The visit gave learners a valuable insight into the wide variety of roles involved in creating memorable visitor experiences and managing successful tourist attractions.

Throughout the day, learners participated in four interactive workshops: Retail, Visitor Experience, Site Management and Catering. Each activity allowed them to develop practical skills, learn about different career pathways and experience what it might be like to work within this thriving industry.

 

Learners explored the art of visual merchandising by working with a display cabinet and a range of products that needed rearranging to create the greatest impact for customers. They discovered how product placement influences buying decisions, learned some useful “tricks of the trade” for attracting attention and discussed why certain souvenirs and merchandise appeal to tourists. As part of the session, learners also designed and created their own badges inspired by the Auckland Project.

 

During a guided tour of the Spanish Gallery, learners discovered the important role visitor guides play in creating welcoming, informative and safe experiences for guests. They explored the skills needed to confidently engage with visitors while also helping to protect valuable exhibits and displays. Learners then took part in roleplay activities, practising how to greet visitors, guide tours and politely reinforce gallery rules such as no food or drink and not touching the exhibits.

 

Learners met with one of the site managers responsible for overseeing several areas across the Auckland Project. They learned about the challenges of managing multiple sites, transporting valuable items safely and ensuring that health and safety procedures are followed at all times. The session also gave learners the chance to practise safe handling techniques, including lifting and moving delicate objects correctly and carefully.

 

In The Bishop’s Tearoom, learners stepped into the world of hospitality by making strawberry cream tarts and learning how tables are carefully prepared for afternoon tea service. They developed skills such as following instructions, evaluating presentation standards and responding to different customer needs and requests.

The entire day was a fantastic experience that our learners embraced with enthusiasm, confidence and maturity. It was wonderful to see them developing new skills, asking thoughtful questions and gaining a real insight into the exciting opportunities available within the leisure and tourism sector.