Student Research Winners From 10 Nations to Present Findings at Nice, France Conference

The Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) announced that 20 high school and vocational students from 10 countries have been selected as 2016 Student Research Competition winners out of some 2,000 entries. The students will present their research findings at the GTTP’s annual student/teacher conference 2 – 6 December in Nice, France.  Each country is represented by two student research partners from a school which uses the GTTP’s Passport to the World travel and tourism educational curriculum.

The winning pupils will discuss how Heritage Tourism can attract more visitors and enhance the tourist experience in their respective countries. The students will also explain their views on the role of sustainability and technology in supporting heritage tourism development.

The countries represented this year by the students and their accompanying teachers include: Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jamaica, Kenya, Russia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Student competition entrants research GTTP-assigned topics, which vary year to year. This year the heritage tourism topic was introduced in honor of the GTTP’s 20th Anniversary celebrations.

This competition is sponsored by the GTTP’s Global Partners and the Aldo Papone Endowment. In addition, Amadeus is providing the conference facilities at its Executive Briefing Centre in Sophia Antipolis. Starwood Hotels & Resorts, another GTTP Global Partner, is providing meals and hotel rooms at Le Méridien, Nice.

“The GTTP research competitions are devised to encourage the development of skills these young people will need in their careers, including critical thinking, team collaboration, research, writing and speaking.  In addition, they are required to explore and reflect upon topics important to long-term development of the travel and tourism industry, such as sustainability and technology,” said Michel Taride, Chair of the GTTP Advisory Board and Group President of Hertz International.

Nancy Needham, Executive Director of GTTP, added: “The research competition encourages all participating students to develop an appreciation of their own culture and environment.  Furthermore, this conference is a life-changing event for many of the students who attend.  They learn about cultural aspects of other countries, make global connections that will last a lifetime, and increase their enthusiasm for careers in our industry.”

Elizabeth Aston, Senior Advisor, Industry Affairs at Amadeus, commented: “Amadeus is once again delighted to sponsor the GTTP global educational programme in Travel and Tourism and to host the annual student awards at the Amadeus Executive Briefing Centre. This year’s topic ‘Heritage Tourism’ promises to deliver some valuable findings, building on the experience of last year’s rewarding event. The students never disappoint with their creativity, enthusiasm and sheer brilliance.

Alexandra Leclerc, Associate Director, Global Citizenship, EAME, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, added: “Starwood Hotels and Resorts is proud to partner with the GTTP. The annual conference lets us see first-hand the tangible and effective impact the program has on students who are the travel industry talents of tomorrow.   Most of them are from underserved communities. It is their first travel experience, their first public presentation and the maturity, passion and rigor they put into their research is remarkable and impressive.”

The GTTP, established in 1996, works in Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Philippines, 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 currently supporting the GTTP are Amadeus, American Express, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, dnata, Delta Air Lines, Enterprise Holdings, Eurostar, The Hertz Corporation, Hogg Robinson Group, KDS, Starwood Hotel & Resorts, and Travelport. Their executives serve on GTTP’s Advisory Board.

Related: Kenyatta University Student wins #SamsungColoursOfKE Social Media Competition