ronaitken, Author at Tourism Research Centre Blog

Meet the PhD: Hendrick Lattekamp

Welcome to “Meet the PhD”, a section dedicated to introducing to you our PhD candidates, where you will have the opportunity to get to know them and their research and find out how why they have chosen Edinburgh Napier University, and what excites them the most about their PhD journey.

Today, we have Hendrick Lattekamp, a PhD candidate who is currently in his 1^st year and decided to pursue a PhD after almost 20 years of working in the aviation industry. His PhD title is “Monitoring and evaluation indicators for just transition to net zero in tourism and events” with supervisors Dr Constantia Anastasiadou, Dr. Alexandra Witte, Dr Afiya Holder, and Dr Sarah Bortwick Saddler. Hendrick is also an active member of the TRC PhD community, and he has been serving on the organising committee for Edinburgh Napier´s inaugural Doctoral College Student Conference in December 2024. Hendrick has been inspired by his PhD colleagues, and we hope that you will be inspired by reading his words and the enthusiasm he has for his PhD and for actively contributing to research.

If you would like to know more about Hendrick´s research or if you have any questions, you can contact Hendrick here: S.Lattekamp@napier.ac.uk

If you’re interested in undertaking a PhD with us, please email the Tourism Research Centre Lead, Prof. Anna Leask – a.leask@napier.ac.uk

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“I have worked in aviation for almost 20 years and currently serve in a leadership role that involves guiding cabin crews and engaging with a diverse range of passengers for a major European airline. Over the years, I have witnessed how the airline industry brings families, cultures, and businesses closer together, whether through personal visits or trade connections. At the same time, I have encountered many colleagues who are just as deeply passionate about the industry as I am, even as airlines grapple with escalating environmental and social responsibilities. This dynamic—the industry’s power to unite people set against its pressing sustainability challenges—continues to captivate me.

Currently, I am in the first year of my doctoral research at Edinburgh Napier University, where I examine non-financial reporting in the airline industry. My interest in this topic began when I noticed how many airlines struggle to communicate their environmental and social goals and efforts in a way that is both transparent and cohesive. Investigating this phenomenon through the lens of non-financial reporting seemed natural, as these disclosures essentially serve as an airline’s “executive summary” for its broader impact—ranging from greenhouse gas emissions and resource management to labour practices and community engagement. Although several voluntary and mandatory frameworks offer guidelines, there is still a lack of consistency in what gets reported, which can make it difficult to compare airlines or understand their actual impact. Wanting to uncover the root causes behind this fragmented reporting, I decided to examine these disclosures more systematically, looking not only at what is reported but also why certain metrics are highlighted over others.

If we can trace how these documents are produced, particularly the cultural, regulatory, and strategic pressures that guide them, we may identify ways to help both academic researchers and the wider public better grasp an airline’s underlying motives. We might also discover strategies for improving the clarity and relevance of the disclosures themselves, especially when airlines are required to juggle multiple standards and stakeholder expectations. By exploring which reporting tools airlines choose to adopt (and why), we can shed light on whether such choices stem from genuine sustainability commitments, competitive pressures, or mere compliance. Ultimately, my goal is to develop insights that not only help airlines improve the quality of their communication but also facilitate a deeper understanding of the fundamental drivers behind aviation’s efforts to address environmental and social challenges.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my PhD so far has been becoming part of a vibrant research community. Engaging with fellow PhD researchers has been invaluable, not only in refining my work through discussions and feedback but also on a personal level. I have come to understand that undertaking a PhD is as much an intellectual challenge as it is a personal one. Being surrounded by a highly motivated peer group that supports one another has been invaluable in staying focused and driven. Whether it is sharing practical advice on navigating university procedures, exchanging ideas in academic discussions, or simply offering encouragement during challenging moments, this sense of community makes a real difference. A standout experience in this regard, has been serving on the organising committee for Edinburgh Napier’s inaugural Doctoral College Student Conference, in December 2024. As Head of Logistics, I have collaborated with fellow PhD candidates to manage registration, catering, and event coordination. Seeing the breadth of research taking place across the University has been inspiring and has reinforced how much we gain from engaging with colleagues from different disciplines. The opportunity to connect, exchange perspectives, and contribute to a shared academic space has been a highlight of my PhD journey so far.

