Travel and Aviation Students Celebrate World Tourism Day with Exclusive Visit to Local Airport

Students on the Level 3 Certificate in Travel and Tourism course at Loughborough College marked World Tourism Day last week with an insightful and exclusive visit behind the scenes at East Midlands Airport (EMA).

Throughout the day, students heard from EMA’s Brand and Marketing Manager about the airport’s role as a premier gateway for global tourism, trade, and freight, as well as listening to other specialist talks about the future of the industry.

Students were given the opportunity to explore the airport’s training facilities and education centre, taking part in practical exercises across a range of operations, including firefighting, piloting aircrafts, marshalling, security, and cabin crew duties.

Lecturer in Travel and Tourism at Loughborough College, Sarah Bakewell-Smith, shared her thoughts on the experience, commenting: “The visit to East Midlands Airport was an exciting and inspiring day for our students, especially those in their second year of study who may be going on to employment in the industry after graduating from the course. 

“I am so proud of how our students embraced the opportunity to speak to industry professionals and explore the different roles available in the sector. They were enthusiastic, polite, and eager to learn, which is the exact reason we hold trips such as this.”

Founded in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), World Tourism Day celebrates the important role of tourism within the international community and the part it plays in society, politics, and the economy. This year’s theme of ‘Digital Agenda and AI to Redeem Tourism’ explores how AI can transform tourism into a smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable sector.