Students applying knowledge in Jamaica

Nipissing students are hitting the North coast of Jamaica in February to apply the research skills and management theories they’ve learned in class. The students will be assisting small-scale eco-tourism entrepreneurs in a developing economy.

The group departed for Jamaica on February 14, and will return to North Bay on February 27. 

The 10 students are working on two separate projects. One group is working with Green Castle Estates to help develop a real estate marketing plan; the second group is working with Hotel Mockingbird Hill to create policies for customer service and training and development.

The faculty members who helped organize the project are planning to make it an annual event, so that future students can benefit from the experience and that eco-tourism establishments such as these can continue to offer sustainable tourism alternatives.

The students will also be joined by four faculty members: Prof. Linda Piper, Dr. Natalya Brown, Dr. John Nadeau and Dr. David Hemsworth.  The faculty members are continuing their own research on ecotourism and eco-certification.  Dean of the faculty of applied and professional studies, Dr. Rick Vanderlee, will meet the group in Jamaica and will visit local universities to establish connections for future projects.

The students have created a blog to communicate what they are learning and experiencing in their projects.   Check it out here.