FIRE XII: Where Future Tour Operators Take the Lead

Beyond classroom learning, students in the Travel and Tourism Management program at Hoa Sen University actively design, organize, and operate real tours, taking on roles similar to those of professionals in the travel industry. Among these experiential initiatives, the FIRE project highlights the Faculty of Hospitality Management’s applied training approach, where students grow through hands-on practice and real project execution.

Experiential Tour Management

Within the FIRE XII Project, 13 third-year students brought theory into practice by designing and operating a 3-day, 2-night tour in Gia Lai Province (formerly Tay Son, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province), serving approximately 25 participants.

Over nearly three months of preparation from March to May 2026, the students independently managed the entire tour process, from conceptual planning to real-world execution. They conducted destination surveys, developed itineraries, prepared budgets, coordinated with service providers, implemented communication plans, sold tour packages, provided customer service, organized opening ceremonies, and directly managed the tour group throughout the journey.

Each task was carried out in a real-world setting, simulating the operations of a travel agency and helping students gain a deeper understanding of industry workflows, strengthen organizational skills, and accumulate professional experience while still at university.

Itinerary Highlighting Gia Lai’s Cultural Identity

Going beyond conventional sightseeing, the student group developed a series of experiences closely tied to the cultural story of Gia Lai.

They engaged in traditional rice paper making, visited the Điện thờ Tây Sơn Tam Kiệt to learn about Hero Nguyễn Huệ, explored Kính Thiên Đài – Bảo Sơn Thiên Ấn, and experienced the natural ecosystem of Cồn Chim Quang Thắng.

Every element of the journey, from destination planning and guide preparation to experiential design, was researched and implemented by the students, resulting in a culturally rich and locally grounded tour.

Experiential Learning for Professional Development

Beyond completing a successful tour, students returned with something even more valuable: firsthand professional experience.

Managing the tour enabled them to strengthen essential professional competencies, including teamwork, time management, problem-solving, customer service, partner coordination, and decision-making in real-world situations. These are fundamental skills for tourism professionals in an industry that increasingly values professionalism, adaptability, and practical experience.

Distinctive Learning Opportunities at HSU Travel and Tourism Management program

The FIRE XII Project reflects HSU’s commitment to experiential learning, in which classrooms extend beyond campus, and every project mirrors professional practice. Rather than learning how to design tours solely through theory, students transform their ideas into real tourism products, operate them firsthand, and take responsibility for every stage of the journey.

This immersive learning model gives Travel and Tourism Management students a “distinctive privilege”: meaningful industry experience before graduation. By combining classroom knowledge with real-world practice, HSU prepares students to enter the tourism sector with confidence, competence, and professional readiness.