Richard's Profile
Job title
Head of Department - Hospitality and Tourism (Interim)
Academic qualifications
PCET, MA Tourism Destination Management, BA (Joint Hons) History and Sociology, FHEA, Associate Professor
"‘Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.' I encourage students to start considering their career plans as early as possible, and I equip them with practical, real-world insights and connections to thrive in the dynamic world of tourism."
My students know me as Ricky, and I specialise in strategic digital marketing, digital content creation, the analysis of risk, disruption and futures, sustainability and disaster/crisis management. I teach across a range of courses, including our BA International Tourism Management, BA International Hospitality and Tourism Management, MSc International Tourism Management, and MSc International Events Management.
With a strong industry background - I worked as Senior Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Adaptable Travel (a specialist educational travel consultant and tour operator) and as Student Marketing Coordinator at BUNAC (British Universities North America Club) - I bring invaluable real-world insights to my classroom. My experience in digital marketing, sales, and operational coordination enables me to bridge theory and practice for students, which supports their development of robust industry skills and awareness of how the theory actually gets put into practice. I also organise the annual ITT (Institute of Travel and Tourism) Future You Employability Conference, which connects students with top employers in tourism and hospitality.
My teaching approach is dynamic and student-focused, and my classes are engaging, current, and carefully tailored to my students’ interests and future career goals. I’m proud of earning my Associate Professor title, winning UCB’s Spotlight Teacher Award (including Lecturer of the Year and Outstanding Feedback recognitions), and acting as Head of Department for Hospitality and Tourism. I enjoy leading the revalidation and redevelopment of our curricula, ensuring that our teaching remains informed by current industry needs and trends. I’m also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
I’m also an ITT Education and Training Committee board member, an external examiner for Chichester University's BSc International Tourism and Hospitality Management course, and an active contributor to industry events.
Tourism is often misunderstood as being just about holidays, but in reality, it’s a multi-trillion-dollar global industry vital to economic, social, and infrastructural development. I encourage students to start considering their career plans as early as possible - university years go by fast! Make the most of all opportunities, seek work experience, and remember that “education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”
In my spare time, I stay active by running, playing football and tennis, and I cherish spending quality time with family and friends. A favourite read of mine is The Beach by Alex Garland.