The THOR Institute was thrilled to welcome students from across the University of Maine system to Southern Maine for the latest Vacationland course: Best Practices in Sustainable Tourism Management – Maine and Greenland.
Vacationland students came together with place-based experiential learning opportunities to dive more deeply into sustainable tourism and hospitality management in and around Portland, while building relationships with each other and with local industry leaders, as well! Students also had the opportunity to build cross-cultural relationships with visiting students from Greenland during their time at the University of Southern Maine, resulting in a truly collaborative knowledge exchange for everyone involved.
“Building connections with the Greenlandic students provided me with new perspectives, and new friendships!” stated one Vacationland student. “It was an adventure-packed five days!”
Students experienced firsthand the sustainability practices of several local businesses, including Luke’s Lobster (a Certified B Corp since 2018!) and Rocky Bottom Fisheries, while expanding their knowledge of the working waterfront industry in connection with sustainable tourism. Students also learned about centering Indigenous perspectives and experiences, as well, under the guidance of our partners at Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness.
“These new tourism experiences added to my understanding of the tourism industry as a whole,” stated another Vacationland student. “All of these experiences taught me things that benefit my understanding and skills within the industry.”
This Vacationland course not only provided opportunities for students to develop deeper insights into the sustainability of the tourism industry in Maine, but also resulted in cross-cultural connections that will last into the future.
“I am so thankful for the whole experience and would do it all over again if I had the opportunity,” stated one student.