News #3

*colored texts are clickable links, do hop around!*

As what have been updated here, it is obvious that we have got all details confirmed and we are ready to pack and depart! :) Before that, let us go through what has been done in class, and what has been shared and updated here so that we'll be fully prepared for the trip! ;)

Madey Shihab shared with us and summed up all of our pre-tour process. Therefore, do hop to this post of him; Pre Tour Summary to get ideas of what has happened and to get clues on our departure later on. Thank you Madey for the informative summary! :)

Sarah Wijesinghe has explained and given us a quick look on our itinerary in Sri Lanka, take your time and read it just to get insights what we will be facing later on ;) Aminath Ishrath has brilliantly discussed on the civil war of Sri Lanka to give us ideas on what happened in the past, and also she is thoughtful enough to share her research on all four hotels that we would be staying in when we are there. Many thanks to Ishrath!

It is amazing how Zaid shares their personal experience in handling our visa matters with Sri Lankan embassy. It is a good article as it provides insights how the embassy issues their visas. And it was nice for Mashi to share what his team has come up with for our Risk Management Plan! We are fortunate to be assisted with a concerned Crisis Team who will be ensuring the smoothness of our trip and of course, our safety in Sri Lanka :)

Do take a look and read what Diana has to share on Sigiriya. It was nice of her to provide us with upfront information on the site and on the same time making us all excited to visit the place ourselves! and let's not forget to read what Irvan has to share on Hikkaduwa, a famous beach in Sri Lanka. He suggests some activities that we can engage there ;)

Mentioning Hikkaduwa reminds me of posts written by Grace Tham :) Being a passionate diver, she shares some information and of course her excitement on diving in Sri Lanka! other than that, she has also contributed another post which focuses on the sport surfing. So anyone who's thinking of diving or surfing in Sri Lanka, do hop around and read Grace's posts!

Other than that, we received a post specially written by our lovely guests from Switzerland, Corrine Jucker and Nina Wüst. It is quite interesting to read on how they see us and their opinions of us and Taylor's University. These two Swiss exchange students seem to be enjoying themselves and are excited of our upcoming trip too. Let's give them a memorable experience and let's continue to provide them with Asian hospitality! :p

Oh, Sarah has also shared an important information to us on our page, did you see it? You can bring your ringgit or US dollars there and get them exchanged with Sri Lankan rupee. Don't worry on that ok ;) and bring as much as you think you need, it's really up to you to decide. And not to forget, thanks to Malika Temirova for being thoughtful to have shared this video; Packing like a Pro on our Facebook page.. I hope this video would be helpful! still, Ishrath has reminded us to pack light as we would be changing hotels :p

guessed you guys have watched it.. Did you get to lessen the headache? :p 

So we have managed to settle all what is needed for our study trip. Great thanks to our Tour Manager, Madey Shihab for working hard on this, Grace Tham for assisting him, applied all of our visas on her own and also monitored on other tasks. Not to forget both Aminath Ishrath and Sarah Wijesinghe for making many arrangements, negotiated with our suppliers and settling issues all by themselves. And to other classmates who have been a huge help in making this trip feasible. And lastly, of course to our one and only lecturer, Paolo Mura who has been with us since day 1 of this tour planning and will be accompanying us during the trip and yeah, till the semester ends :p Thank you.... 

Let's start packing and let's make it a memorable trip for everyone! 

Sri Lanka, you'll be invaded...... see you tomorrow!

:p

Regards,
Class Trip Secretary 

News #2

Week 5
Venue: Tourism Room II, Taylor's University

REPORT

The class started with the discussion on our Visa application. Diana and Zaid are the ones in charge with Visa related matters. Diana posted the personal information form on our Facebook page for everyone to fill it in. Since there were some confusions on that form, Diana clarified and explained to the whole class on what is needed and what is asked in that form.

There was a short discussion on the possibility of changing our destination. Diana brought it up saying that she heard some words about it. Paolo joked on changing it to Singapore and he also stressed on the workload if we were to change our destination. It would not be a smart decision. The rest of the class agreed and Cheryl mentioned that she would never want to change the destination.

The class was still unclear with the cost of our trip. Paolo insisted to have Madey in the class as he has all information regarding the trip. Assad went out and called Madey to present on the budget. Madey came and presented to the class on our three options for the trip. He showed and explained the breakdown costings of each option. He further justified why are we choosing Holiday Tours as our booking means. 

