MSc Tourism Graduate Christy Hehir’s New Job and Book Success

Posted . Filed under News, Research, Student Experience.

Today we are sharing with news from a MSc Graduate, Christy Hehir who has recently got a new job at Visit Britain and is also seeing her first book published.

If you would like to order a copy of the book or for more information please contact christyhehir@googlemail.com @christyhehir

Christy will be joining Visit Britain as a Research and Evaluation Specialist. Christy commented “I am delighted to soon be working for the national tourism agency. My role will involve market intelligence, including the latest inbound visitor statistics, tourism trends, forecasts, analysis and commentary. I am looking forward to playing my part in attracting international visitors to GREAT Britain and working in an office adjacent to Buckingham Palace.”

Christy also shared with us a brief history of her education that led to her publishing her first book:

“My AVCE in travel and tourism led me to the BA(Hons). I have always been curious as to the impacts of travelling to remote destinations, hence my undergraduate study titled, ‘Young People as Antarctic Ambassadors?’ In 2007 I became the UK’s student representative of International Polar Years 2007-2008, and as such was invited on a journey of a lifetime inside the Antarctic Circle. Antarctica heightened my awareness of the serious fragility of that continent and how essential it is that tourism companies operating there do this in an ethical and responsible way, managing not only their operations but the tourists they deliver to this region. Despite graduating as UWIC’s ‘Tourism Student of the Year,’ I felt my undergraduate study was only scratching the surface, so I continued my studies with an MSc.

My MSc dissertation titled, ‘The future of Antarctica. Is tourism an ally or an enemy?’ was a follow-up study to my under-graduate work, looking into the ways in which exposure to different fragile environments changes tourists’ environmental perceptions, attitudes and behaviours and how time is a major factor upon these changes. The second half of the study compared Antarctic tourists to the control group (of non Antarctic visitors) and confirmed the previous visitors to Antarctica had significantly stronger environmental attitudes and environmental behaviours. I am delighted that my dissertation has been very well-received both academically and within the travel industry.

My thesis won the titles of, “the most outstanding MSc Dissertation” at Bournemouth University, and the ‘ITB Science Award – German Society for Tourism Science: Best International Thesis.’ I travelled to Berlin in March 2010 to receive my award and present my findings at the ITB trade show. The Association for Tourism in Higher Education awarded me ‘Best Masters Student of Tourism 2008/2009,’ and I was nominated for: The Leisure Studies Association ‘Dissertation of an exemplary standard.’ My work has also been requested by and sent to the British Antarctic Survey, Royal Geographical Society, and Polar Scott Research Institute for their library resources.

Since my MSc Tourism success, I have continued my polar research and extended my study to the Arctic. In 2010 I contributed to the British Council’s ‘Action for the Arctic’ Seminar Report which discussed the Arctic’s engagement – communication – partnership. In July 2011, I was invited by Dr. Peter Prokosch, Managing Director UNEP/GRID-Arendal to participate in a 7-day training and research expedition in Svalbard, subsequently leading to my first book ‘Arctic to Action’, published in September 2012, looking at tourists’ heightened environmental actions since visiting the Polar Regions.”

The book, “Arctic Reflections: Moments of inspiration, a life time of action”, is a result of seventeen young people from twelve different countries that visited Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic, as part of an expedition funded by the European Union’s Youth in Action programme, and organised by the British Council in partnership with UNEP GRID – Arendal.

Through personal testimonies collected by Christy as part of her PhD research, and photographs taken by Luka Tomac of the sights witnessed, the book goes beyond simple impressions and acts as a poignant reminder that our planet is at great environmental risk. Importantly, it also offers positive examples of young people taking action, something the Youth in Action Programme strongly encourages. Doug Allan, prominent wildlife and documentary cameraman, experts from UNEP GRID – Arendal and Dr. Dirk Notz, a polar scientist from MaxPlanck Institute, have also contributed by adding their personal insights and knowledge, highlighting the need for urgent action necessary to save the Arctic.

It is hoped that this book will not serve as yet another coffee table piece, but rather as an inspirational handbook which encourages you and the decision makers to take real action.

