practical, performance and lateral thinking challenges. The event will culminate in a fashion show, where students have to make items out of what is available and then parade them on the catwalk.

Britain's Personal Best

CSV Media in Preston are looking for people to get involved and encourage others to take part in one of the first ever Personal Best Weekends in October 2013.

To celebrate Britain's Personal Best they will be running a one day event on Preston Flag Market, Saturday 12 October 2013. The family event will have children’s entertainment, live music, dance and will be attended by many local businesses, schools and charities. For further details please click here. There are also a number of job opportunities available at the event which can be found here.

As part of the Britain's Personal Best campaign students are invited to take part in an abseiling event at the Holiday Inn, Preston on 5th October for St Catherines Hospice. Anyone interested please email Holly Wignall.

Tourism students to attend masterclass

Eight exceptional UCLan Tourism students have been selected to join a Masterclass at RWTH Aachen University, Germany.

The two-day interdisciplinary and transnational workshop takes place during October, with around 50 students from across Europe expected to attend. This is Europe's first project focused on improving 'slow' as opposed to 'high-speed' rail networks. Like high speed rail, slow rail is linked with social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainable territorial development, but finds itself under threat from falling public subsidies.

However, there are opportunities to strengthen regional rail, by encouraging its use and through new partnerships with the general public. The Masterclass will see students exchange knowledge and ideas on station development plans, with a view to increasing people's involvement in the planning process.

Dr Richard Weston, Director of SSTO's Institute of Transport & Tourism, believes the Masterclass is an excellent opportunity: "We are delighted our students have been chosen to take part in this event, which will hopefully help improve the ways the European rail network is developed in the future.

"In addition, this is a great chance for UCLan students to expand their global horizons, as part of our commitment to providing them with a world-class learning experience."

Simon says yes to placement

We recommend all our Tourism students undertake a work placement to help their future career prospects.

Simon Haseldine spent a year with AMF Bowling and believes this was extremely worthwhile: "I thought it was vital for me to do a placement in the UK because there was more chance of progressing throughout the Tourism sector.

"My experience of working was invaluable to me, as it meant I had the chance to do some manager training in order to give me a better chance of employment after graduating.

"During my placement I learned all the daily managerial duties and I feel the experience has given me more confidence, extra independence and helped me get a better understanding of the industry.

"I would highly recommend the placement year as you learn so much more by being able to transfer your classroom skills into workplace skills."

Hot Topics in Tourism

World Tourism Day is on 27 September. This year’s theme focuses on 'Tourism and Water' so to tie in with this top academic publishers Taylor and Francis have launched 'Hot Topics in Tourism' as their September theme of the month.

The collection brings together the following five hot topics in the field of Tourism to help start the new academic year and celebrate World Tourism Day: water, sustainability, food tourism, tourism management and visitor attractions.

The selection of articles has been made free to access until 30 September and can be viewed here.

Disney delight for Adam

Our placement opportunities for Tourism students are extremely varied.

Adam Smith spent a year working at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and thinks the experience has made him a stronger individual.

Adam has kindly offered his thoughts on his time in Florida: "As a Tourism student I didn’t think there was a better place to spend my year anywhere other than the world’s biggest name in the industry.

"During the year I had three different job roles, initially working in Merchandise at Hollywood Studios. I then moved to the Operations section at the same park, which included Parade Control and audience control at Fantasmic.

"The final six months I worked as a Character Performer which was a lot of fun. All the roles were very different and they all had their challenges, but it was all part of the adventure and I feel stronger in myself for overcoming them.

"The overall experience was awesome and so valuable for gaining useful transferable skills such as communication, guest service and organisation. Looking back I've grown so much, not only in my skills set but also as a person.

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity and would advise the experience to anyone, as it was arguably the best year of my life."

Whitney's year in the sun

Our students are provided with many opportunities to gain valuable work experience.

Whitney Hawkins spent her placement year working in the Iberostar Hotel Las Dalias in Tenerife and believes the experience will help her career in the future.

"My placement involved working for six months in the bar and restaurant department, before moving onto the reception.

"While in Tenerife I saw first hand the effort and hard work involved in running a hotel and gained some valuable skills that will benefit me in my future career.

"I also picked up the basics of Spanish which I hope to continue to learn. I would recommend the placement year to everyone as it really is one of the best years of the course.

"It can be challenging at times but the memories and experiences will stay with you forever."

Tourism student explores France

Our Tourism students are encouraged to travel to widen their global horizons.

After finishing his first year of studies, Ben Chadwick spent just under three weeks with a friend who lives in Normandy, France.

Ben takes up the story: "We travelled across Normandy visiting the coastal areas and stunning countryside of Northern France, whilst based in a small seaside village just 10 miles north of Caen.

