The annual Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) Student Awards recognise the travel industry’s talents. This year the member of BU eTourism Lab Zornitza Yovcheva has received the ITT PhD Studend of the Year award at the House of Commons in recognition of her outstanding work and talent.

The ITT is the only professional membership body for those employed in the travel and tourism industry, and is dedicated to developing and maintaining high professional standards. Zornitza won the award for her PhD work into how augmented reality applications could enhance the experience of tourists.

The PhD thesis supervisor Professor Dimitrios Buhalis said: “Zornitza’s research is cutting edge and I am glad her work is being recognised by ITT. Augmented reality will change the way we consume tourism and will be instrumental in the co-creation of memorable tourism experiences”.

The awards were presented by Lord Snape at the ITT Summer Party in the House of Commons.