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 Ayrshire pupils rise to Chamber Challenge

Ayrshire Chamber Tourism Forum in conjunction with the Determined to Succeed teams across the 3 Ayrshire’s held their first ever Tourism Challenge.  Twelve schools from across Ayrshire took part with a total of 140 S2 pupils.

The Tourism and Hospitality industry is currently one of Ayrshire’s largest employers and the Chamber Tourism Forum felt it was important local young people are aware of the impact tourism has on the local economy and the employment opportunities available.

Gareth Paschke, The Park Hotel and Sonia Crossan, Glasgow Prestwick International Airport spoke to the students about their journey through the tourist industry and job opportunities available.  The schools were then set the challenge of creating a new festival, event or visitor attraction.  The pupils were then asked to deliver a marketing presentation on their new attraction all aimed at bringing teenagers to Ayrshire on holiday.  The judging panel including Bob Leitch, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Chamber, struggled to decide which of the innovative ideas should win.  Bob said “We had so many excellent projects into which original ideas had been produced it was difficult to decide on a winner.  The standard augurs well for the future of Ayrshire Tourism.  Auchinleck Acade,u were worthy winners.

Auchinleck Academy, picked up the winners trophy and vouchers for Clyde Muirshiel Park, Runners up were Queen Margaret Academy who also received a trophy free day passes to Loudoun Theme Park and in

3rd place was Grange Academy who added some chocolates with their trophy.

Alistair Breckenridge of Ayrshire Tourism Training Consortium, one of the advisors said “An excellent concept, very well carried out and the pupils and teachers enjoyed the challenge thoroughly.   It was also most valuable from the tourism awareness aspect”