Exploring Niagara: Tourism Students Dive into Experiential Learning
HLOs: 
Tourism - Travel Services Management students embarked on a field trip to Niagara Falls, a quintessential natural marvel and premier tourist destination. Led by Professors Diane Keefe and Megan Swan, the students delved into an immersive exploration of the region, designed to deepen their understanding of various facets of the tourism industry.
This experiential learning opportunity aimed not only to familiarize students with the Niagara Falls experience from a customer perspective but also to illuminate the diverse contributions of different tourism sectors discussed throughout the semester. Additionally, it served as an introduction to the art of enthusiastic selling through a multimedia approach, which was part of a class assignment.
The warm welcome from Niagara Parks set the tone for the day, providing not only hospitality and a delightful lunch but also access to attractions such as the Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel. As a historical site, the Power Station offered insights into Niagara's power generation history, culminating in a breathtaking observation deck nestled at the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls—a standout moment cherished by all.
Despite sporadic rain showers, the students revelled in capturing the beauty of the falls. The afternoon was spent at Clifton Hill, fondly dubbed the "Street of Fun," where students engaged in their assignment—a creative endeavour to feature a popular Niagara Falls attraction in a sales video format.
Kim Parker-Moore, Travel Trade Sales Manager at Niagara Parks Commission, played a pivotal role in enriching the students' experience, offering invaluable insights into strategies for increasing visitation to the Niagara Parks area, targeting both Canadian and international markets.
Overall, the trip exemplified the power of experiential learning in shaping well-rounded and knowledgeable professionals in the field of tourism.
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