Tourism Honors Academy Unleashes Teens' Business Creativity

The Tourism Honors Academy is, in the words of the organization's Kyle Ware, "an academic leadership program serving the Louisville area that the city of Louisville and the tourism industry while developing personal, interpersonal, and professional skills."  As an integral part of this program, some twenty student participants led by Kyle Ware recently spent a weekend at Wayside Christian Mission's Hotel Louisville.  During their stay, the students toured the facility, interviewed staff members, and studied the hotel's operations.  The purpose of their visit was to observe and then make recommendations based upon what they had learned.   As there was a deadline, the students had no choice but to think and act quickly--and they did just that!

 

Breaking into smaller groups that Saturday afternoon, the students presented ideas for marketing the hotel's rooms and banquet services while improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.  These young people were nothing less than amazing and their ideas were innovative!  Many of their ideas, particularly in the areas of social networking and online marketing, will be used by the hotel's management.  Even their presentation was highly professional.  Linda Stith, Hotel Louisville's general manager, was pleasantly surprised by the uncanny business knowledge and fresh  insights demonstrated by these clever high school teens!

 

Isn't it amazing how young people often come up with such good ideas? 

 

Here are some comments from the visiting students about Hotel Louisville and Wayside Christian Mission:

 

"I had a wonderful time and learned so much about these amazing programs that are offered at the hotel." --Tabitha

 

"Good accommodations and a friendly staff!"--Brittany

 

"I had a great experience and learned so much about the programs."--Shane

 

"Awesome rooms and mission!  Great experience!"--Chasity

 

"I really didn't know what to expect, but it was a great experience and the staff was friendly!"--Wil

 

"Awesome experience and a very good cause!"--Breanne

 

"I had a great experience and I love the mission of the hotel!"--Jenna

 

"I learned a  lot!  Great experience!"  --Richelle