Operators, leave those kids alone!

Letter of the week

Operators, leave those kids alone!

I FEEL obliged to write to you over the matter of students entering the travel industry. Over the last few issues I have seen comments made by professionals in the industry and from students.

To be honest, I have been disgusted at the poor representation of the students’ point of view.

I am a 22-year-old, fourth year BA (Hons) Tourism Studies student at Bournemouth University. Yes, correct a degree and yes, a four-year degree!

I am not disregarding students studying for tourism and leisure courses at 16. In actual fact its commendable that at 16, in today’s society, young people are looking towards their future.

However, how on earth as an industry can you base your analytical research on college students?

My degree is informative, educational and is a true representation of what the industry consists of. I have recently returned to Bournemouth after taking part in a placement. I spent the past year in France working for a major UK tour operator. It was so successful that I have guaranteed a position of employment in management after my graduation.

I would be interested to know that if we are ‘facing a steep learning curve’, why then are companies so desperate to be a part of recruiting Bournemouth University students? We are the future of the industry – so I’d be careful how you treat us!

Shona Swain, BA (Hons) tourism studies student, Bournemouth University, Dorset