In the dynamic realm of tourism and hospitality, innovation and strategic collaboration are pivotal. At Bukit Vista, a leader in redefining guest experiences, we are proud to announce a pioneering partnership with the Tourism Bachelor Studies of UGM. I am Dea Novita, part of the PR team at Bukit Vista, and it is my pleasure to introduce an initiative that bridges academic insight with industry innovation through our insighful Guest Lecture agenda.
A Brief Introduction about Our Insightful Guest Lecture Session at Tourism Bachelor Studies
In an engaging and forward-thinking initiative, Bukit Vista and the Tourism Bachelor Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a guest lecture that offered students unique insights and practical knowledge about the evolving landscape of the tourism industry. The session, held in a hybrid format on March 5th, was meticulously planned and led by prominent figures in the field. The lecture was further enriched by the material by Furqon Jamil, VP of Employees and Company Culture at Bukit Vista, and Gunung Ghania, VP of Marketing, who together facilitated a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
A sense of eagerness was palpable among the students of Universitas Gadjah Mada, with Dafina, Alya, and Rifat shining as exemplars of the keen spirit that pervaded the room. Dafina, a visionary planner, cast her gaze forward, seeking to master the intricacies of property management with an eye for sustainability and ethical entrepreneurship. Alya then emerged as a global strategist, her inquisitive mind latching onto Pak Fahmi’s teachings and Mr. Jing’s international expertise, embodying the fusion of local knowledge and global strategic thinking critical to Indonesia’s growing tourism sector. Rifat stood out as the future collaborator, intent on grasping the initial steps of entrepreneurship, and valuing the power of partnerships that underpin successful ventures.
Right before delving into real-world applications and case studies, Furqon, our esteemed speaker, wisely chose to review the foundational business models within the Indonesian tourism sector, as recognized by the students themselves. Rafli started with the Agoda system, a comprehensive platform accommodating the booking of hotels, flights, and tours, all within a single application—an embodiment of the Online Travel Agent (OTA) model, as Dina concisely pointed out.
Asva brought attention to the future of tourism business models with transportation services like Garuda, which facilitate tourist mobility, a statement that Lita corroborated, emphasizing transportation as a pivotal tool for tourist travel to various destinations. Furthermore, Selfila illuminated the session with insights into the burgeoning field of event management within the tourism industry, underlining its significance in attracting tourists and ensuring a high visitation rate to destinations by creating compelling attractions. These student contributions set the stage for a rich discussion, laying a solid groundwork before Furqon led the class into exploring the practical case studies that awaited them.
Innovative Learning by Case Studies
Subscription-based Accommodation Model: An Innovative Solution
The animated discussion in UGM’s guest lecture hall was a testament to the innovative spirit of the future leaders in the hospitality industry. The session, led by the astute and charismatic speaker Furqon, unfolded with the presentation of a thought-provoking case study featuring Alex, an entrepreneur poised to revolutionize the lodging market with a subscription-based accommodation model.
This case study sparked a flurry of ideas among the students, mirroring a brainstorming session where everyone could voice their perspectives. The room was abuzz as the attendees dissected Alex’s vision, recognizing the potential for a model offering travelers flexibility, value, and a sense of community. The conversation pivoted around the concept of co-living accommodations—an idea resembling traditional boarding houses, where individuals live together, share common spaces, and contribute individually to the costs.
Vanessa then articulated the business angle, suggesting partnerships with hotels where a mutual commitment could evolve into subscribers gaining access to exclusive workshops or seminars. Lazuardi added depth by discussing the added membership benefits, like discounts or accommodation upgrades, which could serve as incentives for customer loyalty and retention.
Helen and Risma brought additional dimensions to the discussion, pointing to the MICE sector’s role in the subscription model and how the tourism landscape has shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reyna and Saka mentioned social engagement and discounts as critical elements for the subscription model’s success, providing a sense of belonging and value to the guests.
The lecture navigated the complexities of implementing such a model in the real world, considering factors like economic viability, social dynamics, and scalability. It became evident that while students were captivated by the subscription model’s novelty, they were equally pragmatic about the operational challenges it presented.
Technological Development in Future Tourism
Transitioning seamlessly from the exploration of subscription-based models to the intricate dance of technology and hospitality, the guest lecture at UGM hosted by Furqon took a deep dive into the challenges of integrating AI, VR, and IoT into the guest experience. The second case study introduced Taylor, a visionary keen on redefining guest interactions through advanced technology, while maintaining the invaluable human touch. The students, primed by their earlier discussions, were ready to tackle this complex scenario with fresh insights and innovative thinking.
Maria led the discourse with a compelling argument for the role of AI in enhancing daily life through technological applications. Lazuardi then built on this, differentiating between the nuances of AI and deep learning, underscoring the profound potential of such technology to mimic and even surpass human problem-solving abilities in real-time. Jihan suggested an application of AI that resonates with the modern traveler: a streamlined, self-service check-in process to simplify the guest’s arrival experience.
As the discussion turned to the Internet of Things, Putri presented the innovative concept of Bobobox, which promised a level of autonomy for guests through smart amenities and self-access systems. This practical application of IoT in the hospitality setting sparked imaginations and highlighted the seamless potential of smart technology in enhancing the guest’s control over their stay. Lazuardi circled back to the importance of deep learning, proposing a system where the technology learns guest preferences to offer a truly personalized experience.
Rounding out the session, Risma reminded everyone of the need for professional expertise in realizing the full potential of these technologies. As they dissected Taylor’s ambitious plan, the students were acutely aware of the fine balance required between the adoption of cutting-edge technology and the safeguarding of guest privacy. The case study not only showcased their analytical skills but also their ability to foresee the practical implications of technology integration in hospitality.
Career Insights and Future Direction
The lecture concluded with valuable career advice and insights into the mindset necessary for success in the tourism industry. The speakers shared tips on avoiding common career mistakes and stressed the importance of an innovative and forward-thinking approach to business. The discussion aimed to prepare students for future challenges, encouraging them to be creative problem solvers and to embrace opportunities for growth in the tourism sector. This part of the lecture served to motivate and guide students in their career paths, emphasizing the need for a strong, adaptable mindset in the fast-evolving landscape of tourism and hospitality.
Conclusion
This guest lecture, initiated by Bukit Vista and embraced by UGM’s Tourism Bachelor Studies, represents a significant step forward in bridging academic knowledge with industry practices. By introducing students to new concepts like subscription-based accommodation services and engaging them in Socratic learning, the session not only expanded their understanding of the tourism industry but also equipped them with the critical thinking and innovative mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of the global market. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, such initiatives are invaluable in preparing the next generation of tourism professionals to lead with insight, creativity, and resilience.
Following the success of our recent collaboration, Bukit Vista is excited to offer more enriching experiences to university students. Our unique insights into the evolving tourism industry can further bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world practices, preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.
We propose making our guest lectures a regular part of your curriculum, diving deeper into innovative topics and trends. Let’s continue inspiring the future leaders of tourism together.
Interested in exploring this further? Reach out to us to set up a discussion on how we can shape the next generation of tourism professionals.