Kangan Students, 2012 Developing Tourism Leaders Awards

Final year Advanced Diploma of Tourism student Jessy Martins has impressed industry representatives with her acute understanding of the sector and was awarded the 2012 Developing Tourism Leaders (DTL) Hospitality Award.

Held at the Port Melbourne Yacht Club on Tuesday 13th November, this year's DTL Awards recognised ten final year tertiary students across various categories such as tourism, hospitality and events.

Established by Service Skills Victoria, the awards celebrated innovative business or event plans, with submissions judged by industry service representatives based on feasibility of the business, product innovation and knowledge of the industry.

Jessy's submission was based on a luxury boutique villa style accommodation in Bali's northern beaches of Lovina. The concept incorporated a luxury experience which gave visitors an opportunity to 'live in paradise' at an affordable cost.

"Kangan Institute contributed to my success 100%; without the support of my great teachers over the last 2 years, especially Ifzal and Karen, I would not have been able to find my passion for the tourism industry and reach my full potential," she said.

This is the second big feat for the 23-year-old who also won the Travelport Agent of the Future award in Sydney last year. The Eltham resident is now in a better position than ever to take on the world - DTL award-winning students will be invited to apply for student work placement in their respective categories.

Organisations offering work placement include Accor Hotels, City of Melbourne, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Hamilton Island. Jessy too has big dreams of her own. "My future plans are to implement my business plan (Aurora Villas Lovina) and make the villa business my career however before that I would love to work with Emirates airline as I've always wanted to work as a flight attendant since I was a little girl and I believe it would be a wonderful experience before going into the industry as a small business owner," she said.

We congratulate Jessy and wish her the very best in her next endeavours!