Creating the Ripple Effect: Montecito Village Travel Supports Prescription Travel and UGA’s Hospitality Travel Internship Program

Santa Barbara, CA – April 2, 2024 – Montecito Village Travel is proud to announce its support of an innovative travel internship program within The University of Georgia's Hospitality Program, launched by MVT advisors Gayle Smith and Sam Johnson of Red and Black Travel, a division of Prescription Travel Group.

Designed to provide students majoring in Hospitality Management with hands-on experience in the dynamic world of travel and tourism. This internship program promises to be a transformative opportunity for aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry.

Gayle Smith, Co-Founder of Prescription Travel Group, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with the UGA Hospitality Program to offer this unique internship opportunity. Our aim is to empower the next generation of travel leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this ever-evolving industry."

Echoing Smith's sentiments, Sam Johnson, also Co-Founder of Prescription Travel Group, remarked, "The travel sector is ripe with opportunities for growth and innovation. Through this internship program, we hope to mentor and guide students as they navigate the intricacies of the industry, fostering their passion for travel and hospitality." 

The internship program will provide participants with practical training in various aspects of travel management, including customer service, itinerary planning, marketing strategies, and industry trend analysis for Red and Black Travel. Interns will have the chance to work closely with seasoned professionals, gaining invaluable insights and networking opportunities.   

Montecito Village Travel, a respected name in the travel industry, has extended its support to this initiative. "We are proud to collaborate with Prescription Travel Group and the UGA Hospitality Program in nurturing talent within the travel sector," said Robin Sanchez, President, Montecito Village Travel. "By investing in the next generation of travel professionals, we contribute to the continued excellence and innovation of our industry."

The UGA Hospitality Program is renowned for its commitment to providing students with real-world experiences that prepare them for successful careers in hospitality and tourism. From first-hand experience, co-founder Sam Johnson, a UGA Hospitality Alum, expressed his interest in the travel advising industry. He recognized a significant gap in promotion and education within hospitality-focused programs across the country. Inspired by his alma mater's dedication to experiential learning, Sam Johnson saw an opportunity to address this gap.

By partnering with Prescription Travel Group and Montecito Village Travel, the UGA Hospitality Program aims to not only equip students with practical skills but also to foster a deeper understanding of the travel advising industry. Through this collaboration, students can gain insights into emerging trends, best practices, and the inner workings of the travel sector, further enhancing their readiness for rewarding careers in hospitality and tourism." This partnership with Prescription Travel Group and Montecito Village Travel further solidifies the program's reputation as a leader in hospitality education.

Under the guidance of Gayle Smith and Sam Johnson, along with the support of Montecito Village Travel, the travel internship program at UGA promises to be a transformative experience for students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of travel and tourism.

For more information about the travel internship program, please contact Gayle Smith at gayle@prescriptiontravel.com or Sam Johnson at sam@prescriptiontravel.com. Additional details can also be obtained by reaching out to Montecito Village Travel at conniem@ytc.com.

About Montecito Village Travel

With over 50 years providing extraordinary travel services to its clients, Montecito Village Travel became a leader in the travel industry and has evolved into a premiere host agency for Independent Contractors and Partner Agencies alike. Advisors at Montecito Village Travel have access to the latest marketing innovations, the newest travel technologies and the benefits of strong relationships with both Virtuoso and FROSCH. For more information, visit: join.montecitovillagetravel.com.