New academia and industry collaboration to support hospitality, tourism, and events sector

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is bringing together the knowledge and experience of academia and industry experts from the hospitality, tourism, and events sector to help support its recovery post pandemic via a portfolio of programmes to upskill the workforce and drive sustainable growth.

Universities are key to a thriving economy as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic. UWTSD aims to support the recovery and resilience of our communities through knowledge transfer, research innovation, workforce development and by providing a ready pipeline of skilled, digitally literate students and graduates, in partnership with employers.

The University’s School Hospitality and Tourism Management held the inaugural meeting of its Professional Advisory Board on December 7, which was chaired by Professor Andrew Campbell, Professor of Practice. The aim of the board is to shape future academic delivery based upon the core themes of innovation, resilience, and sustainability to support and meet the needs of this important industry.

The meeting was attended by Professor Andrew Campbell, former Chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance, Sophia Humphries, Conference and Events Manager, Swansea, James Parkin, Director of Countryside, Communities and Visitor Services, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Adam Smith, General Manager, Hilton Hotel Cardiff, Paula Ellis, Group General Manager, The Retreats Group, Ewan Rees, Director of VIP Tours, Michael Downie, General Manager, Swansea and Cardiff Marriott Hotels, Margaret Llewellyn, Chair Cruise Wales, Director Network Rail, Director Peel Ports Group and Professor Simon Wright, Chair Wales Independent Restaurant Collective, Professor Wendy Dearing, Dean of the University’s Management and Health Institute and John Howells, Academic Director of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

John Howells, Academic Director of Hospitality and Tourism Management at UWTSD said: “It is now more important than ever that the hospitality, tourism and events sector work together to ensure that industry and education combine to recover the skills shortage left as a hangover from the pandemic.

“Many of our students have grasped the opportunity to up-skill during the last year and will become the industry leaders of the future. It is essential that we listen to industry leaders of today to ensure that our students benefit from their expertise and our academic programmes reflect the current and future needs of this important industry.”

Professor Andrew Campbell added: “Due to the pandemic hospitality and tourism businesses have witnessed unprecedented change over the past 20 months. Survival has been dependent upon the introduction of new operating models, creating a demand for additional knowledge and skills. It has highlighted the important role that education has to play in meeting those needs. The setting up of an Advisory Board, made up of industry leaders, will be crucial in helping to shape future academic delivery based upon the core themes of innovation, resilience and sustainability.”

Creative and critical thinking, flexibility to respond to challenges and opportunities, as well as understanding business and sustainability are key aims for the University to help us to progress our learners’ careers in whichever field they may choose.

Professor Wendy Dearing, Dean of the University’s Institute of Management and Health said: “UWTSD has a proven track record of developing creative, innovative, forward thinking, industry focused academic programmes and has, over many years, produced outstanding graduates who have gone on to make their mark within the hospitality, tourism and events sector

“Bringing together the knowledge and experience of academia and industry experts in this important sector will help us to build on this further and enable us to shape our portfolio of programmes at a time when the world is constantly changing, producing significant challenges particularly in terms of skills and training.”

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk