As a student organization focusing on tourism and business, collaboration and sharing insights are essential for organizational development. With this spirit in mind, the Himpunan Mahasiswa Manajemen Pemasaran Pariwisata Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (HIMA MPP UPI) organized a comparative study visit to Universitas Indonesia on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The event, themed "Creating Connections with Tourism Enchantment" or CREATOURISMENT, aimed to enrich knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen the relationship between HIMA MPP UPI and Himpunan Mahasiswa Manajemen Bisnis Pariwisata Universitas Indonesia (HIMTA UI). This visit marked an important moment for both organizations to get to know each other better, exchange ideas, and reinforce synergy in the tourism and business sectors.

The journey to Universitas Indonesia began with a gathering at the UPI Museum around 5:30 AM. Similar to a field trip, the trip included a short break at the KM 72 rest area from 6:45 AM to 7:20 AM before continuing to Universitas Indonesia. Upon arriving at UI around 9:00 AM, the HIMA MPP delegation was warmly welcomed by several members of HIMTA UI. After the initial greetings, participants were directed to the Interaco Room on the 3rd floor of the Vocational Building, where the main event would take place. One interesting thing the HIMA MPP group discovered was the presence of a lift in UI's Vocational Building, capable of carrying 10-15 people without making any noise, which was quite surprising and unique for the participants.

After the long journey, the participants were given some time to rest in the cool and comfortable room. Shortly after, the participants were divided into three groups to join the Vocational Tour session. During this session, participants were guided around the Faculty of Vocational Education at UI to learn more about its facilities and the academic atmosphere on campus.

Following the Vocational Tour, the group returned to the room, and the official event began at 11:00 AM. The event was hosted by the MCs from both organizations, Kang Zacky from HIMA MPP and Teh Shifa from HIMTA UI. The opening session began with brief introductions and the respective slogans of each organization, “Belajar, Berbagi, Berkreasi” (Learn, Share, Create). Then, speeches were delivered by the event organizers, Kang Raihan (HIMA MPP) and Kang Yafi (HIMTA UI), followed by speeches from the heads of both organizations, Teh Nadhira (HIMA MPP) and Teh Puja (HIMTA UI). To provide a deeper introduction, a video profiling both organizations was shown, offering a clearer picture of their organizational structures, work programs, and various activities that each organization has undertaken. Since the event was nearing the midday prayer time (11:30 AM), participants were given a break for prayer and lunch before proceeding to the next session. HIMTA UI also provided lunch for all comparative study participants.

After the break, the event resumed at 12:30 PM with presentations on each organization’s work programs. The CEO, Vice CEO, and division heads of HIMA MPP had the opportunity to present their work programs over 60 minutes, with 30 minutes allocated to HIMTA UI and 30 minutes for HIMA MPP. During this session, both organizations shared strategies, challenges, and innovations they have implemented in managing their tourism and business marketing programs. This session proved to be very beneficial for both sides to exchange insights and expand the scope of ideas that could be applied in their respective organizations.

After the presentations were completed at 1:30 PM, the atmosphere became more relaxed with a fun session of games and ice-breaking activities with prizes. This session successfully lightened the mood and strengthened the bond between members of both organizations. Following the games, the event moved to a discussion forum conducted in a different format than usual. Not only was the discussion held indoors, but participants were also allowed to choose their discussion spots, allowing them to enjoy the campus atmosphere of UI. During this session, members from each division had the opportunity to share ideas, thoughts, and challenges they face in running their organizations.

As the event came to a close, plaques and certificates were exchanged as a token of appreciation for the success of the comparative study visit. To commemorate the moment, a group photo session was held both indoors and outdoors. The documentation session became even more exciting with the use of a drone to capture aerial photos and videos, as well as the creation of collaborative content between HIMA MPP and HIMTA UI.

After the event, several representatives from both organizations shared their thoughts and hopes regarding the comparative study visit. Nadhira Shafwa Mefiana, the Head of the HIMA MPP Comparative Study Committee, expressed her happiness and gratitude for the incredible responsibility entrusted to her as the committee head. She also thanked the HIMTA UI organizing committee for their wonderful hospitality and the HIMA MPP team, especially the Marketing Communication division, for their continuous support. She hopes this visit can strengthen the bond between HIMA MPP and HIMTA UI and serve as a work program that can be continued by the next leadership.

Muhamad Sabil Fawwazian Taufik, the Head of the Marketing & Communication Division at HIMA MPP, mentioned that this program was an emotional and proud experience for him. As the division head for the first time in an organization as large as HIMA MPP, he initially felt the pressure but, thanks to teamwork, the study visit ran smoothly. He sees this as the beginning and has many things he still hopes to achieve for HIMA MPP.

Meanwhile, Deian Dalila Puja, the Head of the Comparative Study Committee at HIMTA UI, stated that the study visit with HIMA MPP was an extraordinary experience. She and her team gained a lot of new knowledge and experiences and hoped the collaboration between the two organizations would continue to thrive for mutual progress.

M. Raihan Alfarisy, the Head of HIMA MPP, also emphasized that this event was an important step in strengthening relationships and opening up opportunities for closer cooperation in the future. With the success of this event, it is hoped that the collaboration between HIMA MPP UPI and HIMTA UI will continue to grow and provide broader benefits for tourism and business in Indonesia.

Author : Muhamad Sabil Fawwazian Taufik