UWTSD Tourism and Events lecturers and students shortlisted for two prestigious Institute of Hospitality (IoH) annual Hospitality Global Awards

16 June 2023

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has been shortlisted for Best Educational Programme 2023, (large Business Category) sponsored by HIT Training and Talent Development Team of the Year 2023 sponsored by Caterer.com at this year’s Institute of Hospitality (IoH) annual Hospitality Global Awards, which showcase the best the industry has to offer.

A group of people standing in front of a large screen at the Institute of Hospitality Cymru and the wider industry, the Future You: Make a Splash in Swansea conference.

The nominations were for the ITT Future You Event, which was organised by the students, and the Taith Aspen Academic Adventure, industry engagement and inspiring placement and graduate programmes.

Hosted by UWTSD and supported by Institute of Travel and Tourism, ABTA, Institute of Hospitality Cymru and the wider industry, the Future You: Make a Splash in Swansea conference and careers fair was open to schools, colleges, university students and alumni.

It was a fast-paced, interactive event with a range of speakers and video links from across the globe including successful UWTSD alumni,providing the opportunity for attendees to network and meet with industry experts.

The event was organised by students. One of the students Joshua Wilson is Chair of the Institute of Hospitality Cymru Student Committee and completed his placement with Celebrity Cruises traveling around the Mediterranean, UK and Scandinavia was a speaker at the event. Two of the other student organisers, Amanda Lewis, and Amy Lewis, are ABTA Ambassadors mentored by Royal Caribbean International and a further student, Mel Bourke compered the event. ..

The Aspen Academic Adventure programme, supported by Welsh Government’s Taith funding, aims to provide a 2-week high impact taster for graduates who want to experience the American tourism, hospitality and events industry but cannot undertake a placement due to commitments, time, or financial constraints.

Working with placement partners and UWTSD graduates, the programme included Masterclasses, Forbes 5 Star Hotel Visits, Behind the Scenes Tours and Food & Wine Experiences. Hosts included the Aspen Chamber, Aspen Food & Wine, Aspen Hospitality, Aspen Institute, Aspen Valley Ranch, Auberge Resorts, Four Season, Ritz Carlton, Sonnenalp and more.

Jacqui Jones, Programme Manager and Senior Lecturer for the Tourism and Events courses at UWTSD said: “We’re thrilled to have been nominated by our students and the industry for the Awards, and extremely proud to be shortlisted for two awards for the 2nd year running . This is outstanding global recognition for the Tourism and Events programmes and UWTSD, demonstrating the excellent educational and talent development opportunities we provide for our students.”

UWTSD is a leading provider of courses in this field, which involve international study trips, industry visits and integrated paid internships with leading organisations and events, both locally and internationally. Through these opportunities, students are able to build outstanding career networks with market leaders around the world.

Announcing the shortlist, Robert Richardson FIH MI IoH CEO said: “Every year my team and I are amazed at the quality of the nominations we receive. This year it has surpassed even our expectations. The talent and work being completed across the global hospitality industry is incredible. I am so proud to work in this industry alongside so many talented people.”

This year the awards were open to applicants from across the globe, from any hospitality segment and specialism, across small to large hospitality organisations.

Sarah Peters FIH IoH Head of Events and Commercial Development said: “It was extremely difficult deciding on a shortlist this year, but we are absolutely delighted to have such an incredible list of finalists. Congratulations to them all.”

Winners will be announced at a ceremony dinner at Hilton London Bankside on June 26.