Christy commented on the book release “2012 is set to see the 1billionth passenger – and whilst this is a cause for celebration and success in the travel sector, should it also not come with a warning? At 25 I have already visited all 7 continents and stepped foot on both the Polar Regions – yet it is exactly these experiences that have opened my eyes to the pace of development and fuel my passion to preserve the last remaining wilderness.

Arctic Reflections aims to give readers an expert opinion, highlight through photography the Arctic’s sensitivity and importantly share examples of young professionals, like me, determined to make change.

Now published, the next plan is to launch the book at the European Parliament in Brussels at the end of Jan 2013 and distribute copies to policy makers and key influencers across Europe. In 3 weeks time, participant Stijn Otten will be sitting across the table with Dick van Benschop (CEO Shell Netherlands). A nice person to give this book to, I think.”

If you would like to order a copy of the book or for more information please contact christyhehir@googlemail.com @christyhehir

Tourism Management Students Field Trip to Jersey

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Last week our Level C Tourism Management got the chance to go on a 3 day trip to Jersey to learn about Jersey Tourism.

The students travelled to Jersey by ferry on Friday 12th October and arrived just after midday after a very rocky journey!

Once they arrived they met with Jersey Tourism Marketing Manager, Simon Le Huray and Jersey Conference Bureau General Manager, Hamish Reid.

On Saturday the students split into two groups for sightseeing around the island. The students got the chance to visit La Hougue Bie, the Jersey War Tunnels and Mont Orgueil.

In the afternoon the students got the chance to visit La Mara Wine Estate for a tour and tasting session.

In the evening students had a 3 course dinner provided to them by the University at the Farm House in Jersey.

On Sunday, students were free to explore the island by themselves before returning on the ferry that evening.

Philip Long, Associate Dean of Tourism, who attended the trip commented “The recent field trip to Jersey for level C tourism students was a great experience for all concerned. Particular credit is due to Claire Taylor and John Brackstone for organising a memorable programme that combined learning about tourism ‘on the ground’ with bringing the students and staff representatives together as a community of scholars!”

Hospitality awards given in memory of BU students who have passed away

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Hospitality students at BU who have overcome adversity and made the most progress have received awards in memory of previous students who have passed away.

The parents of three former Hospitality students at Bournemouth University, who have since sadly passed away, gave the annual awards to current students in their memories on Friday.

The Mark Phillips Award has been running for the past 16 years, and is given to a student who has overcome adversity.

Mark had Type 1 diabetes, and died in February 1996, aged 22 – just three months after he graduated with a Hospitality Management degree from BU.

His parents, John and Heather Phillips, said that they enjoyed coming to the university and meeting the students who won the award.

“It is nice,” said Heather. “We use it now as a celebration.”

John added: “Mark thoroughly enjoyed himself at university. He loved every hour that he spent in Bournemouth, and we wanted to support the university.

“We decided that it would be nice to have an award each year to a student in the School of Tourism, who has overcome personal adversity. It can be anything.”

The winner of this year’s award was unable to make the awards ceremony and lunch, and so was represented by fourth year Hospitality Management student Cara McElroy, who is a hospitality ambassador for the course.

Also at the ceremony were Win and Derek Bristow.

Their son Paul graduated from the Hospitality Management degree in 1996, and was working in the SoHo area of New York.

He had organised a conference event at the World Trade Centre, and was in the North Tower when it was hit on 9/11. He was 27 when he died in the attacks.

The Paul Bristow Award is given to the student who has made the most progress specifically in the Finance subject, and this year was given to Karolina Tarnauskaite, a second year Hospitality Management student, who is from Lithuania.

The 20-year-old said: “I felt really special when I found out I was going to get the award. I like the fact that it isn’t just who has done the best, but has made the best progress over the year.”

Derek said that the award was a fitting tribute to his son.

“When Paul came here, he did what I guess a lot of students do and partied, and struggled in his first year and only just made it. But he pulled his socks in the end and he loved it down here.”

Peter and Mary Tozer have been giving an award in memory of their daughter Karen, for the past 12 years. Karen had cystic fibrosis, and passed away in 2000, aged 20, while doing her second year of a Hospitality degree.

