Hospitality guest speakers provide more than food for thought

International Hospitality Management BA(Hons) students welcomed two industry guest speakers who have worked tirelessly in their careers to make a difference as part of the Contemporary Issues in International Hospitality module.

First was Ken Crosland from Hospitality Action who brought a wealth of lifetime experience on one of the biggest issues still being faced in hospitality management: alcohol and drug abuse. Alcohol and drug abuse in the industry is something that far too often goes unnoticed until it is too late. Ken gave a personal account of his own experiences alongside tools and techniques to enable young people to not only avoid falling into the pitfalls themselves but to also help others.

The second guest speaker was Tricia Barnett, a director at Equality in Tourism. Tricia talked about gender equality issues in tourism and hospitality and engaged students in a heated and passionate debate. Tricia also talked about her latest fundraising project which is raising funds to get 30 Tanzanian women farming for their future.

After the guest speakers departures students continued debating with module leader Dr Ioannis S Pantelidis who said: “We were all engrossed in the storytelling, approach and delivery of both speakers. They both gave us more than just food for thought, they gave us food for action!”

Two student teams have pledged to help raise funds for each charity with mentoring and help from Dr Pantelidis.

Our undergraduate and postgraduate courses in hospitality regularly feature guest speakers and field trips to hospitality organisations.