29 of our Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students enjoyed the Academy’s very first field trip on October 29th. Students were given a “front of house and behind the scenes” tour of the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort. They had the opportunity to learn about many aspects of the hospitality business from the professionals who keep the 301-room hotel running each day. Led by the hotel’s concierge, Jody Sutton, the tour was a true overview of just how many opportunities there are in the hospitality business. From housekeeping to the general manager of the hotel, no level of service was missed. Students started with the hotel’s Executive Chef and had a tour of the large on-site kitchen. This was also their first chance to meet the Renaissance’s General Manager at the time, Jeffrey Oliasami, who is an Academy Advisory Board member, and helped organize this field trip opportunity. After touring a hotel room and a hotel suite, students got to see the St. Johns County Convention Center ballrooms, spoke with the hotel’s head of Banquet Operations and the Banquet Manager, and then enjoyed a complimentary three-course lunch in one of the banquet rooms. During lunch the students were able to meet with the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing, and a couple members of his team, including an on-site event planner. They had the chance to ask questions and practice their “business lunch” skills. Overall, the tour served as a wonderful real-world look at much of what goes on in a career in Hospitality.
