Whanganui holiday park hosts four international students
The Whanganui River Top Ten Holiday Park has four young international tourism students on its staff this year.
The four are from South Korea, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Pakistan/England. All are in year three of a four-year degree in tourism and hospitality, at three different United Kingdom universities.
Tariq Mahmood lies across fellow interns (from left) Jayden Lee, Martin Siromahov and Sandra Pavlovic. Photo/ Stuart Munro Wanganui Chronicle
They are livingon site, and helping at the busy park. Tariq Mahmood was born in Pakistan but raised in England. It's the first time he's lived away from home and he wants to end up working abroad as well.
Sandra Pavlovic, from Lithuania, chose to study in England to speak English. She wants to work and travel widely.
But Martin Siromahov, from Bulgaria, loves his own country and wants to work there. He says it's got a lot to offer tourists: mountains, beaches, skiing, a wine industry.
Education is not so good there, so he went to England to study but expects to do well back in his own country.
South Korean Jayden Lee also wanted to study in English-speaking countries. He'd like to ultimately work abroad, because in his country lower-level staff do the worst tourism tasks.
It's been busier than expected at the park this summer, owner Jeannie Kay says.
The park can host 250 people, keeping all six staff busy.
"We were almost fully booked for a good week, over Christmas. It's just starting to quiet down now."
The holiday park's playground has been extended. Photo/ supplied
This year there were "an awful lot of families" in. And fine weather encouraged them to stay in tents.
They've been doing "standard" Whanganui things - trips on the paddle steamer, visits to Windermere Berry Farm, walks around Virginia Lake and trips to the Durie Hill Tower and elevator.
The park has other activities on offer. It has a swimming pool heated by solar panels, extended playground, a jumping pillow that intrigues adults and kids alike, and it hires out kayaks and tricycles.
Its hot chip vending machine is unusual and loved by tourists.
People can spend the day there, for $5 each. There have been birthday parties every weekend, and school and kohanga reo Christmas parties.
"Glamping" sites at Whanganui River Top Ten Holiday Park include sofas and fridges. Photo/ supplied
As well as cabins, motel units and camp sites it has invested in two "glamping sites" - tents equipped with a sofa and fridge as well as a bed.
"Glamping" tents are sited under trees. Photo/ supplied
