As part of an ongoing effort to promote hospitality management careers around the world, in mid-November Les Roches Marbella hosted the 2nd International Counselors Forum. The IC Forum is designed to introduce secondary school guidance counselors to the hospitality industry and the benefits of studying a specialized career in Hospitality Management. The forum brought together 25 guidance counselors from schools in ten different countries: Spain, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Canada, Chile, China, El Salvador, United States, Kazakhstan and Mexico.
During the three day event, the counselors attended key seminars that detailed what a career in hospitality involves, the current state and future forecasts of the industry´s employment potential, the diverse opportunities available in related and non-related sectors, and the benefits of studying abroad in a world leading hotel management school.
The forum also provided a great opportunity to experience firsthand how our students are trained to be successful in this demanding industry. In addition to the informative seminars, attendees toured our craft-based learning facilities and met with members of the faculty and student body.
However, the schedule of events didn’t end with getting to know Les Roches Marbella. During their stay, the counselors also visited the Kempinski Hotel in Estepona to learn about the complexity of running a successful luxury hotel and the various departments that depend on highly qualified professionals.
Of course, it wasn’t all work and no play as they were able to spend free time exploring the beautiful city of Marbella. On the last day of the forum they were treated to a day trip to the beautiful Andalusian village of Ronda. While there, they toured the historic town center and indulged in a delicious homemade paella at the well-known local restaurant “Mirador de la Espinela”.
For many of the forum’s participants, it was not only their first time experiencing the dynamic hospitality industry firsthand but was also the first time they had ever visited Spain. We sincerely hope it was an experience they will not soon forget. From all of us at Les Roches Marbella, we wish to thank all of the counselors who took time from their busy schedules to be part of this exciting event and we hope to see them all again soon.
