Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) hosts annual student/teacher conference in Monaco

- Twenty-two student winners from 12 nations present findings on food and culinary tourism following special research assignment from the GTTP

MONACO, Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) is hosting its annual student/teacher conference at Le Meridien Beach Plaza in Monaco from November 21 to 25. Twenty-two high school students from 12 countries will share the results of their research on food and culinary tourism in their countries. 

The students are winners of the 2013 Student Research Competition sponsored by the GTTP, a multi-country educational program to introduce young people to career opportunities in Travel and Tourism.

Student competition entrants research GTTP-assigned topics, which vary each year. Winners at the national level present their findings or "case studies" at the annual conference.

"The GTTP research competitions are designed to encourage students to think analytically, to communicate clearly and practice team work," said Ingrid Eras-Magdalena, Chair of the GTTP Advisory Board and Vice President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. "These are skills students will need whether they go on to work for large or small members of our industry or begin their own travel-related business."

Nancy Needham, Executive Director of GTTP, added: "This year's 'Culinary/Food Tourism: Traveling for Experiences' research assignment drew a lot of thoughtful responses from students. Their insights, especially those of the winners, demonstrate that our young people have a deep interest in understanding traveler motivations and ways in which destinations can differentiate themselves."

The GTTP, established in 1996, works in Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom. School systems provide teachers and classrooms. Some 3,200 local and international companies share their expertise with teachers and students and provide financial and in-kind support.

The international industry leaders supporting the GTTP are Amadeus, American Express, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Enterprise Holdings, The Hertz Corporation, Hogg Robinson Group, KDS, Lufthansa, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Travelport. Their executives serve on GTTP's Advisory Board.

About GTTP
The Global Travel and Tourism Partnership is an industry philanthropic initiative to foster future talent and tackle the global skills shortage. The GTTP educates secondary school students about careers in Travel & Tourism at a time when they are making career and education choices. The GTTP works in 12 countries in Europe, Africa, East Asia, and North and South America. It serves some 450,000 students in more than 5,600 schools. For more about GTTP visit http://www.gttp.org or Facebook.

Zoe White, zoewhite@hertz.com, +44-1895-553-887