Back from Disney: Insights, Inspiration & Industry Expertise at Our Travel & Tourism Student Conference
11 Feb 2026, 06:14
by Rachel Lewis
We’re firmly back at Voyager HQ and still buzzing from the incredible success of this January’s Travel & Tourism Student Conference at Disneyland® Paris. With exclusive insights from experts at Disney, LeShuttle and Advantage Travel Partnership, this year’s event was packed with inspiration, practical knowledge and invaluable career advice for our students.
Putting Customers at the Heart of Travel
We kicked off the conference with Tracy Bayliss from Le Shuttle, who shared how the organisation is redefining customer experience through significant investment and exciting terminal developments. Tracy gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how Le Shuttle places customers at the centre of its vision — focusing on sustainable innovation and creating a seamless, experience-led travel service. It was a fantastic real-world example of how infrastructure, sustainability and service excellence come together in modern travel.
The Power of Digital in Destination Marketing
Next, Tom Nelson from Disney Destinations took to the stage to explore the digital marketing and e-commerce strategies behind the Walt Disney Travel Company. Tom highlighted the critical role of understanding target audiences and how they interact with brands online. From personalised online journeys to data-driven decision making, students gained valuable insight into how Disney creates magical customer experiences long before guests even arrive at the parks.
Careers Beyond the Cabin Crew
To close the exciting event, Lee Ainsworth from Advantage Travel Partnership — and ITT Board Member — shared his inspiring career journey. Lee encouraged students to think beyond traditional roles such as travel rep or cabin crew, offering practical advice on building a long-term career in the ever-evolving world of travel and tourism. His honest insights into progression, networking and industry development left students feeling motivated and empowered.

Questions, Curiosity & Career Ambitions
We wrapped up the day with a lively Q&A session featuring all three speakers. Students seized the opportunity to dive deeper, ask thoughtful questions and gain even more industry insight. The enthusiasm in the room was clear — a true reflection of the passion these future travel professionals have for the sector.
From customer experience innovation to digital strategy and career pathways, this year’s conference delivered inspiration at every turn. We’re incredibly proud to provide our students with opportunities like this — connecting them directly with industry leaders and giving them a real taste of the dynamic world of Travel & Tourism.
We’re already counting down to January 2027! Get in touch to secure your students this exclusive opportunity →
Who joined this year’s conference?
Almost 400 students gained from the Travel & Tourism conference this year, filling the Gaumont Theatre in the Disney Village. These students came from colleges all over the UK, travelling by coach or air to Paris and staying at the Disney Hotel Cheyenne. Along with a 2 day, 2 Park pass, students also benefited from the Extra Magic Hour and some took advantage of their full time coach to take them on an excursion into Paris.
What did students learn?
Along with the unique opportunity to learn from top brands and industry experts, focused learning resources were also available to download prior to the event. These are designed to use within the resort to boost learning outcomes.
The event and resources are designed by educational and industry professionals to align with Travel & Tourism and Customer Service curricula at Level 2, 3 and beyond.
Don’t miss out in 2027
We run our Travel & Tourism conference alongside our popular Business Studies and NEW Media Studies conferences each January at Disneyland® Paris. This gives colleges the opportunity to team up departments, making travel costs more affordable.
