The spotlight was on the booming cruise industry last night at the inaugural Tourism MasterChat event held in Sydney.
Organised by the Sydney Institute of Travel and Tourism, around 50 industry professionals joined tourism students past and present at the Agincourt Hotel near Central Station.
Tourism Course Coordinator, Paula Meyer told KarryOn she had been hoping to organise the MasterChat for some time to give industry professionals – new and senior – the chance to stay up to date with new and relevant information.
For the inaugural event, Meyer invited Peter Kollar, Head of Trade and Development at Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) to talk about cruising and its significance in the industry.
During his speech he not only highlighted its overwhelming development in Aus, but also touched on his role and the steps he had to take to reach where he is today.
Meyer said the talk was particularly beneficial to students because it showcased an area of travel that is up and coming but still under the radar.
“Peter has been such a supporter of our work and comes in regularly to chat to students. I just had to ask him to come speak and he was delighted.”
Paula Meyer, Sydney Institute of Travel and Tourism Course Coordinator
Student, Caitlin Risk told KarryOn she enjoyed the event because it also gave her an opportunity to network.
Caitlin (left) with classmates, says she enjoyed the evening because she could network with industry professionals.
She said unfortunately when students attends travel functions, attendees tend to show a disinterest in networking with the younger generation, however, the event organised by her school opened her up to people willing to chat to up and comers.
“It is a fantastic way for students to get their name out there in the industry.”
Caitlin Risk, TAFE Student
Caitlin said industry professionals would also benefit from the event because they have the opportunity to meet the next generation of travel and tourism employees.
Certificate 4 in Guiding students put their skills into practise by hosting the evening.
The evening also gave students competing the Certificate 4 in Guiding a chance to put their study into practise.
“We put a lot of emphasis on customer service and creating opportunities to put skills into use and not just role play. So they hosted and I assessed.”
Following a successful evening, Meyer said she is hoping to extend the event to every quarter.
She said every MasterChat will highlight a different area of tourism.
Keep an eye on KarryOn for more details on the next MasterChat.
