BU examines future of tourism

29 October 2008

Tourism industry executives from across the globe will be joining BU experts at the global World Travel Market.

Academics from the International Centre for Tourism & Hospitality Research, based in the School of Services Management, will be examining the future of tourism at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) event, which takes place in London on Thursday 13 November.

Staged annually in the capital, WTM is a four-day business event, presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and international travel professionals.

At the event, Professor Nigel Hemmington, Dean of the School of Services Management, will be chairing ‘Tourism Futures’, a seminar which explores the significant challenges and opportunities currently emerging in the industry.

There will also be presentations from the School’s Dr Alan Fyall, Deputy Dean, who will discuss his research into Tourism Market Trends and Developments, and Professor Dimitrios Buhalis, who will talk about the progression of eTourism.

Speaking about his research, Professor Fyall said: “In what globally is a particularly challenging economic environment at present, the need for market and product diversification has never been greater.

“With the need to take into account and deliver a more personal and individual 'experience', there is much to be discussed and explored at the seminar at WTM."

Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market, added: “This seminar is a strategic opportunity for WTM exhibitors and visitors to learn more about the issues facing the industry and come away with tangible solutions."

The Tourism Futures session takes place on Thursday 13 November in North Gallery Room 6 from 11am until 1pm.