Estonian Excursion Inspires Travel and Tourism Students at West Nottinghamshire College

By West Notts College Contributor
Published March 31, 2025

In an engaging cultural exchange, travel and tourism students from West Nottinghamshire College recently returned from a seven-night trip to Estonia, where they explored the local culture and engaged in meaningful discussions about responsible tourism. This journey not only sparked their interest in the subject but also provided firsthand experience to enrich their academic assignments.

A Focus on Responsible Tourism

The group of Level 3 Extended Diploma students concentrated on the various strategies that Estonia has implemented to promote responsible tourism. Throughout the trip, they interacted with local residents to understand their perspectives on how tourism affects the environment and local communities. One of the highlights of the visit was participating in the Estonian National Independence Day celebrations on February 24. This significant event showcased the pride of the Estonian people through fireworks, concerts, and a parade of defense forces.

Explorations in Tartu

During their stay in the city of Tartu, the students visited several attractions that allowed them to understand the tourism infrastructure. They experienced the well-known Tagupidi Maja, or the upside-down house, along with a thrilling snow tubing activity at Tartu Lume Park. The students also took a trip to the AHHAA Science Centre, where they analyzed marketing strategies aimed at attracting different customer demographics while maintaining local cultural integrity.

A significant portion of their time was spent at VOCO College, where they engaged in cultural exchanges with Estonian students. They delivered presentations on life, history, and education in the UK, along with reflections on their experiences in Tartu, bridging gaps between the two educational systems.

Highlights of Tallinn

The last two days were dedicated to exploring Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, located approximately 100 miles from Tartu. Students visited the Tallinn TV Tower, the tallest observation platform in the Nordic countries, reaching 175 meters. This experience allowed them to analyze how such attractions appeal to various visitors while preserving the local culture.

Student Reflections

Hannah Locke, the travel and tourism program area leader, commented on the success of the trip. She stated, “Our time in Tartu and Tallinn was incredible, both in terms of research and culture. Students managed to overcome language barriers and low confidence, presenting their findings clearly and professionally.”

Students shared their excitement about the experience. Mia Wilkinson, 18, expressed, “I really enjoyed visiting Estonia! I felt I learned so much from the amazing activities, like the upside-down house and living with my friends for a week. The trip was well-planned, and I would definitely go again.”

Another student, Maizy Allsop, 17, added, “Everything about the trip was amazing. The balance between structured activities and some downtime helped make it an unforgettable week. I would recommend it to anyone interested in traveling!”

Conclusion

The trip to Estonia not only enhanced the students' understanding of responsible tourism practices but also fostered valuable cultural exchanges. With the successful completion of the journey, students look forward to applying their newfound knowledge to future assignments and projects in their travel and tourism studies.

Photo credit: Rebecca Howarth