Travel and Tourism conference

The University of Brighton’s Travel and Tourism Conference took place at the Falmer campus in June. The annual event brings together local Sixth Form College students, University of Brighton students and and key industry figures to explore the opportunities that travel and tourism can bring.

This years speakers included Tim Williamson (Responsible Travel.com), Alex Fry and Matt Morgan (Neilson Holidays), Phil Evans (Eastbourne Borough Council) and Joe Ellis (Virgin Atlantic).

Jayani Thurirajah, who is studying International Tourism Management at the University of Brighton, told us about the event:

“I found the travel and tourism conference to be an eye opener and a very interesting day for the visitors and myself. I was able to share my course knowledge to other students and share my experience at the University of Brighton.

“I presented the student life talk which I enjoyed as it gave potential students an opportunity to understand the life of being a student through my eyes. There was a group activity that involved the visitors taking part in how they should write their personal statement and around the whole process of the UCAS application – I had no idea about applying to university until I actually did it so this was a fun and exciting class. The visitors asked many questions and queries which I was there to happily answer providing them with advice for when they apply up to once they attend university.

“There were talks from those that already work in the travel and tourism industry and had also studied the same degree at the university. Phil Evans, responsible for tourism and enterprise of Eastbourne, talked about the responsibilities he has for the coastal town including the events such as Airbourne, working with charities to keeping the heritage of the area, as well as maintaining the town for use of its locals and visitors.

“Another talk which I found intriguing was Alex Fry and Max Morgan’s talk about Neilson holidays, elaborating upon how many of their job opportunities allow people to work abroad and in many different environments. It was an educating talk allowing visitors to understand what careers they could get into once entering this industry.

“Overall I had found the day to being an enjoyable day; interacting with visitors, attending the talks as well as helping out staff to making this day a success.”

The day was well received and comments included:

“I have learnt more about uni and what it brings and also what you can do after you leave. That there are more opportunities to get out there and to explore the industry.”

“Very useful, especially the guest visitors.”

“I’ve learnt about how many different roles and opportunities there are available in the travel industry.”