December 2025
Festive bumper roundup: an award-winning year in hospitality and tourism
By Sean Madden, Claire Huggins and Allison Louth
Share post:Read time: approx 8 mins
As the shortest day draws near and the Christmas lights flicker to life, we look back on another year of achievement and adventure at the Department of Hospitality and Tourism
Throughout a successful 12 months, we've hosted a number of nationwide conferences and events, while our students picked up a multitude of awards, worked on real-world industry live projects across tourism, aviation, hospitality and events, and embarked on international trips and placements.
As you get ready to head off for a well-deserved break, read on for the low-down on what's been happening across the department.
Awards galore!
Knight Sedhain has won the prestigious 2025 Tourism Management Institute (TMI) Student Inspiration Award. Well done, Knight, for such an incredible achievement!
At the recent Passion4Hospitality conference, hosted in London by the Institute of Hospitality (IOH), a team of UCB students competed in the Hotel, Operations, Tactics and Strategy (HOTS) Business Game, winning a trophy in the process. Congratulations to Katerina Field, Amelia Kynnersley, Priyanshu Sharma, Sonal Sunar, Yawen Zhuang and Marta Tavares!
At the same event, Israr Alam and Aneeta Anson won the third place prize at the IOH’s student paper competition. Brilliant work!
Hospitality with Tourism Managment MSc student Elham Torbati won the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Student of the Year for 2025, and was presented with her award at a prestigious summer party at the Houses of Parliament.
Finally, three of our alumni claimed runner-up spots in two categories at this year's British Hospitality Awards. Maria Raquel Da Costa Pinto Silva Esteves, working at The Grand Hotel, and Alexander Archer Perez at Aloft Birmingham Eastside and The Eastside Rooms, shone brightly in the Rising Star Category, while Jordan Parry of Holiday Inn Express Birmingham City Centre was honoured in the Back of House Customer Service category.
Congratulations to all of you for your hard work and amazing achievements!
Exploring sustainable tourism in Montenegro
How do you ensure environmental sustainability in an area of rapid tourism growth?
This was the question asked by a cohort of UCB students who travelled to Montenegro and explored its burgeoning reputation as a premier destination.
Moving through bustling urban centres to picturesque coastal villages, they examined the environmental challenges that accompany growing tourism, applying their theoretical knowledge to the reality of the industry in Europe, and making incredible memories along the way!
Students shine in the spotlight
The year kicked off with a fresh twist on the conference style, as Student Spotlight encouraged undergraduates in hospitality and tourism to showcase their work to staff and students.
Alongside current students, alumni were invited to discuss their careers since graduation, sharing their experiences and giving tips on how to make the most of their time at university - while thinking about how to transform it into a successful career!
Students get stuck in as Birmingham hosts screen tourism summit
Birmingham' International Convention Centre (ICC) hosted this year's World Screen Tourism Summit, Set-Jet 2025, which explored the rise in tourism inspired by film and TV locations.
No fewer than seven of our events management students attended and worked at the event, where they were also able to network and listen to guest speakers from VisitBritain, West Midlands Growth Company, Left Bank Pictures Ltd., Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, Expedia Group, SetJetters, VisitScotland, National Trust, and the Malta Tourism Authority, among others.
Well done to Codie Davis, Aimme Costello, Raphaela Lee, Francesco Diperna, Ayesha Ayaz, Nancy Gurung and Georgina Akerele for your hard work on the day!
The world starts here - our new video
This winter, we've been jetsetting off to locations across Europe to film some of our incredible alumni and show you what it's like to work in the amazing hospitality and tourism industry!
Meet Frankie, Jan, Sonal and Olivia, who now work everywhere from football stadiums to airlines in key management roles.
In our new video, the four graduates take a look back at their days of studying and how UCB shaped them to become confident, experienced professionals. We hope they inspire you!
Hands-on experience for students at Event Week Live
Five of our students spent National Careers Week working behind-the-scenes at the world-famous Crufts exhibition, held at the Birmingham NEC as part of this year's Event Week Live.
Doubling-up as great experience for English Tourism Week, the students spent time with the rigging and stage teams, and learned about the wide range of roles available to graduates hoping to gain a foothold in the industry.
On the final day, they even had the chance to listen to guest speakers from industry and do plenty of networking!
Shaping the future of tourism in Great Malvern
Six students have begun an exciting collaboration with Malvern District Council with the aim of revitalising the local tourism strategy.
Using knowledge acquired through their degrees, the students will focus on highlighting opportunities for employment, while sustainably championing the region's attractions for the next generation of visitors.
Successful alumni return as we host Future You conference for another year
Students had a glimpse into their possible professional futures as the Institute for Travel and Tourism's annual student conference returned to UCB.
As well as a roster of guest speakers from the industry, those assembled heard stories and advice from those who'd studied at the University before embarking on their careers - and gained invaluable inspiration in the process!
West Midlands growth takes centre stage at Inspire Conference
Youth was at the heart of the discussion as the Business School hosted its fourth annual Inspire Conference, as Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, led a panel discussion in which students were given the chance to explore the journey from university to employment.
With Birmingham officially the youngest city in the country, special guest presenters emphasised the unique opportunity for students in the region to put their knowledge and experience to good use and play a significant part in ushering in future growth.
Securing runner-up spot in aviation training industry awards
The University's significant contribution to aviation training was recognised at the Aviation Industry Awards' glamorous London ceremony.
With more than 75 years of experience in tourism studies, UCB's commitment to safety, sustainability and innovation was highlighted by leading industry professionals.
Well done to everyone involved for maintaining such high standards, and congratulations on your success!
University College Birmingham is a leading provider of specialist training for the hospitality and tourism industries, with students learning in first-class facilities, including the Aviation and Tourism Suite, as well as having a wealth of opportunities to put their skills to the test in prestigious national and international competitions.
Discover the full range of courses within our Department of Hospitality and Tourism
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