CapU students win global Award of Excellence for travel and tourism programs
“Transformative, educational and extremely valuable,” says Tourism Management student Stefanie Carlson about her recent trip to Kazakhstan.
As chairperson of the student chapter of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Canada Vancouver at Capilano University Carlson accepted, on behalf of her chapter, a PATA Award of Excellence for creating opportunities for future young tourism professionals at the PATA Board Dinner and Awards Ceremony on September 21, 2019 in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
The award recognizes the CapU PATA Student Chapter for its exceptional contributions in 2018. In addition to accepting the award, Carlson also delivered two presentations highlighting some of the initiatives they carried out last year.
“Seeing our students earn international recognition for bringing global experiences to local learning makes me very proud,” says Stephanie Wells, chair of the School of Tourism Management.
“I had the opportunity to network with professionals doing great things in the industry. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and expanded my network of colleagues. By making these connections and building relationships, I know I will be more successful in my career,” says Carlson.
Tourism industry employers today want graduates with volunteer work experience and the PATA student chapter provides these opportunities.
“We are providing connections and hands-on experience through volunteering in our initiatives. We are adding value to their ‘school career’ and increasing the likelihood of success for young tourism professionals,” says Carlson proudly.
Studying Tourism Management at CapU has opened her to the possibilities within the tourism sector and helped her realize her deep interest in sustainable tourism.
“I want to find a career in tourism where I can help locals in different destinations, maintain their heritage and culture and preserve their lands while sharing it with the world. I believe that tourism can help spread peace, empathy, and a mutual understanding around the world and I want to help facilitate this,” says Carlson.
Capilano University Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) members Stefanie Carlson, Carma Chan, Shaun McGrath and Brian Chao on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019. The Capilano University chapter received a 2019 PATA Award of Excellence in Kazakhstan.
Submitted by: Linda Munro