Bournemouth University

School of Tourism

Jean-Claude Baumgarten receives honorary PhD

Page published: 15 November 2012

Jean Claude Baumgarten, who has had a long and successful career in the tourism industry with Air France and the World Travel and Tourism Council, has become a Doctor of Business Administration at BU.

Tourism leader Jean–Claude Baumgarten received the honorary doctorate from Bournemouth University during the School of Tourism Awards Ceremony.

Jean–Claude began his long tenure at Air France in 1970, working his way to management positions across many countries before becoming Vice–President and General Manager of the United States, and subsequently for France. After a short stint at another company in the early ‘90’s, Jean–Claude returned to Air France where he became Executive Vice–President of Corporate, International and Industrial Affairs and Advisor to the Chairman.

In the late ‘90’s, Jean–Claude started his own consultancy firm, CREWE Associates, to provide advice to new businesses. In 1999 he was appointed President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, where he was instrumental in organising the World Tourism summits in a bid to review tourism in light of the 9/11 tragedy.

A friend of BU’s School of Tourism, Jean–Claude has given guest lectures and will be supporting current students by mentoring them, helping to pass on his extensive knowledge in the field of tourism and travel.

Jean–Claude Baumgarten said, "It’s a big honour, it was so touching to see the parents admiring their children becoming graduates. They are the future of travel and tourism. It was so comforting to see the young energy coming into this industry."

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