Embarking on a PhD at a later stage in life has entailed sacrifices and a steep learning curve, but the intellectual challenge has been incredibly rewarding. Meeting other researchers, finding answers to the questions that have long fascinated me, and viewing the aviation industry from entirely new perspectives keeps me motivated. I hope my story encourages others—particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds—to consider doctoral study. If you share my research interests or would like to connect, I’d be happy to continue the conversation.”

Resilient and positive event futures with Associate Professor Martin Robertson

Associate Professor Martin Robertson, has recently given keynote presentations at international conferences*1 *2 (2024), as well as presented related research to his colleagues in the inaugural 2025 Tourism Research Centre research seminar*3 at Edinburgh Napier University.

In different ways, each of the above present research to determine processes of stakeholder involvement in successful ‘future visioning’ for a sustainable future. In each, the United Nations Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) are proposed as vital conduits.

Throughout my career in academia, I have always sought to provide a learning, teaching and research experience that is professionally and socially useful – and encourages positive forward action. Sustainability, resilience, regenerative capacity, social justice, and future vision methodologies are key components of this work. I think my research publications, as well as current and past consultancy collaboration, evidence this well.

Very much grounded in Edinburgh, and Scotland, I have nonetheless lived and worked in many countries. Collaborations with researchers in Australia, Denmark, England, New Zealand, Sweden, and Wales have made me very aware of the truly exciting and profoundly global nature of our subject (s). This is true for our students, our research students, our colleagues, and the places in which live and visit.

As well as publishing widely in my research area, I am also proud of the books (six) and journal special issues (eight) I have co-edited. They serve to stimulate thinking and knowledge around the world. The capacity to share knowledge in a world that has a great many challenges – socially, environmentally, and politically – inspires me. If this stops, I stop!

Here, in Edinburgh, I enjoy the benefits of our wonderful city. It never ceases to amaze. I am very lucky to be living and working in such a great environment. A great location to (en)vision a great future.

*1 Robertson, M. (2024) Keynote speaker: ‘Sustainable events and Net Zero’ 5th International Conference on Tourism and Business (ICTB). Mahidol University International College Bangkok, Thailand (August, 21-23)

*2 Robertson, M. (2024) Keynote Speaker: ‘Learning for future challenges: tourism futures and deep learning applied to teaching the UN SDGs’, 2nd Tourism Futures Convention 2024 (TFC), Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, Heilbron, Germany (November 13th)

*3 Robertson, M. (2025) Research presentation: ‘Business Events and the Efficacy of UN SDGS for the Knowledge City’, Tourism Research Centre Seminar, Edinburgh Napier University (February 5th)

Artademic: Art practice as research

‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ (origins unknown) is a much-repeated quote. Although (arguably) simplistic, there is something to this!

I am an artist. I’m also an interdisciplinary and engaged academic who strives to conduct impactful research with outcomes that make a difference. While I do work with ‘traditional’ research methods, my passion is for arts-based, creative, and participatory research. My research is concerned with cultural tourism, festivals, and placemaking, and is often framed by public engagement.

Sometimes, I’m asked how I ended up working in a Business School. It was a circuitous journey. I studied an undergraduate degree in fine art, then a postgraduate research degree in art and design (many) years ago. I then worked across the cultural and creative sector, before my PhD in tourism and festival studies here at Edinburgh Napier. My PhD investigated stakeholders’ perceptions of the image of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and I used visual methods and semiotics. Since then, I established the Visual Methods and Ethnography in Interdisciplinary Research Group in the university. I’m also the Public Engagement with Research Lead for The Business School.

There are two strands to my art practice and how it informs my research. Firstly, I use my own art practice to complement my research, and vice versa. My personal practice is mainly painting. I research through drawing, memory, and imagination, and my work is underpinned by reading. Recent work explores the performance of tourism and leisure, alongside relationships between the tourist gaze and the visual practices and imaginaries of tourism. I’ve had my paintings selected for national and international exhibitions, including Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) and the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA). This year, I curated a group exhibition during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. I’ve also exhibited my work in galleries and sold to private collectors.

