Tourism students to visit CSM for insights into cruising, destinations

The academy's travel and tourism class focuses on the business of travel and is part of Cambridge International, affiliated with the University of Cambridge in the UK. After completing their courses, the high school students have an opportunity to take an examination to earn college credits. For the travel and tourism course, they're also required to put on a mini-travel exposition, working in teams of four.

The Cutler Bay Academy students will examine the Cruise Shipping Miami exhibition to learn more about what makes the cruise industry tick, and also to see how a trade show is organized to aid them in creating their own mini-travel exposition.

'I'm ecstatic to go,' said Jennilee Overcash, 16, one of the students. Related to the mini-travel exposition assignment, her team is focused on Australia, so she's particularly eager to visit the Australia representatives at CSM. 

Overcash said the course has sparked her interest in a travel industry career. For one of her assignments, she planned an 18-day trip through Europe, using rail travel and hostels, for a cost of $2,500. She outlined the package in a detailed PowerPoint presentation to the class.

For the mini-travel exposition on April 10, she's already planning to incorporate such elements as 'A Taste of Australia' with special dishes and treats from the land Down Under.  

The travel and tourism course is taught by Cutler Bay Academy's Maria Newman, whose husband is a seasoned travel and tourism industry professional. Andy Newman is svp of NewmanPR, a Miami agency with a number of major cruise line and destination accounts.

The students have studied elements of the cruise business including horizontal and vertical integration, and one project revolved around the residential ship concept. Class members have been exposed to careers across the entire travel business, Maria Newman said.