The Loughborough College travel team has revealed how the excitement and adventure of their own globe trotting industry experiences are inspiring their students.
“Between the four of us we have a vast range of expertise and each of is able to share real-life stories which bring a little bit of magic to the classroom,” said Deborah Spiers, who teaches on the travel and tourism course during breaks from flying with a major airline.
Deborah started her own career by studying on the travel and tourism course at the College and now has more than 30 years’ cabin crew experience with the airline. “I got my qualifications at the College and the sky was literally the limit from then on.
“It is so easy to get hooked on this industry. No two days are the same, you have the opportunity to meet so many different people and experience so many cultures. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I’ve travelled to the US and South America, to Asia and Europe and with thousands of cabin crew at the airline, I enjoy leading a new team every time I fly and helping customers have the best experience possible.
“Now I am teaching it makes a real difference to be able to give the students examples from my own experiences and for them to hear about the expectations of the industry from someone who is living it. It’s a real privilege to be able to play a part alongside the rest of the team in presenting the students with so many opportunities and helping them make the transition into the industry.”
Travel and Tourism lecturer Rachael Harrison is enjoying offering students a glimpse into one of the fastest-growing areas of the industry – adventure tourism. As people increasingly turn their backs on beach holidays in favour of high risk activities such as skydiving, surfing, rock climbing and deep sea diving, the sector is generating revenue of around $8 trillion.
“People seem to want to be more physically active on their holidays and to be pushed outside their comfort zone and with my background spanning everything from specialist adventure tour operators to outdoor education activities, I am ideally placed to provide a window into this area for students.
“I’ve talked to them about a celebrity trip I planned and managed to Kilimanjaro, trips I recently took to India and Oman and I am able to bring alive destinations like Madagascar. I discuss winter activities in Switzerland and Austria and also look at volunteer tourism, which is also growing massively.”
“I love talking to our students about the life that could open up for them through a career in tourism – and the experiences I have had as a result of my time in the industry,” explained travel and tourism programme lead Donna Rowley.
“I moved through the ranks to eventually manage a flagship store for Virgin Holidays, I have worked for Thomas Cook and Tui and won awards. Over the years I have travelled to Australia, New Zealand and Asia, I backpacked around the Greek islands and I arranged my wedding and honeymoon in San Francisco and Bora Bora.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed training juniors in the industry over the years and now it is fantastic to be teaching and be part of helping to inspire our students at Loughborough College.
“They enjoy hearing about the glitz and glamour side of the work I have done, the famous people I have met as well as some of the fascinating customers and the situations I have encountered.
“I see the students grow in confidence and it is wonderful to help prepare them to go out into the industry themselves and know they are going to have a great career.”
“I spent many years working as a hotel rep for Thomas Cook and it was a magical time for me. Now I am bringing my passion and experiences from that time into my lessons,” added Loughborough College travel programme lead Elizabeth Gensler.
“I began my career in Spain and then continued to work internationally, including in Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Majorca and Gran Canaria, rising to team leader. It is fabulous how the industry enables you to expand your horizons.
“I arrived at Loughborough College as a guest speaker and enjoyed sharing my knowledge with the students so much that I went on to get my teaching qualifications. Now more than a decade later I am still thrilled to be at the College with our students.
“When you tell them about your career you see a sparkle in their eye and it’s great to feel you might be helping to inspire them, helping move them closer to fulfilling their dreams and aspirations.”
Pictured: Just some of the Loughborough College Travel and Tourism team bringing a wealth of industry experience to the classroom (from left) Rachael Harrison, Donna Rowley and Elizabeth Gensler