Tourism students discover Kingston’s heritage

Submitted by Hasan Kettaneh, PhD, School of Business 
 
In an exciting collaboration with Tourism Kingston, I recently led Tourism students, as part of their Arts and Cultural Tourism class, on a city-wide scavenger hunt designed to enrich their understanding of Kingston's historical and cultural heritage.  

This experiential learning activity challenged students to work in groups, decipher clues, and uncover some of Kingston's most iconic sites. Armed with hints, prepared by Alex Allain from TK, about various historical, cultural, and tourism attractions, the students set off to identify these places, locate them on the map, and visit each site in groups. Their journey took them to notable landmarks across the city, where they took group photos, engaged with staff members by asking questions, and shared their experiences on social media. 
  
The scavenger hunt not only provided a hands-on learning experience but also fostered a deeper connection between the students and the vibrant community of Kingston. The interactive nature of the activity made it a hit among participants, who appreciated the blend of teamwork, adventure, and education. 
  
I emphasized the importance of such practical experiences in tourism, noting that they offer invaluable insights that traditional classroom settings cannot. The success of this initiative highlights the potential of experiential learning in preparing students for real-world challenges in the tourism industry. 
 
Stay tuned for more innovative and engaging activities from the Arts and Cultural Tourism class (HOTE24) and their ongoing collaboration with local communities!