Tourism and travel management students get their hands dirty in sunny Malta
Date: 24 July 2014
If you want a job in tourism and travel management, there’s no better way to learn than through hands on experience. That’s why second year students from London Metropolitan University jetted off to Malta for a week of unforgettable experiences.
The week-long research project – as part of the students’ studies at the Faculty of Business and Law – has always been highly popular amongst students and this year was no exception.
The group had the chance to attend meetings with those responsible for tourism policy and development, as well as carrying out their own independent research for their university projects.
Not all fun and games
“It‘s a core module we are using as preparation for research and dissertation in the final year,” said Dr Elzbieta Rogers, senior lecturer in Tourism Management. “Students have the opportunity to use some field research techniques and after establishing some findings learn how to incorporate those into a written report.
“Understanding of sustainable tourism implementation within Malta’s tourism industry was a major part of the trip. We discovered issues and challenges that Malta faces and had a chance to talk to key organisations and tourism businesses.”
Exploring like tourists
The group experienced the sunny Maltese islands from the perspective of a tourist, together with opportunities to evaluate and question tourism policies and regulations, and tackle tourism challenges from the viewpoint of a researcher.
The students visited the most important tourist attractions in Malta, including the country’s oldest city and St Paul catacombs. There was also wine tasting at Ta’ Mena, a visit to a craft village and a coach trip around the most northerly part of the island.
After exploring the island and having several intense workshops and meetings, the group let their hair down at the Malta international fireworks festival in Bugibba.
What the students say
Zanda Pipira was one of the students lucky enough to head off to Malta. She said: “We had three brilliant lecturers with different areas of expertise who were with us throughout the trip and we cannot be grateful enough for their experience and guidance.”
The students involved gained insight into the diverse ways in which tourism is developed in different countries and the important role that tourism plays in boosting the economy in countries like Malta.
Josie Cruz said: "We explored many aspects of tourism practices, especially in terms of sustainability. London Met's tutors and lecturers are well-experienced on this subject and it was a great experience to develop my research project with their valuable support and expertise."
Tourism and Travel Management at London Met
Find out more about studying BA Tourism and Travel Management at London Met.