"During our time spent in Normandy, we did activities such as swimming, as well as canoeing down a scenic river in Pont d'Ouilly. We also explored the traditional French town of Caen, witnessing the French culture and the historic aspect to the town.

"After eight days, we travelled from Caen to the small town of Prades, located within the Pyrenees - a twelve hour trip. Prior to arriving in Prades, we spent the night in the medieval city of Carcassonne, sampling local dishes such as 'Casserole' and 'Creme Catalan' before exploring the historic castle.

"While in Prades, we went on hikes up numerous mountains in the Pyrenees. These walks offered spectacular scenery, with fantastic views of the mountain ranges and nearby local villages. These strenuous hikes took between 5-6 hours most days, but the rewards of reaching the summit were definitely worth it.

"The peak of Mount Carlit, one of the highest mountains in the eastern Pyrenees, stands at almost 10,000 feet. This particular hike was a personal favourite of mine, despite the physical challenge of conquering it. All things considered, I had a great time in France."

Employment opportunities

UCLan's CallNorthWest team are looking to appoint a Support Intern. The position is full-time (12 week contract) so would suit a former student, although current students on a part-time basis would also be considered. The closing date for applications is today - for further details click here.

Northumberland National Park Authority is looking to appoint an Engagement Officer to develop and deliver projects and activities in respect of education and lifelong learning, interpretation and community celebration, public events, wider social inclusion and audience development. For further details click here.

Student applies knowledge in 'real world setting'

UCLan Tourism students have many opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge they develop in their programme in a 'real world setting'.

Beth Higson has just completed the first year of her studies and spent the summer at Camp Tioga, Pennsylvania. Beth thinks the experience will be of great benefit to her future:

"This summer I decided I wanted to take myself out of my comfort zone and develop a range of skills by working at a traditional American summer sleep away camp.

"At Camp Tioga, I entered a whole new world without technology. The camp was set in a confined area, in a highly stressful yet highly rewarding environment.

"I was responsible for the constant supervision of 19 ten-year-old girls - from waking them up in the morning, motivating them to participate in activities and ensuring they were leading a healthy lifestyle away from home.

"I was presented with many challenges from the word go. Despite the ups and downs, I developed an amazing relationship with the girls, as well as my fellow counsellors. Over the months, I became a surrogate mother and sister, a friend, but also a disciplinarian to the campers.

"I learned about different cultures, particularly Judaism - a strong religion throughout the camp - backgrounds and upbringings, as well as American ways of life. I also developed lifelong friendships with people from all over the world, from my bunk duties and lifeguarding team.

"My job was very serious, as I was responsible for the wellbeing of several others, but also gave me the opportunity to motivate whilst having fun. Colour war, where the camp is split into two for three days of intense competition, was one of my favourite times at camp.

"Rarely at home can I paint my body green and run round chanting with an army of kids behind me! Summer camp is hard to describe and explain, but nothing compares to it.

The ups and downs of my job changed me as a person. I'm mentally stronger, more worldly aware and ready to tackle any challenge that comes my way."

Tourism student bags top prize

A Rhos-on-Sea student has many reasons to celebrate after winning a prize for academic excellence and graduating with a first-class degree from UCLan.

International Tourism Management student Joanna Kipps overcame a debilitating illness in her second year, followed by a close family bereavement at the end of her final year, to scoop the prestigious Victor Middleton award for the best performing student on the course.

The 22-year-old said: "It was hard at times, especially when I suffered a family bereavement during a crucial time at the end of my final year. However, I'm so proud to be graduating with a First and to win the Victor Middleton award. I must thank my course leader, Carley Sutton. She was so supportive and I wouldn’t have achieved what I have without her."

The former Eirias High School pupil took full advantage of the opportunities to travel abroad to help her undergraduate studies.

Joanna said: "I enjoyed my time at UCLan immensely and especially the opportunities to study overseas. Part of the reason I was attracted to UCLan was the year in industry aspect and I spent a brilliant year’s placement at Disneyworld, Florida. I gained important professional experience, got involved in all areas of the business, but I also really grew as a person and matured whilst I was away. I also visited New York to study and spent time in Cambodia working with the Green Gecko charity. I was determined to take advantage of these fantastic opportunities and I'm so happy I did."

Her proud parents and sister watched her graduate from The School of Sport, Tourism and The Outdoors in Preston’s Guild Hall and she now plans to take a well-earned break from academia to travel around South East Asia, before returning to the UK to study for her PGCE.

Green Gecko 2013

Our new film of this year's trip to the Green Gecko Project in Cambodia. Students raised almost £5,000, sending the overall total through the £30,000 barrier.

Oman Holiday Survey 2013 – Your Opinion Counts