Former student sets up as tourism consultant

The hospitality and tourism industry is growing rapidly in China and the Far East – and one former College student is passing on his expertise to new and expanding businesses in the region.

Norman Chan graduated from the BA (Hons) course in Tourism Business Management in 1998. He then worked as a sales executive for an exhibitions company, before getting involved with projects to mark the Millennium in Hong Kong.

He then worked for South Arabian Airlines and Kenya Airways – which led to a role setting up the Kenya Tourist Board's operations in China, where he stayed for five years, before becoming a lecturer in tourism in Hong Kong.

Norman's experiences in the tourism industry convinced him there was a gap in the market for an organisation offering help and support to new businesses and those looking to expand their operations in the sector.

He said: "The tourism industry is a big growth area in the Far East with great potential, but I saw a lot of examples as I travelled around of things that could be done better and we don't have the sort of consultancy services that there are in the USA or Europe.

"The consultancy was launched two months ago to provide a service with marketing, promotion, product development and advice on how to set up a business. We're able to work with small businesses just starting up, medium-sized businesses looking to make some changes and large corporations who want to move into the Chinese market."

Norman had already worked in the tourism industry in Hong Kong before coming to the College, but realised he would need further qualifications to move forward in his chosen career – and he decided Birmingham was the place to realise his ambitions.

He added: "I finished my qualifications in Hong Kong and worked for a travel agency and tour operator for a while, but I found I needed more professional knowledge, which the College provided.

"The time I spent at the College was excellent – all the knowledge and achievements I've gained since were as a result of the course. The tourism industry is very well developed in the UK and Birmingham was an excellent city to learn in."