Praktikum

Tour Advice Armenia

Caroline B., Leisure and Tourism Management, 7. Fachsemester, Yerevan, Armenien, Wintersemester 25/26

As part of my Bachelor’s degree program Leisure and Tourism Management at the University of Applied Sciences Stralsund, I completed a five-month international internship at Tour Advice LLC, a destination management company based in Yerevan, Armenia.

The internship provided extensive insight into international tourism operations, destination management, project development, and cross-border cooperation within the Caucasus region.

About the Company

Tour Advice LLC is a destination management company and tour operator specializing in inbound tourism, MICE travel (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events), and corporate travel services across Armenia and Georgia.

The company works with international partners, institutional organizations, and development agencies, focusing on tailor-made travel experiences and sustainable tourism development. Through participation in international tourism fairs and global partnerships, Tour Advice connects regional destinations with international markets.

Internship Experience & Responsibilities

During my internship, I worked closely with management and different departments, contributing to both daily operations and strategic projects. My role required a high level of independence, responsibility, and adaptability in an international working environment.

B2B Sales & Tourism Operations

A core part of my work involved supporting international B2B sales processes. I prepared customized travel offers, coordinated pricing with hotels and transport partners, and assisted in negotiations with service providers. This allowed me to gain practical insight into how tourism products are designed, calculated, and marketed internationally.

Project Management & International Group Travel

One of my main responsibilities was planning and managing a two-week international group trip for a client from the Philippines. I coordinated itineraries across Armenia and Georgia, organized logistics and accommodation, managed budgets, and supported operational execution.

The successful implementation of the trip resulted in excellent client feedback and repeat business, highlighting the importance of flexibility, communication, and service quality in international tourism.

Cross-Border Tourism Development Project

In cooperation with the Swiss Development Agency (SDA), I worked on the development of a cross-border tourism concept connecting Armenia and Georgia. My tasks included market research, partner identification, itinerary design, and stakeholder coordination.

As part of the project, I independently organized and conducted a seven-day business trip across Georgia to meet tourism providers and evaluate potential partnerships. The project focused strongly on sustainable tourism and collaboration with local, women- and youth-led businesses.

This experience provided valuable insight into tourism as a tool for regional development and international cooperation.

Additional Tasks:

Throughout the internship, I was also involved in:

• project and event management support
• market and competitor research
• hotel inspections and partner meetings
• preparation of professional reports and presentations
• administrative coordination and customer communication

These responsibilities gave me a comprehensive understanding of operational workflows within an international tourism company.

Learning Outcomes & Professional Development

The internship significantly strengthened both my professional and personal competencies.

Professionally, I developed skills in:

• project coordination and organization
• international sales management
• destination and product development
• stakeholder communication
• strategic and analytical thinking

Working on real projects increased my confidence in decision-making and improved my ability to manage complex tasks independently.

The experience also deepened my interest in international tourism management and hotel operations as a future career focus.

Cultural & International Experience

Living and working in Armenia was an equally important part of the internship experience. Immersion in a new cultural and professional environment enhanced my intercultural competence, adaptability, and communication skills.

I experienced Armenian culture through daily work life, local traditions, and personal connections with colleagues and local communities. The openness and hospitality of the people, combined with the country’s cultural richness and natural landscapes, made the experience particularly meaningful.

Traveling within Armenia and Georgia allowed me to better understand regional tourism structures and cultural diversity, strengthening my perspective on tourism as a bridge between cultures.

Connection to Academic Studies

The internship enabled me to apply theoretical knowledge from my studies directly in practice. Courses such as tourism management, marketing, project management, and destination development were directly reflected in my daily work.

This practical application reinforced my academic learning and confirmed my career goal of working in an international, project-oriented tourism environment.

Conclusion

My internship at Tour Advice LLC was a highly formative professional and personal experience. It allowed me to work on international tourism projects, develop practical management skills, and gain valuable intercultural experience.

The combination of professional responsibility, international collaboration, and cultural immersion made this internship a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey and strengthened my aspiration to pursue an international career in tourism and project management.