SETU’s New Tourism Advisory Board To Shape Future Courses

An external advisory board has been established by Southeast Technological University (SETU) for the purpose of enhancing their Tourism, Culinary and Hospitality Education division. This advisory board comprises prominent people involved in the Waterford tourism industry and will assist in course development and understand the expectations of the industry.

Strengthening Industry-Academic Connections

The establishment of this board formalises SETU’s commitment to aligning its tourism curriculum with the evolving demands of the tourism and hospitality industry. This move is part of the university’s wider efforts to ensure its students are equipped with the most relevant skills and knowledge to succeed in a competitive and rapidly changing industry.

The advisory board will meet bi-monthly to guide the development of programs in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, and Tourism, making sure these courses are not only academically rigorous but also practically relevant. SETU has long been a leader in tourism education, and this new collaboration with the Waterford tourism industry further strengthens its role as a key player in shaping the future of tourism in the region.

Prominent Figures from Waterford’s Tourism Sector Join the Advisory Board

Among the notable members of the advisory board are Sinead Crowley, a graduate of SETU’s BA (Hons) Hospitality Management program and Head of Global Corporate Sales at Kempinski Hotels, and Margaret Darer, the Proprietor of Dooleys and Vice President of the Irish Hotels Federation. Their involvement signifies the importance of industry expertise in shaping the next generation of tourism professionals. The inclusion of such high-profile figures underscores the growing recognition of SETU’s impact on the local and national tourism sectors.

The board members bring with them decades of combined experience in global hospitality, offering SETU’s Department of Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and Tourism invaluable advice on industry trends, sustainability, and the integration of technology into modern tourism practices. Their insights will play a key role in tailoring the university’s educational offerings to meet the specific needs of employers in the region.

A Stronger Focus on Real-World Experience

The creation of the advisory board also marks a shift towards a more collaborative approach to tourism education, with the goal of preparing students for careers in the ever-evolving tourism industry. By working closely with key industry stakeholders, SETU can ensure that students receive the best possible grounding in both academic knowledge and practical skills. This partnership will also provide students with better access to industry placements and job opportunities upon graduation.

The new initiative aligns with the growing trend towards integrating real-world experience with academic learning. Tourism courses at SETU already place a significant emphasis on hands-on experience, but with the advisory board in place, students will have even more opportunities to engage with industry leaders and gain insights into the latest trends shaping the sector.

Commitment to Sustainable and Technologically-Informed Education

In line with global industry shifts, sustainability and technology are increasingly becoming central themes within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Through its advisory board, SETU is actively ensuring that students are prepared to meet these challenges head-on. As the tourism sector becomes more focused on sustainability and innovation, the university aims to integrate these principles into its curriculum to provide students with the skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing landscape.

This focus on sustainability and technology is vital to ensuring that SETU graduates are prepared to navigate the complexities of modern tourism, including the growing demand for eco-friendly travel and the rise of digital tools in tourism management.

Recognition of SETU Graduates’ Achievements

The launch of the advisory board also highlights the achievements of SETU’s alumni, who continue to make a significant impact in the tourism and hospitality sectors both locally and internationally. For instance, recent graduate David Hart was named Euro talk Chef of the Year, a testament to the high caliber of talent nurtured by SETU’s Culinary Arts program.

SETU has a strong reputation for producing graduates who perform at the highest level, and the establishment of the advisory board is expected to further enhance the employability of tourism students by offering them access to an even broader network of industry professionals.

A Bright Future for Tourism Education in Waterford

SETU is incorporating a new advisory board which will help the institute solidify its leadership position in the tourism and hospitality sector in Ireland. This partnership is in line with the university and Waterford tourism industry and is expected to help create a more engaging and practical curriculum centered around current industry needs and equip students to thrive in a modern, sustainable tourism industry. This initiative will benefit the students’ developments, as well as the development of the tourism industry in the South-East of Ireland.