The Edinburgh study trip was undoubtedly a very pleasant experience in our journey at the Lucerne University of Applied Science and Arts. The knowledge obtained from this trip could hardly be acquired from books and lectures. As a group, we are delighted to have had this opportunity to experience such great destination. That is because the trip was not only an opportunity to travel, but also to learn, to explore and to reflect.
The week began with lectures held by Prof. Rory McLellan, a very experienced and internationally trained professional at the Edinburgh Napier University. Then, the group had a some great insights at the most unique pubs, lead by Prof Gordon Millar, an Edinburgh native who has great insights about the destination. As the week proceeded, the group headed to several visits, which included Visit Scotland and their presentation on how to create a positive and special image for a destination. Then, the group headed for the town of Stirling to visit one of the most important landmarks in Scotland, the Stirling Castle. After that it was off to the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel at the heart of Edinburgh, where students were greeted with refreshments and the Apex Iconic Brand of Ducks. Then, Prof. Millar held a great tour of Edinburgh city center, where he explored history and other particularities that only a native could have offered us.
The next day, was also full of activities, and the group headed to Edinburgh Airport to meet its CEO, Mr. Gordon Dewar, whose interaction with the group has provided excellent insights about airport models and management. In the afternoon, the group headed to New Lanark, a historic village that was really innovative in terms of working and living conditions for its time. Back in Edinburgh, the group met the Ibis Edinburgh Center South Bridge’s General Manager, Mr. Ioannis Koletakis and the Accor Planet 21 Manager for the hotel Mr. Gomez. Both managers were extremely helpful and provided great insights about the hotel’s sustainable initiatives. They also asked the group about what we thought about the future of hotels in the industry among other interesting questions.
In the last day of the trip, the students travelled to Glasgow, where they head presentations at the Glasgow Caledonian University. The highlight of the morning was a talk by Ms. Liz Cameron, former mayor of Glasgow. Her passion for the city and tourism has really inspired the group. In the afternoon, the group had time to explore the pulsing shopping district around Buchanan Street and later, they had a guided walking tour of the city center led by Prof. McLellan. The afternoon ended with a presentation by Mr. Jim Clark of Clyde Gateway Project on the legacy of the commonwealth games. Upon returning to Edinburgh the group had a lovely evening at Tony Macaroni. The meals were good for a very affordable price and the restaurant manager was an entertaining character.
On Saturday morning, half of the group packed up early in the morning to return to Switzerland, whereas the other half ventured to the Scottish countryside.
