Students explore Cuba with Intrepid

A group of Ryerson University students from the school’s Hospitality & Tourism Management program embarked on an eight-day trip to Cuba as part of a new educational partnership with Intrepid Travel.

The course is an experiential learning trip designed to give students exposure to the tourism industry outside of the classroom. The professor of the course, Ryerson University’s Dr. Rachel Dodds, chose the destination based on its significance and relevancy in the current tourism landscape. 

Dr. Dodds worked closely with Julianna Guy, Private Groups Manager for Intrepid Travel, on setting up the custom itinerary and the educational components of the trip. 

The students spent time in Varadero, Havana and Trinidad learning about all aspects of the industry through guest lectures from professors and hospitality professionals in Cuba. Among the speakers was Gustavo Zaldumbide, from the Gaviota tourism group, a Cuba-based company which operates more than 20,000 of the 61,000 hotel rooms in Cuba. The students also met with representatives from Melia, the Cuba Tourist Board, Formatur, ECOTUR and Cuban Adventures.

This is the second time Intrepid Travel and Ryerson University have partnered for a course credit abroad. In May 2012, the two teamed up for a director’s credit course in Peru, and, after a three year hiatus, the program appears poised to become a staple in the curriculum. 

Educators and agents looking for more information on custom educational tours from Intrepid Travel can visit www.intrepidtravel.com/privategroups.