Why a tourism club?
A school tourism club gives students a place to explore their area with fresh eyes, develop ideas and contribute to responsible tourism in the Southern Province. Clubs build communication, leadership and creative skills — and open pathways into tourism careers and further education.
Clubs are the way students take part in the programme’s competitions and the Student & Youth Innovation Challenge.
1. Appoint a teacher coordinator
The principal appoints a teacher (male or female) to be in charge of the club. The teacher coordinator guides the committee, supervises activities, approves anything shared publicly and is the school’s contact with the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau.
2. Elect the student committee
Students select and elect committee members. Key positions:
- President
- Secretary
- Primary Section Committee Representative
- Secondary Section Committee Representative
- Tertiary Section Committee Representative
Keep the process simple and fair, and make sure every section of the school has a voice.
3. Agree a club constitution
A one- or two-page constitution is enough. It can cover:
- The club’s name and purpose
- Who can be a member (all interested students of the school)
- The committee positions and how they are elected each year
- How meetings are held and decisions are made
- The teacher coordinator’s role and the school’s approval for activities
4. Plan your year
Make an annual action plan with the committee. Ideas:
- A tourism awareness session or exhibition at school
- Classroom research on a local heritage site, festival or craft
- Preparing for the speech, essay and art competitions
- An environmental activity, such as a school-led clean-up
- At least one community-based tourism activity each year
- Developing an idea for the Innovation Challenge
5. Keep activities safe and respectful
- All field activities are organised and supervised by the school, with the required permissions.
- Do not publish students’ personal details, and use photos of students only with parent or guardian consent.
- Credit your sources and respect the people and communities you learn from.
Read the Child Safeguarding & Media Consent page for the programme’s full commitments.
6. Register your club
Once your teacher coordinator is in place, register the club online. It takes about three minutes. The programme team will call to confirm, list your school as a registered club in the directory, and keep you informed about competitions, training and awards.