Richard Behan

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an experienced lecturer with expertise in developing industry-relevant tourism and aviation programmes which focus on collaboration, employability, diversity, reflection and independent learning.

I take an active role in following the wider academic community and the major players of both industries to contextualise my teaching with up-to-date industry informed news and guest speakers facilitating employability opportunities for students. I am proud to be a member and sit on the Institute of Travel and Tourism Education and Training Committee who support me in shaping tourism and aviation education with industry practice.

I am committed to engaging in academic research and scholarly activity that contributes to the profile, reputation and operations of the faculty. Scholarly interests include disruptive innovation in tourism, managing human factors in aviation, development of health and wellness tourism, regulation of social media and the impact of terrorism on tourism flow patterns.

I am responsible for the management and leadership of Further Education, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes across the Hospitality and Tourism department within the School of Business Tourism and Creative Industries. My teaching interests include the following subject areas:

Industry Live Project
Global Digital Marketing
Digital Media in Tourism
Global Dynamic Environment
Corporate Press Relations
Marketing Communications in Hospitality
Social Media in Tourism and Aviation

I am committed to engaging in academic research and scholarly activity that contributes to the profile, reputation and operations of the faculty. Scholarly interests include disruptive innovation and the sharing economy, content marketing and blog writing, development of screen tourism, sustainability, and employability. 

I represent University College Birmingham on the Education and Training committee board for the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) and West Midlands Growth Company Regional Tourism Board.