While studying at BU, Karen was awarded the Mark Phillips Award, and her father Peter said he thought it would be nice to do something similar in her memory.

“She really enjoyed it here, even though she had to spend a third of her time in hospital and a third of her time at home. Her lecturer used to call her Little Miss Dynamite and she won the Mark Phillips Award in her first year.

“We just wanted to give something back really.”

Mary added: “It is nice to get together with the other parents and it does make a lot of difference.”

The Karen Tozer Award, which includes book tokens, is given to the group of Hospitality students who put on the best theme and experience in BU staff restaurant The Retreat, as part of their course.

Viktorija Kotova, 21, who is in her fourth year of the Hospitality Management degree, accepted the award on behalf of her group.

One of the 13 members of the group died before the task, and they decided to theme it in his memory.

“We did a menu with his name on and we put donation boxes out for people to give donations in his memory,” said Viktorija.

“We changed the menu as well, so it wasn’t just the normal menu. It is nice to win the award and it has been very nice to sit here and meet the parents.”

Crispin Farbrother, programme leader for hospitality at BU, said the awards made a difference to both the students and the parents.

“For the present students, it is a reward, a motivation and a recognition of excellence, but then it is also a way of recognising past students’ success and for the families, it allows them to continue that relationship.

“Hospitality is a community and that is key to keeping these awards going.”

Jo Hawkes has been asked to be a Chance to Shine Ambassador for the National Osteoporosis Society

Posted . Filed under News, Research.

Last month saw the launch of an exciting new strategic partnership between the National Osteoporosis Society and the Cricket Foundation’s ‘Chance to Shine’ programme. Jo Hawkes, due to her own personal experiences and research into premenopausal osteoporosis has been asked to become a Chance to Shine Ambassador for the National Osteoporosis Society collaboration with the England Cricket Foundation.

At the launch event, Jo and the other new partnership ambassadors were able to meet with the invited audience.

In the following months Jo will be working with the foundation in helping to reach out to thousands of School Children about exercise and healthy lifestyles.  

Jo used to work as a practitioner in Sports Rehabilitation and did her MSc is in Sports Medicine. Jo is an Associate Lecture in Sport and Coaching Science at the School of Tourism. She is currently working on her PhD entitled “‘My Bones Won’t Break Me:  An auto-ethnographical exploration of premenopausal osteoporosis in a physically active female.”

Jo has also been asked to go to Clarence House to meet with Camilla Parker-Bowles for the International Osteoporosis Foundation ‘Unbreakable Embrace’ campaign.

We will be bringing you news of Jo’s visit to Clarence House next week.

To read Jo’s blog please see www.myboneswontbreakme.wordpress.com

Dress for Success Fashion Show: Models Needed

Posted . Filed under Student Experience.

On November 21st Bournemouth University is hosting one of its many career events at the Talbot Campus.

 Students will be invited to come and meet with potential employees and get the opportunity to network within in their chosen industry.

 Part of the day will include a “Dress for Success” Fashion Show showcasing the newest professional looks available on the high street. Currently clothes will be provided by New Look and Marks and Spencer.

 The aim of the show is to show students that work wear can still be fashionable and doesn’t have to all be about stuffy suits.

We are currently looking for Male and Female models to take part in the show. Due the clothes were are receiving from the sponsors we are looking for females size 10-12 and males size small – medium.

 The show will be around lunchtime on the 21st but you will be needed for most of the morning due to rehearsals.

 If you would like to take part please email Anna Jones on ajones@bournemouth.ac.uk with a recent picture of you.

 

Adele Ladkin secures Fusion Investment Funding to visit the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in Andorra

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Taken from the Bournemouth University Research Blog:

Professor Adele Ladkin has received funding from the FIF staff mobility strand to undertake two week long visits to the UNWTO Themis Foundation Headquarters in Andorra.

As part of its Capacity Building Programme, the UNWTO.Themis Foundation provides educational courses and workshops for tourism industry experts.  These are in a range of subjects, for example tourism marketing, adventure tourism and sustainable tourism.  Because of the nature of these courses and the demand for different topics, subject experts from the tourism industry and public sectors are recruited as tutors to deliver the courses.

