The future looks bright for the BSAP class of 2025
Tourism education has certainly changed since the Baxter Student Ambassador Program (BSAP) began 11 years ago with the goal of supporting exceptional tourism and hospitality students as they graduate and enter the workforce.
With the ups and downs of pandemics, funding cuts and international student caps, colleges and universities have had to demonstrate adaptability and resilience — as have their students. What has stayed constant is the spirit of mentorship and commitment to uplifting students in their pursuit of careers in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
This is where BSAP comes in. The program was launched at Humber College in the 2014/15 school year and has since expanded to partner with 19 schools across the country. Every year, one Baxter Student Ambassador is selected to represent each school after a rigorous application process that includes a written questionnaire and a webinar presentation in front of a panel of judges. Winning Ambassadors are awarded with a prize package that supports the launch of their careers as they graduate and begin job hunting.
This year’s Ambassadors will receive:
- A $500 bursary cheque
- Mentorship with an industry professional hand-selected according to their unique career goals
- A certificate of achievement
- BSAP Ambassador distinction on resumes and social media
- The chance to win a $500 travel credit with Contiki [one winner]
- The chance to win complimentary attendance to a Tourism Industry Association of Ontario conference [one winner]
- And, of course, a profile in Travel Courier magazine to introduce them to the industry
Says Nazmi Kamal, an instructor at Capilano University’s School of Tourism Management, “Since 2017, I have witnessed eight outstanding students receive this prestigious award, and like all faculty, I deeply appreciate the recognition and opportunities it provides. The Baxter Student Ambassador Program has become a hallmark of excellence, showcasing top-tier student talent from within our tourism programs. Without a doubt, BSAP is a powerful platform for nurturing, showcasing and elevating the next generation of tourism professionals.”
Our outstanding Ambassadors embody the qualities needed for success in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry — effective communication, analytical skills, a forward-thinking mindset, service to others and many more. These future professionals have career aspirations ranging from destination marketing and travel advising to food and beverage management and airline support staff. Several have an entrepreneurial spirit and aim to one day open their own travel agency or experiential art attraction.
“We are proud to support the Baxter Student Ambassadors and look forward to their thriving careers and contributions to the industry,” says Mitchell McClung, publisher of Travel Courier.
Baxter Media invites readers to get to know the young leaders who will make waves in the travel industry, and who might just be their future colleagues — or bosses. As you will see, the future is in good hands.
We would like to thank our generous sponsors and industry partners for their support of the 2025 Baxter Student Ambassador Program: Skal Canada, Tourism HR Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and TTC Tour Brands.