Returning to ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ (origins unknown), a second way that my art practice impacts upon my research is through using visual and participatory methods. This involves working with different groups of people to co-create outcomes and outputs. For example, I’ve co-designed participatory and creative ‘walkshops’, partnering with the Museum of Walking. I’ve used drawing and participatory mapping with residents of Wester Hailes in Edinburgh to gain insights into the semiotics of Edinburgh as a festival city. I’ve led a UKRI-funded interdisciplinary creative research and public engagement project working with community partners in Wester Hailes. Recently, I led a Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) research project working with Professor Anna Leask, alongside tourism and festival stakeholder partners. We used participatory and creative methods to investigate overtourism, community engagement, and placemaking in Edinburgh’s historic centre.

While traditional research approaches such as interviews and questionnaires are undeniably valuable, I argue that arts-based, creative, and participatory research can make a difference. They can engage and impact on people, policy, and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to use arts-based methods, so why don’t you try some approaches?

Blog written by: Dr Louise Todd, Associate Professor and Deputy Lead of the TRC

Website: https://artademic.co.uk/

Instagram @louisetodd.art

Meet the Visiting Professor – Associate Professor Judith Mair

Welcome to “Meet the Visiting Professor”, a section dedicated to introducing to you our Visiting Professors, where you will have the opportunity to get to know them and find out how they engage with Edinburgh Napier University, and specifically with the Tourism Research Centre (TRC).

Today, Associate Professor Judith Mair, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, tells us about her strong connections with ENU and TRC researchers, with whom she has been friend for a very long time! Despite being in Australia, she is of Scottish origins, and takes every opportunity she has to come back to connect with family and colleagues.

“Although I now live in Australia, my roots are in Scotland! I grew up in a small village on the West Coast, but I went to university in Edinburgh and fell in love with the city. I stayed there for a few years after graduating, working in the Tourist Information Centre on Princes Street, and then for VisitScotland. I consider Edinburgh to be the place where my involvement with the tourism industry and my tourism and events research interests really started.

After completing a PhD in Tourism at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (coincidentally at the same time as Dina (Constantia) Anastasiadou), my career took me to Australia, firstly to Victoria University (VU) in Melbourne, then Monash University, and now the University of Queensland in Brisbane. It was at Victoria University that I first met Dr Martin Robertson, then at VU and now at Edinburgh Napier University. We share similar research interests – primarily in sustainability and event management – and have been friends ever since.

My work aims to understand and enhance the positive impacts of tourism and events on the communities and societies which host them and my expertise lies in fields including mega-event legacies, the future of events, the links between events and social connectivity, and the potential impacts of climate change on the events sector.

My holidays are often combined with work-related travel, but when I have the chance, I love to visit the wonderful beaches and coastline of Australia. My favourite destination (apart from Scotland of course!) is probably the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland – the archetypal tropical island paradise with the friendliest locals I’ve ever met. I heartily recommend it!

Although I don’t get the opportunity to visit Edinburgh or Scotland much (the journey from Australia is a pretty long one!), I jump at the chance to come home, and having a visiting role at ENU allows me to combine work and pleasure. I enjoy the opportunity to meet and network with old friends and new and share my research with as wide an audience as possible, both in academia and more broadly with industry and government. I also value the chance to act as a mentor for emerging scholars and provide them with as much support and guidance as I can. I hope to collaborate in publications and ongoing project work in the field of events studies with students and colleagues, particularly in relation to sustainability and climate change, which I feel is one of the most important areas we can study. “

Meet the TRC Alumni – Dr Angelo Sciacca

Welcome to “Meet the TRC Alumni”, a section dedicated to finding out what our TRC PhDs are doing after successfully completing their PhD. This is an opportunity to learning more about the multiple careers offered after doing a PhD with us, as well as catching up with our brilliant researchers.

