Medan, May 6, 2026 – The Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program in Tourism Business Management successfully organized a City Tour and Table Manners activity under the theme “Exploration Week 2026” as part of the implementation of experiential learning. The activity was designed to provide students with an opportunity to integrate the theories learned in class with direct professional practice in the tourism industry.
The series of activities began with an educational visit to Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery. The students were welcomed by Ms. Nelly Rasyid, S.S., the Museum Manager. On this occasion, she explained the history of the museum, wildlife conservation through taxidermy techniques, and various animal collections from different countries that serve as the museum’s main attractions. Students also gained an understanding of the museum’s functions as a facility for education, research, conservation, and tourism, while learning how to deliver information to visitors in order to create an informative and engaging tourism experience.
After the museum visit, the students continued their activities at Hotel Aryaduta Medan to participate in a Table Manners session and Hotel Tour. The activities were led by Mr. Andri Andrianto, Food and Beverage Manager, together with Mr. Zebriansyah A. Yudha, Food and Beverage Supervisor.
During the Table Manners session, students practiced formal dining etiquette according to international standards, including appropriate attire for formal occasions, seating positions, the use of cutlery and glassware, the sequence of meal courses, and communication etiquette during formal dining. In addition to enhancing their understanding of international service standards, the activity also served to develop professional character, confidence, and personal branding skills required in the tourism and hospitality industries.
Through the Hotel Tour, students were introduced to the operations of a star-rated hotel, including the functions of each department, guest service standards, and interdepartmental coordination in delivering excellent service. This experience provided students with a firsthand understanding of the hospitality industry’s work system while broadening their perspectives on the professional workplace.
As the final part of the program, the students visited Maimun Palace, one of Medan’s iconic historical and cultural tourist attractions. The visit was welcomed by Mr. T. Moharsyah Nazmi, Public Relations representative of the Deli Sultanate. During the presentation, he explained the history of Maimun Palace, which was built in 1888 by Sultan Ma’mun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah, as well as its architecture, which combines Malay, Islamic, European, Indian, and Middle Eastern elements, and the cultural values that continue to be preserved today.
The students also learned about the history of the Deli Sultanate, the function of Maimun Palace as a center of government in its time, various royal heritage collections such as the throne, royal furnishings, and other historical artifacts, as well as the palace’s role as a cultural tourism destination that contributes to the preservation of Medan’s historical heritage. In addition, students directly observed the interpretation techniques used by the resource person to present historical information to tourists in an engaging, communicative, and accessible manner.
The primary objective of Exploration Week 2026 was to provide students with a platform to align their theoretical understanding with direct professional practice in the tourism industry. Through practical activities at Hotel Aryaduta Medan, students were equipped with knowledge of international etiquette standards (table manners), strengthened personal branding and professional communication skills, and developed professional attitudes reflecting the principles of Business Ethics and Excellent Service.
Meanwhile, the visits to Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery and Maimun Palace specifically supported the learning outcomes of the Tour Guiding Techniques course. Through direct field observation, students were expected to develop their skills in interpreting tourist attractions, preparing engaging historical and cultural narratives, improving public speaking abilities, and professionally managing the dynamics of tourist groups.
Through this activity, the Applied Bachelor’s Degree Program in Tourism Business Management continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing an applied, innovative learning process that aligns with industry needs. The experience gained during Exploration Week 2026 is expected to strengthen students’ competencies and prepare them to become professional, ethical, and adaptable graduates who are ready to compete in the tourism industry at both the national and international levels.