Tourism students tackle industry issues

The University of Queensland (UQ) postgraduate students are tackling issues in the Australian tourism, hospitality and event industries after participating in innovative problem based learning with prominent industry leaders.

Students enrolled in the Tourism and Hospitality Issues course learnt from a series of lectures presented by industry guests, the current issues and trends facing their industries.

Working in groups, students then had the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and devise practical solutions for the industry and its stakeholders.

Course coordinator Dr Gabby Walters said the opportunity to hear from ‘real world’ industry representatives was important to the student learning experience, particularly those who are studying tourism, hospitality or events at a postgraduate level.

“Learning of the issues that currently face these industries allows students to acquire a deeper level of understanding about the challenges they are likely to face as they commence their careers in their chosen field,” Dr Walters said.

“This practical experience develops the critical thinking and analytical skills that will be expected of them in the workplace, and will be beneficial to both students and their future employers.”

Representing the tourism industry was Amanda Rohan, Senior Research and Policy Officer from the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC).

Mark Peters, CEO of the Commonwealth Games presented issues in the events industry and Judy Hill, Accommodation Division Manager at Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) represented the hospitality industry.

The students’ solutions were presented in a series of reports, forming a major part of the course assessment, and submitted to the relevant industry representative who selected the most outstanding report.

MEDIA: Claire Shuter, (07) 3349 9259 or c.shuter@uq.edu.au