GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA – In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) is proud to host 12 high school students from Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) for a special day dedicated to exploring careers in the hospitality industry. These students, enrolled in a career academy pathway and ambassadors for the Career Technical Education (CTE) program in their district, will gain valuable insights and firsthand experience through a comprehensive program designed to highlight the dynamic and rewarding opportunities within the tourism sector. 

The day will begin with the students taking part in the VGPS TEAM GPS course in the morning, an engaging session that provides an overview of the hospitality industry's key elements and the vital role it plays in the local economy. Students will also receive a tour of the VGPS Office and hear from staff members about their career journeys. Following their time at VGPS, the students will enjoy a lunch and guided tour at the nearby Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region's premier hospitality establishments. 

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented students and provide them with a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant hospitality industry up close,” said Lauren Bruggemans, Director of Sustainability and Community Engagement for VGPS.  “Workforce development is crucial for the continued growth and success of our tourism sector, and by investing in the next generation, we are ensuring that Greater Palm Springs remains a top destination for visitors from around the world.” 

This initiative underscores VGPS's commitment to fostering local talent and supporting workforce development within the community. By bridging the gap between education and industry, VGPS aims to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue fulfilling careers in tourism and hospitality. 

National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual celebration organized by the U.S. Travel Association, highlights the importance of travel and tourism to the U.S. economy. It is a time to recognize the contributions of the travel industry and the millions of people who work to keep it thriving. 

About Team GPS  

This program is now widely available to tourism champions through new online training. This class is brought to you by the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation and is currently offered at no cost. The Tourism Foundation is dedicated to advancing education, employment and professional growth in the local tourism and hospitality community.  

About Visit Greater Palm Springs 

Visit Greater Palm Springs is the official tourism marketing agency for the nine-city Southern California oasis of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella. Founded in 1989 with a mission to positively affect the destination's $8.7 billion tourism economy and quality of life for its citizens, the organization serves more than 3,000 business partners, providing sales, marketing and PR targeted to potential leisure travelers and event, meeting, and convention group markets.