Madey has also highlighted on the financial burden that we would be facing. Every student would have to top-up around MYR 400 - 500 each. He has also acknowledged that his team would try their best to get the cheaper deal for our 5D/4N trip. He mentioned that if there is any unfortunate event that any of our classmates could not come up with that amount, he welcome us to talk on this personally with him or Grace.

Further discussion on the role of F&B department. Paolo emphasized to those who are in charge on the importance of knowing all students' preferences. The whole class has pointed out that we are all fine with pork-free food. Corrine has also jotted all information on those who have allergies. Grace made it clear that she is allergic to peanuts... We'll make sure no peanuts get near you Grace! :p

The class then was brought to another important discussion, which is our Risk Management Plan. Mashi presented the plan that he and his team have came up with. Buddy system proposed by Joon Neng earlier last week was highlighted again. Paolo seems to be fond of that idea. 

Mashi further explained on the roles and duties of a group leader. He then showed the list of embassies for everyone. Unfortunately, Oman and Kazakhstan embassies could not be found/are not listed. Sarah mentioned that some embassies are together with another embassy. Paola then suggested for everyone to start searching/locating for the two embassies to ensure the safety of our two friends, Assad and Malika!

Health issue was also brought up during the class. Our Crisis Team is aware of those students who might be needing special attention during the trip. Some were asked on how serious could their conditions be. Students who are taking daily medication are also advised to have their medicines prescribed before leaving to the country to avoid any customs problem.

Other than that, Paolo mentioned on the Sri Lankan Civil War. He suggested for us to find someone to talk and discuss about it when we get there. Specifically on how the country organize itself after the war? and how are they trying to attract tourists? Simply said, if we could find someone to talk to on how the country manage its tourism after the war, it would be good. 

It is week 5 and we have gotten the estimation cost of our trip! Paolo insisted for a final proposal by next week. Chop-chop, let's do this guys! ;)

Till our next news!

Class Trip Secretary,
October 5th, 2012

News #1

Week 4

Venue: Tourism Room II, Taylor's University

REPORT  

The trip proposal was presented today to Paolo. Our tour manager Madey Shihab headed the presentation and representatives from respective departments presented theirs. Sarah presented the itinerary of the trip, Ishrath as our treasurer presented the financial report and costing of the trip and Joon Neng showed and explained on Risk Management Plan to the class on behalf of the Crisis Team. 

During the presentation, Paolo made some remarks and a lot of important comments. The proposal that was presented today was vague and there were a lot of ambiguities. The itinerary presented was not detailed enough and there were some free slots. Timing was not set up efficiently and activities were still undecided. As for the costing report, Ishrath had trouble coming up with a definite and specific amount as there were not much information of quotations from other teams for her to use.

Risk Management Plan was also lack in details. Paolo mentioned that the plan needs to be refined and detailed. A complete simplified action plan is needed for a good proposal. Joon Neng explained on how they would manage any situations in any case of emergency and further acknowledged that their team would have everything jotted and simplified in a better format.

There were also some discussions made during the presentation. Clash of ideas between some students on the itinerary and some have also suggested new ideas for the activities. Ishrath proposed to swap the details for day 4 and day 5 to not waste any time. Grace was quite reluctant as she was unsure whether they would have time for their dives and they had little information on Sri Lanka's dive centers. 

Food & beverage department duty was also highlighted during the presentation. It is very important for them to consider everyone's preference and to find suitable restaurants. These restaurants should be able to cater a group of students and their price quotation should be made clear. Paolo gave a good example on the efficiency of his previous class F&B for their trip to Cambodia. Food & beverage team was reminded to come up with places to eat (according to students' preferences) and the price for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Paolo mentioned that the class would have to have an activity that is related to the course Integrated Resorts Management as some budget is taken from the subject. To have a team building activity was proposed by Joon Neng to fill in the free time slot and Sarah suggested to visit an eco-tourism site. Paolo has also stressed on students' preferences; it is up for us students and we have to decide on it. So, will there be a new committee to be in charged with the team building activity and the educational visit program?

At the end of the class, Madey ended the presentation by stressing on the workload that the class will be facing. There are a lot of work to do and it is very important to finalize the proposal. Madey and Grace delegated the task and reminded all on what we have to do. The class has to have the final and detailed proposal for Paolo to forward and get it approved by Mr. Frederic.  

And so, let's do this together and get it right! Good communication is the key! ;)

Till our next news! 

Class Trip Secretary

Sept 29th, 2012