Every year, students of the International Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management participate in the Marketing Challenge to apply what they have learnt to a real consulting project.
This year, EADA participants collaborated with the Avenida Palace Hotel Barcelona to position the hotel as a venue for Catering events for local and national clients. The Avenida Palace Hotel is an independant historic monument hotel with a rich hospitality heritage and is family owned and managed.
The project was presented to the students onJanuary 10 by EADA Professor Rosemary Trigg and Director of Sales & Marketing of The Avenida Palace Hotel Berta Sauret. Students were challenged to prepare a marketing plan to develop and position a successful catering business for the unique event spaces of the Avenida Palace Hotel.
The biggest challenge was to find a solution that could really apply to the real world. Visiting the premises of the Hotel and acting as consultants pushed us to think outside of the box. ‘What can we do that others have not done yet?’ That was our driving question."
Martina Basso - International Master in Tourism & Hospitality Management participant class 2022
For the next week, 11 students worked in groups to analyse the Avenida Palace Hotel, combining the knowledge and skills gained from the marketing courses and the unique strengths of eac group member. On January 17, the groups presented their Marketing Plans to a jury composed of: the programme director, EADA professors and a representative from The Avenida Palace Hotel.
The Marketing Plans included strategies introduced in class focused on analysis and strategy:
- SWOT
- Segmentation
- Targeting
- Positioning
- 7P’s in the Marketing Mix
Working in groups allowed participants to explore different approaches and draw on individual experience and knowledge as well as developing teamwork skills to develop a focused plan. This was reflected in the innovative variety of solutions offered in each presentation.”
says EADA Professor Rosemary Trigg.
The jury evaluated the presentations and the Marketing Plans, congratulating them on the quality of the proposals.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE PARTICIPANTS!
Apply our knowledge on a real business case provided insight into what it means to work in the hospitality industry. Receiving feedback from the Sales Director of the Hotel gave me the confidence to jump into the sector after graduation."
Martina Basso - International Master in Tourism & Hospitality Management participant class 2022