At Western Community College, we believe that real-world expertise is one of the most valuable things we can bring into the classroom for our hospitality students. That’s why we were pleased to welcome Gerardo Corro, MPA, Executive Director at Tourism New Westminster, for a special industry session with our hospitality students.
A Career Shaped by Passion for Tourism
Drawing from his extensive career in the tourism sector, including his experience founding Rotamundos, Gerardo shared his perspective on a range of topics central to a career in tourism and hospitality. He spoke about the career paths available to students entering the field, the fundamentals of destination marketing, and the growing role technology plays in how destinations connect with travellers. He also discussed emerging trends shaping the industry, along with the realities of entrepreneurship, giving students a candid look at both the opportunities and the challenges facing tourism today.
For our hospitality students, hearing directly from a destination marketing leader like Gerardo offers a perspective that’s difficult to replicate in a classroom alone — a firsthand account of how strategy, community partnerships, and innovation come together to shape a destination’s tourism industry.
Real Talk: An Open Q&A Session
The session also included an open Q&A, giving students the chance to ask their own questions and hear directly about the day-to-day realities of working in tourism. These moments of genuine dialogue are where guest sessions like this one leave their biggest impression, allowing students to connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the lived experience of an industry professional.
Thank You, Gerardo
We extend our sincere thanks to Gerardo Corro for generously sharing his experience with our students and taking the time to connect with the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals. Sessions like this reflect our ongoing commitment to giving hospitality students meaningful exposure to the leaders shaping the industry they’re preparing to join.
We look forward to continuing to bring these kinds of enriching learning opportunities to our hospitality students at Western Community College.
Interested in learning more about the hospitality programs at Western Community College? Reach out to our admissions team to find out how we’re preparing students for success in the tourism and hospitality industry at https://wcc.ca
