Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Tourism students scoop top industry awards
Four students from the School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management were named winners during the prestigious ITT (Institute of Travel & Tourism) Summer Party, held in the Houses of Parliament.
Professor Rhodri Thomas, Dean of the School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management, said: “To win so many awards in one year is remarkable.
“In my view, this unprecedented level of success occurs when colleagues are ambitious and inspire students to stretch themselves.
“It is so encouraging that industry has recognised our approach to educating future leaders who will make a positive difference in the world. Congratulations to all concerned.”
The ITT award winners were:
• Dr Samantha Isaac - ITT PhD Student of the Year, sponsored by Debbee Dale Development
• Rebecca Tuck - Dr Bill Maxwell Award, ITT BSc Business Travel Leadership Award, in memory of Bill Maxwell
• Abbie Gavin - ITT Centre of Excellence Students of the Year Awards
• Emily Stevenson - Bella Rangel Callan ITT Student of the year, in memory of Bella Rangel Callan
Dr Davina Stanford, Course Director on the Responsible Tourism Management MSc, nominated Emily Stevenson for the award.
During her master’s degree, Emily founded Tales of a City Tours, which offers a unique perspective on the city by providing cultural walking tours designed and led by refugee tour guides.
Dr Stanford said: “I’m delighted that one of our Responsible Tourism Management graduates has won such a prestigious prize.
“It’s well deserved. Emily was an asset to the course and acted as course liaison to represent the interests of her fellow students.
“She remains a committed member of our Responsible Tourism Management MSc community and now volunteers as a mentor for one of our current students.
“Emily has achieved so much since completing her studies with us, using her research to help set up her Tales of a City Tours.”
In total, 11 awards were presented to institutions from across the country during the awards ceremony – with Leeds Beckett picking up more than a third of them.
Claire Steiner, ITT’s Director and Chair of Education and Training said: “This year’s student awards were another example of the high standards of next generation talent coming into our sector from higher education.
“As an ITT Centre of Excellence, Leeds Beckett continues to demonstrate its superior delivery of tourism education with an amazing four awards. Congratulations once again to the deserving winners.”