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City teenagers to take part in innovative tourism trail

16 Sep 2011

A major new Glasgow Service with Style initiative is set to give hundreds of teenagers an insight into a career in tourism and hospitality. On September 28 and 29, 300 of Glasgow’s S5 pupils will take part in a new skills challenge called The Glasgow Trail.

The three-hour competitive skills challenge for 16-year-olds will be hosted in different venues in the city centre. Competing in teams, the pupils will follow a trail around Glasgow answering a quiz on key Glasgow tourism facts and figures.

The youngsters will visit the Gallery of Modern Art, where they will take part in a sculpture challenge, and the Radisson blu Hotel to lay a banqueting table.  The third stop will be at The Lighthouse to find out about working in this key attraction and also hear the story of its world famous city architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

A Glasgow Trail booklet, which will be used on the day, will also highlight key selling points of the city, including world class events such as the MOBOs, Mackintosh architecture, the Merchant City quarter and city shopping.

GSWS chair, Graeme Gibson, of Radisson blu Hotel, said: “The Glasgow Trail is an innovative idea that offers a truly valuable insight for teenagers into the tourism industry. The interactive programme of hospitality and tourism events that take place as part of this initiative has been carefully planned and thought out.

“We think this is a great way for youngsters to learn about the importance of tourism and the benefits of good customer service – and how this will enhance the city’s tourism industry.

“We hope that the Glasgow Trail will lead more of our city’s teenagers into a fulfilling career in hospitality and tourism.”

The Glasgow Trail initiative will also give pupils an opportunity to attend a specially tailored version of the city-wide Glasgow Welcomes customer service training programme, which is aimed at schools and delivered by a team of industry trainers from hotels and attractions.

A special Awards Evening will be held on November 2 at the City Chambers, at which parents, teachers and guests will celebrate the pupils’ success on the Trail.

The Glasgow Trail is the result of a successful partnership of Glasgow Service with Style with partners Skills Development Scotland, Springboard, Glasgow City Council’s Education Department and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.