Adele and Ms Sònia Figueras, the UNWTO. Capacity Programme manager at the UNWTO Themis Foundation are engaged in collaborative work to produce a teaching guide and intensive training course for tutors responsible for delivering tourism capacity building courses and workshops as part of the UNWTO. Capacity Programme.  The Themis Foundation enables UNWTO Member States to devise and implement education, training and capacity building policies, plans and tools that fully harness the employment potential of their tourism sector and effectively enhance its competitiveness and sustainability. Working with Ms Figueras, Adele will provide input into teaching methodologies commonly used in tourism programmes.

The collaboration has arisen as the School of Tourism is part of the Themis TedQual Network and aims to support activities undertaken in the areas of education, training and tourism capacity building. The impact of the collaboration will be practical through the dissemination and use of the teachers guide and the training course by highly experienced tourism subject experts. The collaboration and pedagogic approach will also be presented at an appropriate tourism educator’s conference. This knowledge exchange opportunity demonstrates the Schools commitment to supporting tourism education initiatives.

Adele will be spending time in Andorra at the headquarters of the Themis Foundation to work directly on the course materials as well as on-line collaborative working. The visits will enable Adele to spend a concentrated period of time working on the project, and will also give her further insight into the activities of the Themis Foundation.  She plans to undertake the first visit later this year – weather permitting as the mountain roads into Andorra are often covered in snow!

For more information the Fusion Investment Fund please see www.bournemouth.ac.uk/FIF

Professors Dimitrios Buhalis and Roman Egger were invited to contribute at their 2nd HHE Hoteliers’ Meeting from 7th to 9th October 2012 in Ireland

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Taken from: http://buhalis.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/BuhalisatHistoricHotelsEurope.html#!/2012/10/BuhalisatHistoricHotelsEurope.html

Professors Dimitrios Buhalis and Roman Egger were invited to contribute at their 2nd HHE Hoteliers’ Meeting from 7th to 9th October 2012 in Ireland

Very glad to work with Historic Hotels of Europe  www.historichotelsofeurope.com/and explaining how to create experiences, manage social media, develop cocreation opportunities and start using augmenting reality for tourism and hotel marketing. 
                                                                   
The Historic Hotels of Europe association started with eight founding member organisations, and has grown up in its ten years of existence. It now numbers 19 hotel groups as its member organisations. With 650 properties, HHE is without doubt one of the largest hotel organisations in Europe. The immediate priority is to increase the growth of the HHE, especially through more partnerships in the new EU member states. The hosts of Historic Hotels of Europe consider themselves as custodians of historic cultural assets. They provide a precious contribution to quality tourism through their efforts in maintaining the originality of their properties.

Historic Hotels of Europe was created with the objective of promoting global awareness for the 19 finest historic hotels associations through a co-operative marketing strategy. The hotels in the association represent their countries’ national cultural traditions, historic heritage and architecture. Every property within the Historic Hotels has its own distinctive style and character, and guests will be sure to enjoy a variety of experiences when travelling from country to country and staying at our member hotels.

Professors Dimitrios Buhalis and Roman Egger were invited to do a key note presentation on how these wonderful hotels can take advantage of social media, manage tripadvisor and online reputation, develop cocreation and use augmented reality for their strategic marketing. The group interacted with the professors and a number of initiatives are being planned for the future.

School of Tourism Staff Travel Across the Globe to Increase International Student Recruitment:

Posted . Filed under News, Research, Student Experience.

David Kilburn and Chris Hall are both travelling internationally to work with local contacts in order to increase international student recruitment.

David Kilburn will shortly be travelling to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to attend the British Council Exhibitions. David’s aim is to increase student recruitment from Brazil but also work with local contacts to develop new partnerships.

David Kilburn commented “In the past I have recruited international students from Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil. Speaking Spanish and Portuguese is a definite plus point. However, also important is an empathy with international students and to recognise that their parents are also a big part of the decision making process. I am working in Sao Paolo and Rio do Janeiro at two large recruitment fairs and representing all the Schools at BU. We have lots of interesting courses to promote and also our location on the South Coast with rapid links to London is also a key selling point along with the cosmopolitan feel of BU.”

