Sophie Chalmers

I teach on our International Tourism Management and Aviation and Airport Management courses, with expertise that covers tourism trends, niche tourism, contemporary tourist behaviour, destination success, and sustainable practices in tourism and aviation. Thanks to my seven years of international teaching experience in Vietnam and Japan, I have a deep understanding of the value of diverse cultural perspectives and global tourism dynamics. I also spent six years teaching Travel and Tourism at college level, and these experiences combined enable me to bring rich cultural insight and practical knowledge to the classroom. I therefore feel very well-equipped to prepare students for the international and multifaceted world of tourism and aviation. 

Many people make the mistake of thinking that careers in travel and aviation are limited to roles such as Tour Guide or Cabin Crew, but that’s just not the case! Our industry actually offers a wide range of opportunities, including operations, logistics, marketing, sustainability, and policy. My goal is to help students understand the potential and then realise their individual goals. 

My students often tell me how much they enjoy the collaborative style of my classes, as I ensure that discussion and teamwork are at the centre. I aim to make everyone feel comfortable, contributing, and learning from each other, with my sessions occasionally including cake - it definitely helps to create a positive and fun atmosphere! 

In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, whether that’s paddleboarding on a calm lake or camping (always with a fire). I’m also always up for good food shared with friends, and, unsurprisingly, I have a real passion for travel! An unexpected fact about me is that I have a Vietnamese motorbike licence.