Today, Dr Angelo Sciacca gives us an update of his career after graduating in 2023 and how the PhD has helped him shape his career. Congratulations are in order for Angelo as he has recently joined the TRC not only as a proud alumnus but as Visiting Senior Fellow! We look forward to seeing what this collaboration will bring in the future!

“I held diverse roles across Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, and Europe. My work focused on advancing circular entrepreneurship in tourism, fostering community-based and ecotourism in coastal and island destinations, and researching smart tourism ecosystems.

I chose Edinburgh Napier University for my PhD because I had already completed my master’s degree there and was highly familiar with the university’s strong reputation for quality research and teaching in the subject.

The focus of my PhD on circular economy and island tourism aligned with my interest in how island territorial dynamics influence the tourism sector’s transition toward more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive models.

My PhD has been instrumental in supporting my career by deepening my expertise in circular economy and island tourism, which are critical areas for the sustainable future of the ecosystems the sector relies on.

I work as a Senior Research Fellow on Blue Tourism at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) where I coordinate the Blue Tourism Initiative, a global initiative that aims to improve the governance of coastal and marine tourism to ensure sustainability, focusing on three marine regions: the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Western Indian Ocean.

To new PhD students, I suggest to embrace challenges as part of the learning process, and stay committed to making a meaningful impact with your research.

Exploring Creativity: Highlights from the British Arts Festival Association Student Conference

Written by Sadie Purves, student on MSc International Festival and Event Management at Edinburgh Napier University.

The British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA), the leading network and development agency for UK arts festivals, hosted a conference for students on October 9th at Manchester Metropolitan University. The conference, titled ‘A Festival Career’, allowed students to join a range of festival professionals to shape their own ideas about what a festival career could have to offer.

BAFA partners with festivals and UK universities, including Napier, to offer training opportunities for students. In this flagship event, BAFA aimed to bring together students, academics and industry experts with a presentation, panel and networking opportunities.

Key Themes and Panel

The conference opened with an introduction by BAFA Director Fiona Goh, and the overall themes of the conference were covered, such as the future of the festival industry, how to get your start in the field and the reality of festival work.

Since the attendance was both undergrad and postgrad students from a range of universities across the country, we all had different academic backgrounds, which was a great aspect of the event. There was a presentation from PhD student Naomi Taylor about her research on how festivals give the audience an opportunity to connect with culture and how this is mediated by the audience and the festival team. Taylor additionally went into how BAFA is partnering with her to complete her PhD. As a student, this experience was enlightening to hear about, especially for those who may be considering further study.

The conference continued with a panel, chaired by Dr Jane Ali-Knight, from Napier. Those on the panel included Ardy Naguib (Factory International), Rosie Gilbertson (Harrogate International Festival), Ottilia Ördög (Góbéfest) and Ashley Morris (Newbury Spring Festival). The panel focused on how these individuals got their start in the industry and how this can be translated into advice for students. Everyone had very contrasting experiences from one another, and this exemplified that, despite your background, there are many different ways you could contribute to arts festivals. The experience of starting Góbéfest was discussed by Ottilia Ördög, and this gave a fantastic representation and advice to students on how to explore starting your own festival. Many of the chairs shared that organising your own events, whatever their size or scope, is one of the best ways to gain experience.

Networking and Mentoring

After the panel, we began our ‘Meet the Mentor’ session, which allowed students to ask any questions and start a dialogue with the festival professionals. This section of the conference was a great opportunity to make connections and start to build a network. We had ample opportunity to meet with all of the mentors as well as Fiona Goh of BAFA and lecturers in attendance from Manchester Metropolitan University. The sense of the community this conference adopted in such a short time, built upon shared experiences and genuine connections, was definitely an asset of the event.

A Festival Career

Overall, the BAFA Student Conference provided a valuable and inspiring experience for students considering a career in the festival industry. From insightful presentations to practical advice from seasoned professionals, the event highlighted both the challenges and rewards of working in this dynamic field. The networking and mentorship opportunities allowed students to connect with industry leaders and peers, building a foundation of support and insight to guide their career paths. This unique event underscored the possibilities within the festival industry and empowered students to envision and shape their own futures in the arts.

Professor Kerr gives Keynote Lecture on ‘Business of Science Festivals’ in Mexico

Professor Gary Kerr, an academic within the Tourism Research Centre, has given the Keynote Lecture at the Association of Mexican Museums and Centres for Science & Technology (AMMCCYT) Annual Colloquium 2024, hosted by Centro de Ciencias Explora in León de los Aldama, Guanajuato, Mexico, from 29-31 August 2024.

AMMCCYT brings together science centres and museums from across Mexico. It aims to strengthen the effectiveness of science centre and museums to promote science and technology culture throughout Mexico.

The Annual Colloquium brings together academics, science centre & museum professionals, students and the general public to engage in dialogue, reflect, and exchange ideas, experiences and proposals related to museum spaces and cultural institutions.

During the colloquium, many presentations focused on engaging non-specialist audiences with science & technology and promoting a culture of science and technology across Mexico. The role of science centres and museums in promoting informal science learning was discussed heavily. The colloquium also discussed how science centres and museums can be inclusive spaces for a range of audiences with different needs.

I used my keynote lecture to discuss the ‘Business of Science Festivals’ and how science centres and museums could utilise science festivals as a means to strengthen existing audiences and reach new audiences. I also spoke about the power of science festivals in addressing inequity within the science, technology, engineering & maths (STEM) sectors.

During my keynote, I drew upon my research and practitioner roles in curating science festivals. In the UK, the term ‘science festival’ has been around since 1989, when the Edinburgh Science Festival was first launched. However, public science & technology events date back to the days of the Ancient Greeks when philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle would speak about their theories in public to the masses. The British Association for the Advancement of Science (now the British Science Association) has been holding annual meetings around the UK each year since 1831, and these have evolved into the contemporary British Science Festival – a festival that moves around the UK each year.

Despite 35-year the coming of age of UK science festivals, the STEM sector remains inequitable. There is a gender imbalance in the STEM sector with 65% of the UK’s STEM workforce being white men (Keith & Kerr, 2022). The lack of diversity in the STEM is not limited to gender, but runs through multiple strands of diversity (Keith & Kerr, 2022). There is also an inadequately trained STEM workforce, with around 40% of STEM vacancies difficult to fill (Keith & Kerr, 2022).

In my keynote, I spoke about the value of science festivals, but did go on to highlight that they do not provide a silver bullet to solve all the problems of the STEM sector. I spoke about the value of other types of festivals – including literature, film, music and arts festivals – and how these might provide a platform (albeit limited) for engaging non-specialist audiences with science. I also discussed the need to take into account socio-cultural issues when communicating science at festivals with diverse audiences. These include demonstrating appreciation for religious, cultural and historical sensitivities when communicating with audiences.

My invitation to deliver the Keynote Lecture at AMMCYT further strengthens Tourism Research Centre’s strong links with Mexico, which include delivering the Creative Leadership Programme on behalf of British Council Mexico in 2023 and 2024.

Reference

Keith, L. and Kerr, G. W. (2022). ‘Levelling the playing field: lessons from sport on re-framing science engagement as a benefit to the individual’. JCOM 21 (04), A03. https://doi.org/10.22323/2.21040203

Meet the PhD – Homa Rahimi

Today, we have Homa Rahimi, a PhD candidate originally from Iran, who is currently in her 2^nd year. Her PhD title is “The Implications of lean Talent Management on Optimising Strategic Value of People in the UK Hotel Sector” with supervisors Prof Paul Barron, Prof Anna Leask and Dr Kelsy Hejjas. Many of you might agree with Homa’s words, when she says that she originally started her PhD for academic reasons, to later find out that a PhD is much more than that, the skills you learn throughout the PhD journey are extremely valuable not only for a future career but also in life. Homa is also the 2024 winner of best poster at the Edinburgh Napier University Business Conference. Congratulations Homa!!

If you would like to know more about Homa’s research or if you have any questions, you can contact Homa here: homa.rahimi@napier.ac.uk

If you’re interested in undertaking a PhD with us, please email the Tourism Research Centre Lead, Prof. Anna Leask – a.leask@napier.ac.uk

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“I’m Homa Rahimi from Iran, currently in my second year of PhD studies at Edinburgh Napier University. My academic journey in the UK began with a focus on governance and public policy, sparked by my second master’s degree. This experience provided a foundation for my deeper investigation into organisational management, especially through the lens of New Public Management (NPM). As a result, I developed a keen interest in Human Resource Management (HRM), particularly in the areas of talent management, employee development, and capability building. These interests became central to my MSc degree in HRM at Napier University, reinforcing my enthusiasm for understanding how organisations can best manage and enhance their most valuable asset—people.

My PhD research focuses on the application of Lean thinking to Talent Management within the hotel industry. I chose this topic due to the success story of Lean thinking, which has effectively improved efficiency and performance in various sectors. I am particularly interested in how these principles can be adapted to enhance talent management practices in the hospitality sector, which is crucial to the UK’s employment and economy. The hotel industry relies heavily on human capital and addressing issues like talent spillage—where skills and potential are underutilised—can reduce talent-related waste and optimise people management.

Edinburgh Napier University was the perfect choice for me due to my previous positive experience during my master’s degree, the supportive environment, and the student-friendly atmosphere of the institution. Its strong focus on tourism and hospitality management, coupled with its excellent reputation in these fields, made it an ideal fit. Additionally, the opportunity to work with distinguished supervisors like Professors Barron and Leask, and Dr. Hejjas was an exciting draw.

What makes my PhD research particularly significant is its potential to reshape both academic thought and practical approaches. The hotel industry continually grapples with challenges in managing and retaining talent, and my research aims to address these issues with innovative solutions. By applying Lean principles to Talent Management—an area still underdeveloped in this context—I seek to uncover new insights that could lead to more efficient and effective human resource practices. This exciting endeavour promises to make a meaningful impact on both the theoretical and practical aspects of talent management in the hospitality sector.

When I first considered pursuing a PhD, I saw it primarily as an academic pursuit—a way to delve deeper into my areas of interest. However, as I have progressed, I have come to realise that a PhD is much more than that. It is a journey of personal growth, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful contribution to my field. My understanding of the PhD process has evolved, and I now see it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making a tangible difference in the real world. Being part of the PhD community has been pivotal to my journey. The support, collaboration, and shared experiences within this group have given me the motivation and encouragement needed to overcome challenges and remain focused on my goals. The sense of belonging to a network of like-minded individuals, all navigating similar paths, has been invaluable. Additionally, I’ve found lifelong friends along the way, enriching my experience both personally and professionally.

In my experience, three essential skills for a PhD student are critical analysis, time management, and adaptability. Critical analysis is vital for assessing existing literature and contributing original research. Time management is crucial for balancing the various demands of PhD life, including research, writing, networking, and professional development. Adaptability is key to navigating the unexpected challenges that arise during the PhD journey, requiring flexibility and resilience to stay on track and achieve research objectives.

Looking ahead, I am most excited about the potential impact of my research. I am driven by the prospect of transforming talent management in the hotel industry, contributing to more effective and sustainable HR practices. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the opportunity to effect positive change keeps me inspired and motivated. Additionally, I am eager to enhance the industry’s image, showing it as a viable and rewarding career path rather than one that is often overlooked.”

Meet the Visiting Professor, Brian King

Today, Professor and Head Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism Brian King talks about his career, how he started collaborating with TRC, what he loves about being a Visiting Professor with ENU. Despite the many places he has lived and worked, he still considers Auld Reekie (Edinburgh) as his “hometown” and has strong relationships with several TRC members.

“I am currently professor and head of the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism at Texas A&M University (TAMU), USA. It has been my pleasure to engage with Edinburgh Napier University as a Visiting Professor through my previous professorships at Victoria University (Australia) and then at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I joined TAMU in 2022 and have sought to build the relationship with Napier. I grew up in Edinburgh and though I completed my Honors and MSc degrees at Aberdeen and Strathclyde Universities respectively and carry an Australian passport, I still consider Auld Reekie (Edinburgh) as my “hometown”. My research interests are cultural tourism and the visitor economy. Given my cultural interests, I love Napier’s focus on festivals and events. Through the various full-time academic positions that I have held at Universities in Scotland, Australia, Fiji, Hong Kong and now the US, cultural aspects have been ever present. This can be through language, shared heritage, cuisine, festivals and /or sense of place. I have enjoyed how these characteristics blend with place related factors and have researched and written about concepts such as experiencescapes, festivalscapes and even smellscapes!

