Recently Sheridan third semester Tourism and Travel students engaged in an experiential learning field trip to Toronto where they took part in a walking tour of the historic St Lawrence Market, explored the commercialization of public space at Dundas Square and visited the new major tourist attraction, Ripley’s Aquarium.
As part of their courses Niche Tourism and Travel, and Inbound Tourism, students were guests of Bruce Bell, official Historian of the St Lawrence Market, where they experienced Culinary Tourism and had the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history and the immense tourist appeal of the Market.
The Sheridan Tourism students then walked to Dundas Square for a lively discussion of the history of the square and the commercialization of public space, lead by Sheridan Professor Victoria Renton. At the new Ripleys Aquarium of Canada students were met by Denise Belgrove, Member Care Director of Tourism Toronto, who discussed the impact of Tourism to Toronto.
“These experiential trips form an important part of the Tourism and Travel program at Sheridan by emphasizing the importance of the new attractions like Ripley’s to the city, the impact of the Pan Am Games and the use of Conventions as tourism attractors. Students have the opportunity to see how they could find a career in the Toronto Tourism spectrum,” said Renton, professor of Tourism and Travel.
In addition, Sandra Woloschuck, Sales Manager of the brand new Ripley’s Aquarium, gave a brief presentation on her career from tourism student to Sales Manager of one of the hottest tourism attractions in Toronto today.