INDIA
“GTTP has provided me with a whole new perspective of the Travel and Tourism industry and the competition gives students like me a myriad of opportunities to showcase their research. I personally had a lot of fun interacting with students my age on what they have researched and looking at new perspectives of the challenges we were given. The research I and my teammates have done will stick with me throughout my life and for that I am grateful to GTTP.”
Het Gajendra Raval
Research competetion Winner 2024
India
SOUTH AFRICA
“Attending the Tourism Student Research Conference in Madrid was an incredible experience that broadened our understanding of the industry.
We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from global experts and network with peers from around the world.
The presentations and interactions with industry champions were insightful and will greatly assist us in our future studies and careers.
Exploring Madrid’s rich culture and tourism offerings added a unique, practical perspective to our learning.
Thank you for organizing such a well-rounded and inspiring conference—it was truly unforgettable!”
FRANCE:
As students at Lycée Jeanne d’Arc – Rennes, Anais Morvan and I had the honour of being selected to represent the France in Madrid at the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership event on an exciting issue: “Create a social media campaign based on research to attract talent to travel and tourism.” Following our application, we were chosen by GTTP France to participate in this prestigious international project.
In Madrid, we had the opportunity to present our project during a 20-minute oral in English at the @holidayInnlastablas Hotel. It was an intense and formative moment, requiring professionalism and rigor. We also had the chance to meet representatives and participants from various countries (Brazil, South Africa, Oman, Nepal, India, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Hong Kong and Hungary), creating inspiring exchanges and unique learning opportunities.
In addition to this experience, a tour of Madrid was organized for us, allowing us to discover the city and its history. We also participated in a prestigious gala at the The Madrid EDITION Hotel, with an exceptional meal, which offered an elegant and friendly setting to continue the discussions.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to GTTP France, who is represented by Isabelle Boucherot, and GTTP for this incredible opportunity.
A special thank you to Anne Lotter, Director of GTTP and Michel Taride Chairman of the GTTP Board of Directors, for their organization and their valuable support throughout this journey.
I would also like to thank Florence Le Thérisien our GIT teacher who accompanied us throughout our project.
It was an unforgettable and enriching experience, and we are proud to have been able to represent France at this international event.
HONG KONG
Mr. WOO Kwan-yiu led CHOI Pui-lam and YIP Ching from 5S, who were selected as the National winners of the 2024 International Research Competition of the Global Travel & Tourism Partnership (GTTP), to Madrid, Spain from 10th to 13th November 2024 to participate in the 2024 GTTP Student Travel Research Conference Madrid as Hong Kong representatives.
Through the conference theme “Young Voices”, CHOI Pui-lam and YIP Ching presented their research findings in the conference to all international delegates coming from different countries on the topic “Create a Social Media Campaign, Based on Research, to Attract Talent to Travel & Tourism”. They acquired valuable networking experience with other GTTP students and teachers from around the world.
JAMAICA – A teacher’s perspective
The GTTP Student Teacher Research Conference in Madrid was a transformative experience for my students and me. It provided a unique platform for students to engage in real-world research, collaborate with peers, and present their findings. The conference’s focus on tourism and sustainable development was particularly valuable, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
As an educator, the opportunity to network with industry professionals and explore a new culture was an invaluable bonus. The trade floor and global partners provided valuable insights into the industry.
We also participated in several enriching activities that expanded our knowledge and broadened our perspectives. The Madrid bus tour offered a wonderful introduction to the city’s rich history and culture. The panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence explored the ways technology is reshaping the tourist industry, while career path presentations inspired students to explore the diverse opportunities within the sector.
Beyond the professional development, the conference fostered cultural exchange. Students and educators from France, Hungary, Hong Kong, Brazil, South Africa, Oman and the United Kingdom, shared their research and cultural experiences, enriching the global perspective of all attendees.
The gala dinner on the last night was a highlight, where we exchanged stories, traditions, and ideas with other students and teachers.
This experience was deeply impactful for my students, who left with a greater sense of purpose and direction, and for me as an educator, it was an opportunity to witness their transformation.
I highly recommend this conference to any educator seeking to empower their students and broaden their horizons.
Shalia Lewis
Staff Advisor, Tourism Action Club
Manning’s School, Westmoreland, Jamaica
Getting the chance to experience Spain was an incredible opportunity in itself, but what made the experience truly memorable wasn’t just being in Spain – it was what took place there. The highlight for me was the conference.
Not only was it educational, but it was also highly interactive, allowing students to ask questions and receive insightful answers from experts in the tourism field. The conference helped me gain a deeper understanding of how other students from different cultures perceive tourism and how their cultural backgrounds influence their beliefs. It was fascinating to see the diversity of perspectives, and having so many students from various places made the experience feel more relatable.
The exchange of ideas and experiences during the sessions helped broaden my view on tourism in ways I hadn’t considered before. The discussions were engaging, and the speakers provided real-world examples that made the content even more relevant.
Moreover, the chance to network with students and professionals from around the world was invaluable – it made me realize how interconnected the tourist industry is globally. The conference struck the perfect balance between being both educational and engaging, with a strong focus on real-world applications.
I’m grateful to the GTTP for organizing this learning experience. I am also grateful to my teacher Ms. Lewis and the Jamaica Tourist Board for facilitating and guiding us during this enriching experience. I left with a deeper appreciation for the global nature of tourism and its impact on global cultures.
Brushena Gokhul
Member, Tourism Action Club
Manning’s School, Westmoreland, Jamaica
My trip to Madrid, Spain, was an unforgettable experience that began with an icebreaker session where I got to meet and bond with people from all over the world. The games were fun, and was a great way to get to know each other.
As we moved through the event, I realized that tourism is about much more than just adventure and travel. It’s about making a difference in the world whether it’s supporting local communities, advocating for sustainability, or addressing global challenges like climate change and cultural preservation. Tourism has the power to bring people together, promote understanding, and solve world problems in ways that go far beyond the fun and excitement of exploring new places.
I had the opportunity to learn about various cultures and traditions from people in countries like South Africa, Oman, Brazil, and France, etc. Each person shared their unique perspective, and it was fascinating to see how other countries approached the theme of creating a social media campaign to attract talent to the tourist industry.
The gala dinner was particularly spectacular, everything from the food to the entertainment was exceptional. The trip provided opportunities for me to exchange numbers and Instagram handles, forming new friendships and potential alliances within the tourist industry. The city tour, which showcased stunning sceneries and a historic castle, was the perfect way to experience the beauty of Madrid.
It was a fantastic experience that taught me so much about the global tourism community, and if given the chance, I would certainly take part in such an opportunity again.
El-Murie Noble
TAC Member
Manning’s School, Westmoreland, Jamaica