Chris Hall will also be travelling internationally with the same purpose. Chris is travelling to Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.

Chris Hall commented ”International student recruitment is really about networking with fellow academics, the British Council and recruitment agents to make sure that5 BU and, in particular, the School of Tourism, stay in the forefront of their minds when counselling students that want to study in the UK. We are really proud of the fact that our postgraduate intakes are so ‘international’. For example this September we have 137 students from 31 different countries. Our alumni now come from over 70 countries and this adds to the richness and reputation of our programmes.”

As well as meeting with potential students whilst they are out there, both Chris and David would love to meet with Alumni as well.

If you would like to contact either Chris or David please contact them on their email addresses: cahall@bournemouth.ac.uk dkilburn@bournemouth.ac.uk

For more information about British Council events abroad please see their website  http://www.educationuk.org/UK/Events

The School of Tourism recruits a Graduate & Professional Engagement Associate

Posted . Filed under News, Student Experience.

The School of Tourism has recently recruited Maria Nas to the new HEIF post of Graduate & Professional Engagement Associate (GPEA).

Maria has just finished her Msc Events Management degree so is already familiar with Bournemouth and the University.

The aim of Maria’s role is to develop, implement and monitor relationship marketing activities with graduates, placement students, employers and academics in the Events & Leisure Academic Group (E&LAG) within the BU Knowledge Exchange Strategy funded by HEIF.

Maria will be responsible for using social media and for organising events to develop and enhance relationships with graduates, placement students, employers and academics.

Maria gave us a brief comment on her background “I have recently finished my MSc Events Management at BU following a BSc in Business Administration at Jonkoping International Business School in Sweden. I have an international background having studied in Sweden, the US, Australia, Canada, China and the UK. I carry with me several years of experience working in co-ordinating and managing roles in a range of industries such as Brand Experience, Event and Communication, Entertainment, 3D Animation, Steel, Health Care and Retail. My interest lies in experiential marketing, brand engagement and events management.”

I am truly excited about this new role and happy to continue my journey with School of Tourism and BU now as a member of staff. I look forward to developing and nourishing the relationships and engagement of graduates and professionals in the Events & Leisure Academic Group. My aim is to develop a strategy and structure for networking which includes a range of communications and activities that adds value to all parties involved.”

Maria will be working closely with Mary Beth Gouthro who, as our outgoing BA (Hons) Events Management Leader is taking on the role of growing our links with graduates and employers in the Events & Leisure professions.

Maria will be initially started her project with just the Events and Leisure academic group. However, if successful, there is potential for this project to be rolled out as a model across School of Tourism.

Congratulations again to Maria.

Pamela Watson is appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Priest’s House Museum

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Pamela Watson has recently been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Priest’s House Museum in Wimborne.

The Priest’s House Museum and Garden is located in the heart of the beautiful market town of Wimborne Minster.

Using collections rich in archaeology and costume, and childhood and local history material, the museum tells the story of East Dorset. Period rooms, from a 17th century hall to the working Victorian kitchen, show how life and work has changed in this historic townhouse. There are 10 galleries to explore. Displays include audio descriptions and children’s activities. A beautiful walled garden, gift shop and tearoom complete any visit.

The museum works closely with the local community. They participate in the museum through volunteering, learning and family activity programmes, exhibitions, community projects and reminiscence workshops.

Pamela has a long history with the museum as her level c tourism management students have annually worked with the curators Emma Ayling and James Webb to create marketing plans for the museum.

The students often come up with fresh and exciting ideas for the museum to put into practice. The students had previously identified that the museum needed to update its look to appeal to younger people. As a result of this, Pamela was asked to give input into the new logo designs with the museum’s creative agency.

Pamela is replacing Brian James on the Board as he has now retired. Brian worked within the School of Applied Sciences at Bournemouth University. The museum still has strong contacts with the School of Applied Sciences regarding Archaeology.

Congratulations to Pamela on this news!

Pamela’s appointment will be confirmed at the museum annual meeting in June next year. For information on the Museum please see http://www.priest-house.co.uk/