It was destination: Disneyland Paris for a group of Burnley College travel students as they embarked on a once in a lifetime trip to learn more about the industry.
This was the first overseas journey organised by Burnley College since the Covid pandemic, illustrating how the College are taking another step back to normality.
This was the perfect time for students to discover how tourism has adapted to the challenges that severely impacted them during the pandemic and learn more about how the industry operates.
For many of the students studying Advanced Level Business and Tourism, it was their first ever trip abroad and while there were plenty of recreational opportunities, attending leading industry discussions and conferences designed to develop learning experiences was a key part of the four day break.
Natasha Molyneux, Lecturer in Travel and Tourism who helped coordinate the trip said the trip offered a crucial viewpoint into the industry:
“We’ve jam-packed our days, being out from 7am until late evening to really make the most of this important visit.
“We’ve been to Disney, travelled into Paris to take in the culture of the city centre and the students have enjoyed a really immersive experience seeing both sides of travel; both from a business and customer perspective.”
Two Students also kept diaries and wanted to share their experience with other Students.
Sophie Taylor, 18, from Accrington is an Advanced Tourism, Hospitality and Events Student.
“The 30th anniversary night time firework show was one of the best shows I’ve experienced. Disney had the coordination of the music, commentary and fireworks extremely well organised. It was a memorable experience and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Thank you Burnley College for this unforgettable experience.”
Isobel Lomax, 16, from Barrowford is on the same course. She said it was so exciting to see Disneyland for real:
“Finally Disneyland park day! I was so excited to finally get to the park. We entered through the gates and as soon as we walked through and turned the corner right down Main Street was the castle, probably the most amazing feeling ever. I got goosebumps and my eyes were a little teary.
I’m probably the biggest Disney fan and I was so excited to see everything and experience the parades. It was amazing. There were Disney princesses, characters from Toy Story and amazing dancers. I can’t lie, I did cry. It was just as I imagined, even better! This trip was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
At Burnley College Sixth Form Centre we pride ourselves on offering one of the greatest and most wide-ranging extra-curricular opportunities. This year we have trips planed across the Curriculum heading as far away as California and Greenland. If you want to be involved in some of the most exciting and inspiring activities available in Lancashire apply for one of the hundreds of Vocational, A Level, T Level courses and Themis Apprenticeships here at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre. See www.burnley.ac.uk for more.
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