Renalyn Santianez, a recent graduate of Niagara College’s Tourism Management – Business Development program, was recently selected as a 2024 Baxter Student Ambassador and featured in the Travel Courier magazine.
The Baxter Student Ambassador Program (BSAP) is a unique post-secondary student mentoring initiative that supports the Canadian travel industry’s top incoming talent. It aims to engage young people in the travel industry, provide networking opportunities, mentor future professionals, and foster industry engagement. Each year, one Baxter Student Ambassador is chosen from each participating college or university through a competitive process. Ambassadors receive learning and networking opportunities, bursary funding, prize draws, and more.
“Winning the Baxter Student Ambassador award as a recent graduate means a great deal to me,” said Santianez. “It signifies recognition of my hard work and dedication and validates my potential within the industry. This accomplishment has provided me with a platform to showcase my skills and passion for tourism and hospitality, crucial for thriving in this competitive field. It has also helped me build a strong foundation for my career, opened doors to networking opportunities, and allowed me to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into top-tier companies.”
Santianez, who graduated from NC this past spring, lived and worked in South Korea for several years. Her experiences there opened her eyes to different cultures and ways of life, and she discovered her true passion for tourism. Choosing to pursue a program in tourism management felt like the perfect next step, which led her to Niagara College.
Reflecting on her time at the College, Santianez fondly recalls her enriching experience through the Tourism Management – Business Development program. A standout moment was her co-op placement, where she worked as a front desk receptionist in Niagara Falls hotels, one of the most visited places in the world. She also cherished participating in a Be World Ready trip, where she got to explore Lisbon, Portugal.
“My NC education was a transformative chapter in my life,” said Santianez. “I am grateful for the comprehensive education, practical experiences, and invaluable friendships I gained during my time here. The College has truly prepared me to enter the workforce with confidence and enthusiasm.”
Santianez considers her experience representing NC as a Baxter Student Ambassador as one of the most significant highlights of her NC journey.
“It truly opened doors and helped me build the connections I need to break into the tourism industry,” she said.
Encouraged by her program area to apply for the BSAP, Santianez decided to challenge herself without expecting to win. The application process involved a written application and a virtual presentation on an industry-related topic before a panel of judges.
The most rewarding moment for Santianez came when the winners were announced in the Travel Courier magazine.
“Seeing my name and achievements recognized in such a widely-read publication was truly fulfilling,” she said.
The Travel Courier magazine’s special BSAP issue profiles each Ambassador, introducing them to over 37,000 travel professionals and encouraging industry connections. Ambassadors also receive mentorship from industry professionals tailored to their career aspirations. Santianez is featured on page 8 of the Travel Courier May 2024 edition, which can be accessed here.
Now that Santianez has graduated, her career aspirations involve joining a leading tourism destination company where she can leverage her skills and passion for travel to connect people with amazing destinations.
“I am now eagerly anticipating the next adventure and looking forward to applying what I’ve learned while pursuing opportunities in the tourism industry,” she said.
Santianez is excited to share that she has recently been accepted to work at Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta, a significant steppingstone toward achieving her ambitious pursuits in the Tourism industry.
