UN students travel to Barcelona to see tourism in action

​​​A group of Tourism Management and Events Management students from the University of Northampton immersed themselves in Barcelona’s tourist industry during a recent visit to the capital of Catalonia.

The study trip, which took place between 23 and 27 June, saw 14 Tourism Management students and one Events Management undergraduate embark on a varied itinerary.

They attended an introduction to Barcelona and a Spanish language lesson delivered by local language coach Jelena Colak; a visit to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and Park Güell; a presentation by Noemí Rosell from Barcelona Tourism Convention Bureau, and enjoyed guided tours of both the Olympic Park and Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona.

Graduating student, Paula Costa, said: “The local people are very welcoming and friendly and the food was delicious. People working in the tourism industry made sure they delivered their services to tourists, even when their English language was limited. However, one of the attractions we went to needed be more organised as the staff did not work as a team.”

First-year student, Shannon Martin, added: “Barcelona has a lot of visitor attractions for tourists to visit, we were there for five days and I don’t think we managed to see everything!”

Second-year student, Man Shing Wong, said: “After five days in this city I realised this destination has many things to offer; from a busy city centre to quiet countryside. I would love to visit Barcelona again soon.”

The trip was partially funded by the Santander Mobility Fund and was managed by academic staff Anna Borley-Russell, Gary Mason and Justin Lance.

Anna, Programme Leader of the HND Travel and Tourism Management and MA International Tourism Development, said: “It was a pleasure getting to know the students and seeing friendship groups develop.”

View the video of the trip.