I had known and/or worked with several Napier professors over the years – Anna Leask, Paul Baron, Jane Ali-Knight and Martin Robertson to name a few and was a professor in Melbourne Australia as well as being a board member of Destination Melbourne. My appointment as Visiting Professor helped us strengthen the connection between tourism agencies in Melbourne and Edinburgh and I enjoyed teaching on the destination leaders program in both cities. My role as Visiting Professor has involved visiting the Craiglockhart campus (sometimes virtually) to give presentations and to meet with graduate students, industry partners and research collaborators.

During recent months colleagues and I worked on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Napier and Texas A&M University to foster opportunities for student and faculty exchange which has now been ratified. I enjoyed meeting with Napier students when they travelled to our campus to visit in Spring and was delighted that my colleague Dr Sullins led a group of our TAMU students to Napier for study abroad. I cherish the Napier tourism faculty as great friends and associates. A particular highlight of my visiting professorship occurred when I was working in Hong Kong. Principal Prof Andrea Nolan led a Napier delegation to Hong Kong and hosted a ceilidh for students, graduates and supporters. Doing “strip the willow” and wearing a kilt in Hong Kong was certainly a special occasion for me as a then a resident of the territory. And of course, lots of valuable networking occurred worked out the logistics of Scottish dancing!

But where to start? As a professor of tourism, I love to connect people and places and it’s a joy to have an ongoing connection with my hometown and country. The tourism professors at Napier are a great group, and it has also been encouraging to witness the recruitment of junior faculty stars. I appreciate the level of engagement with the industry by the Tourism Research Centre and particularly with the festivals community. Napier also has a very international commitment which welcomes students and faculty from across the globe. I have appreciated my collaborations with Napier wherever in the world I have been based. I really enjoyed interacting with the Napier students during their time in College Station Texas. Our campus here is huge with more than 76,000 students in College Station alone and there are nine other campuses across our network. The football stadium (which I can see from my office) holds 105,000 spectators (even more for a recent music event)”

ENU and Texas A&M Study Exchange 2024

During the spring 2024 term, four of our students went to Texas A&M University on a study exchange trip. The students are on Edinburgh Napier’s Festival & Event Management, Tourism Management, and Hospitality Management programmes. They spent some time working alongside a business in Texas as part of the Live Project Module, and likewise some Texas A&M University students spent some time in August in Edinburgh.

The project team consisted of Dr Afiya Holder, Dr David Jarman, and Slawek Staniszewski, Global Mobility Officer in International Operations from ENU. Dr. Donna Lee Sullins and Prof. Brian King coordinated and led the project on behalf of Texas A&M University.

So what is it like to travel to Texas for a Live Project? Hear directly from the four ENU students who shared with us their thoughts on the experience below. Thanks to Bethany Tait (International Hospitality Management with Festivals and Events), Claudio Pigozzo (International Tourism Management), Cerys Fitzgerald (International Festival and Events Management), and Dean Jenkins (International Festival and Event management).

Question: Why did you apply and how did you secure for such an amazing opportunity?

Bethany: “I knew that I had to apply as it would be such an amazing experience and a great way to gain knowledge of the industry within a different country.”

Claudio: “The opportunity to work closely with an organization in Texas and Texas A&M college students came suddenly. I didn’t think twice before applying and immediately started writing my application form.”

Cerys: “I was given the opportunity to apply for the live project in partnership with Century Square in Texas [a multi-use retail and leisure facility] in Texas at the start of 3^rd year. In order to be considered I had to write a short essay which explained why I would be a good fit for the trip and how it could benefit myself and my experience.”

