Our new first-year students on the Bachelor in Tourism & Hospitality Management programme took part in an Eductour to discover some of the local players in La Rochelle’s tourism industry.
What exactly is an Eductour?
An Eductour is central to Excelia’s Experiential and Personal Development (EPD) initiative. EPD is a part of all programmes and covers all activities designed to support students in both their personal and professional development, offering them a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of themselves, to grasp the intricacies of the corporate world and to maximise their experiences.
Familiarising our students with tourism companies, careers and industry professionals is one of Excelia’s priorities as a higher education group. That’s why we devised this discovery tour of La Rochelle’s tourism industry and heritage.
With this in mind, students in Year 1 of the Bachelor in Tourism & Hospitality Management set out to discover more about the tourism sector in La Rochelle. Fuelled by their curiosity and their desire to discover and learn, they met up with local professionals in the field. The objective? To fully explore the world of tourism in La Rochelle, meet passionate specialists, develop skills and learn more about the industry.
The world of tourism and hospitality
Cabanes Urbaines
Located in the heart of the city, this environmentally responsible third place perfectly embodies our commitment to sustainable development, by promoting local, mixed-use activities. The students met Benoit Lacroix, Founding Director of this fun and cost-effective hybrid space which offers a whole host of possibilities including a climbing wall, a bar/restaurant, a health/wellbeing area (yoga, sophrology, osteopathy), a coworking space, a shared garden and much more!
Mercure Hôtel Restaurant
The students also met Raphaël Pelé, an Excelia graduate who is now the Assistant Manager of La Rochelle’s Mercure Hotel, a 4-star establishment located in the heart of the city near the Historic Port. The hotel features a fitness room, a private car park and a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city’s three emblematic towers. The marine-inspired guest rooms offer a view of the port.
Auberge de jeunesse
La Rochelle Youth Hostel is ideally located close to the city’s historic centre and the port of Les Minimes, and is perfect for individuals, families, friends or groups. Philippe Moretti, General Manager, gave our first-year students a warm welcome.
Tourist transport ‘with a difference’
Inter-îles
Inter-îles is a maritime company offering sea transport and a range of trips to Fort Boyard and the Atlantic islands… Île d'Aix, Île d'Oleron and Île de Ré. Bruno Etiembre, Sales Director, was delighted to welcome our Exceliens, giving them an insight into the company’s activities.
Kapalouest
Kapalouest is one of La Rochelle’s flagship companies, offering sailing trips on maxi-catamarans and a Columbus maxi-sailboat. They offer unforgettable experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the Rochelais archipelago, cruise around Fort Boyard, relax on the boat’s trampolines, watch the sun set over the horizon, enjoy time with friends on the bow of the boat or simply admire the stunning Atlantic islands. The company’s Associate Manager, Benjamin Colson, joined the students on their excursion at sea.
Mobilboard
Mobilboard La Rochelle is a specialist company in outdoor leisure and tourism activities centred on electric mobility. They offer guided Segway tours, electric scooter trips, rental of electric mopeds and scooters, as well as the Green Pursuit game and Escape Games. Laura Pavageau, Agency Manager and graduate of the Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management, was delighted to introduce her agency and its activities.
Key tourism partners in La Rochelle
The Tourist Office - La Rochelle Tourism Events
Our coastal city hosts numerous festivals, fairs and events every year. La Rochelle Tourist Office compiles a list of events covering a wide range of interests, such as music, dance, cinema, theatre, sport and sailing. Some of the well-known festivals include the Francofolies French music festival, the International Film Festival, the TV Fiction Festival, the Grand Pavois in-water boat show, Sunny Side of the Doc, Jazz Entre les Deux Tours and the Marathon. The Tourist Office also manages the events and trade fairs held at the Espace Encan, one of La Rochelle’s most emblematic venues. The students were welcomed by Frédérique Michely, Head of External Relations.
Selectour - Côte Ouest Voyages
Florence Boutin, Manager of the Business Platform for the agency, gave a presentation about her role to the students at Excelia Tourism School. The company offers unique travel experiences, combining quality, comfort and adventure. Their services include holidays to exotic destinations, cultural tours, adventure travel, unforgettable cruises, tailor-made trips and all-inclusive packages.
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to all our partner companies and organisations who made this event possible.
