South Coast Centre of Excellence tourism and hospitality expo attended by Eurobadalla schools

The next gen of tourism leaders in the Eurobadalla area may have been unearthed, with a number of high school students linking up with industry leaders at a “successful” expo. See the 25+ picture gallery.

Students from multiple Eurobodalla Shire schools found out how they could get involved in the tourism industry.

The next gen of tourism leaders in the Eurobadalla area may have been unearthed, with a number of high school students linking up with industry leaders at a “hugely successful” expo.

Students from Narooma High School, Batemans Bay High and St Peters Anglican College met with tourism leaders, ranging from exploration companies to hospitality, to learn all about the industry.

South Coast Centre of Excellence project manager Robyn Johnson said she wanted to create an experience for students which was more engaging than other events.

“Normal expos where kids walk up and speak to people at stalls just don’t work,” she said. “We wanted to create something which kids could really get engaged with.”

Gallery: The students enjoying the Tourism and Hospitality Experience

The tourism program see’s students from Year 9 to 12 listen to talks by professionals in the tourism and hospitality sectors, who detail their jobs, how the students can get involved and allow them to partake in physical activities.

South Coast Centre of Excellence project manager Robyn Johnson. Picture: Tom McGann.

One of the tourism leaders taking advantage of the expo is Josh Waterson, owner of Eurobadalla-based kayaking and hiking tour company Region X.

“When the kids leave here today, they can have a good think about whether they want to get involved in the tourism industry and they will have a good understanding of how rewarding and fun it can be,” he said.

The experience was first piloted in Ulladulla in November 2022 and was highly regarded by the 80 students and careers advisers who attended, with 98 per cent of the students advising the program provided insights into tourism and hospitality career options.

Now, the program has been held again in the Shoalhaven region, the Eurobodalla region and will be held in the Bega Valley next month.

“We aim to inspire school students to consider a future career in this sector that is rewarding and that offers huge opportunities, especially in regional areas like ours,” Ms Johnson said.