Dean: “I was reading the IFEM bulletin which I would normally do as it always has great opportunities then I spotted that there was a project and a trip to Texas being organised as part of the live project module which I had chosen. I applied but I wasn’t expecting to be a part of the project as there were only four places available so when I got told the news that I got a place I couldn’t believe it as I had always wanted to go to the USA so doing it with university made it even better as I knew that it would be worth something and not just a holiday.”

Question: What are your thoughts on the Live Project module and how has this shaped your learning experience and professional development?

Bethany: “By being given the opportunity to work with and provide recommendations for a business it enabled myself to finally put my degree to use and know that all the hard work over the past three years is paying off and that I do have the skills to work in a real-life environment. This module has enabled myself to develop my professional skills and learn a lot about the inner workings of professional environments.”

Claudio: “The Live Project module is an incredible experience for students who can finally implement what they have previously studied and use and discover their own skills. Working with a live organization puts you in a position to see things from the perspective of the business owner or manager, and experience their stress, to improve or find appropriate solutions for the business.”

Cerys: “I learned how to work well within a team, distributing the work evenly to ensure no one felt under pressure with the workload. In a professional sense I got an insight into what can differ between a business in the US compared to ones in the UK and how they can do things slightly differently.”

Dean: “I found the actual module interesting and challenging at times, but I enjoy a challenge, so I thoroughly enjoyed working on the project. This module has definitely helped my future goals as I have made international contacts in which I can use when I graduate.”

Question: In what ways has this experience inspired your future goals/plans in Tourism, Hospitality, Festival and Events or Marketing?

Bethany: “This experience has taught me that within the industry the most beneficial factor is networking with other students, universities, and businesses to gain knowledge and contacts worldwide.”

Claudio: “This experience made me understand that despite your age, background, or belief, you can achieve incredible things in life. I met so many people, with different experiences and backgrounds, different passions, different paths, but the same desire to learn and make a difference.”

Cerys: “My plans for after graduation has always been to travel and work internationally. Doing this live project has shown me that it is something that is indeed possible and that I would be able to do it with the experience that I have already gained through this opportunity.”

Dean: “This experience has really opened my eyes to what opportunities are out there in terms of different events and universities.”

Question: What were some memorable moments related to the module but also beyond the classroom?

Bethany: “A memorable moment within the classroom would be the initial receival of the project brief, it was exciting as a group to gain information on the company and brainstorm initial ideas for the objectives we had been given. (…) The professors at Texas A&M were incredibly welcoming and also invited us along to the hospitality scholarships banquet.”

Claudio: “I think every minute of this module, the project, the meetings, the trip, was memorable. I will bring these memories forever with me. I met and worked with fantastic people with whom we shared thoughts, discussed and come up with interesting ideas. I had the opportunity to attend class at an American University and understand what life on campus really is, their culture, tradition and the spirit of belonging, something incredible…. Truly an unforgettable experience.”

Cerys: “Some of my most memorable moments from this module have to learning all about Texas and Century Square but then getting to actually experience it. Although my academic experiences come from the classroom, the real life experiences and moments came from the trip itself.”

Dean: “… the banquet that Texas A&M students were hosting, I networked with so many different people from different backgrounds and professions.”

Question: What life skills do you think came to light post-trip?

Bethany: “Improved confidence, adapting to new cultures”

Claudio: “Problem solving, teamwork and organizational skills.”

Cerys: “Communication and collaboration”

Dean: “Teamwork, networking skills and communication”

Question: What advice would you give future students about taking the Live Project module?

Bethany: “The best advice would be to thoroughly communicate with all team members, it is really important to ensure you all have the same work ethic and maintain styles of work throughout the report and presentation. I would also say to just enjoy the experience as much as possible and remember that your supervisor and the other module lecturers are always there to support your experience and make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.”

Claudio: “My advice is to take the Live Project module as a real work experience, never be afraid to express ideas and always listen to criticism and learn from it, you learn by making mistakes.”

Cerys: “Just enjoy it! The live project can become stressful at points as it is a lot to in a short period of time. My advice would be to embrace the experience to its full potential, and all will work out in the end.”

Dean: “…that the dynamic in your project team is crucial so I would recommend getting to know a little more about your teammates outside the classroom.”