Start Up: Travel and Tourism
Registration for this year’s competition is now closed.
Start Up:Travel and Tourism challenges learners to submit their ideas for a tourism business in their local area. Successful 
entrants will be guided by ‘stepping stones’ to develop the Marketing and Finance aspect of their businesses.
The following groups were judged to be the most outstanding ideas. Our judging panel chose them because they were the most Viable, Profitable, Sustainable and Original. They will each be granted £1000 courtesy of Virgin Holidays to start up their businesses.
The finalists:
Winners will be announced in June. Check out the judges.
Blackpool Sixth-Form College
Olivia Johnson-Allen
Idea:
My idea is a discount keyring for the attractions, restaurants and transport of Blackpool. It will work by customers being able to purchase the keyring at hotels, Blackpool Airport, attractions, tourist information, visit Blackpool, online booking and travel agents.
What the judges said:
“Original idea. Identified a need and looked at pricing in detail. Considered the sustainability and environmental impact of the product.“Laura Greenman
Cornwall College St. Austell
Eco Bikes
Karolina Wrobel
Idea:
My idea for a travel and tourism business is to organise bicycle tours around eco-friendly visitor attractions in Cornwall such as Eden Project, the most well-known beaches and gardens. The package would include bike hire from the tour start point, entry fee to attraction and tour guide and there aren’t any similar businesses in this area. It is a sustainable idea incorporating transport with a minimum impact on the environment with educating people on appreciating nature.
What the judges said:
“Is clear that the person is passionate about the business has thought about all aspects of the set up and importantly, is realistic.”Tom Marchant
Swansea College
Surf Shack
David Godfrey, Elizabeth Ali, Victoria Hibert, Jessica Parker, Emma Conboy
Idea:
Our business is a shop (hut) on the beach called ‘Surf Shack’ which sells a variety of items to use on the beach in the summer such as snacks and drinks, surf boards, children’s toys, sun cream and accessories such as hats and sun glasses and many other items. In the winter we would bring in a different type of stock to sell such as toys for dogs such as frisbees and balls and tea, coffee, hot chocolate and also warm and cold snacks such as pasties, sausage rolls, bacon rolls and many other foods. Also we would rent items out such as chairs and sun beds, umbrellas and we would also rent out radios so that people could listen to music whilst sun bathing
What the judges said:
“Fresh ideas for making the beach experience more enjoyable. Thought about year-round business and how to keep going during the low season. Considered competition and discussed location. Looked at how staff can help keep the environment tidy.”Laura Greenman
The Oldham College
MSLTours (Manchester Sports & Leisure Tours Ltd)
Gareth Albert, Raji Miah, Lois Byrne, Chelby Clarkson, Shahid Ullah
Idea:
We feel that we would be able to offer guided tour in and around the sporting infrastructure in Manchester to the local people and tourists visiting Manchester with the aim of making people aware of the amount of sporting opportunities that are available to a local community.
What the judges said
“An original idea to my knowledge which would appeal to domestic but especially the overseas market that follow MUFC and MCFC. Use of public transport would ensure a more sustainable product and potentially cheaper.”John Humphreys
What next?
- Remember to check back regularly to see how they are getting on, please email luc@enterpriseuk.org for information on next years competition.
- Visit the Further Education homepage
Blackpool Sixth Form College
Shamal AKA HR
Ashleigh Walmsley, Hollie Nelson, Ashleigh Bleasdale, Kelly Wiseman, Rachael Reader
Idea:
Our idea is to sell entertainment packages about Blackpool on transport, at accommodation and also found at Tourist Information Centres etc. They will be educational so children can learn for them and they are available for ages from 3-13+ years.
What the judges said:
“Very fun, innovative, like the idea of the competitions to raise awareness of local environmental or community issues”
Jon Winfield
Read Start Up: Travel and Tourism terms and conditions
