ITT EDUCATION & TRAINING


UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE How innovative is travel?


In February, ITT hosted a high-level round-table event on innovation in travel. It was organised with the support of a grant from the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC). Delegates included business leaders from the travel sector and senior academics who have undertaken research on innovation. The idea is that by learning to exchange knowledge in this way, ITT will be in a better position to lead professional development activities for senior personnel in travel. The round-table also looked at the kinds of research undertaken by academics so that a higher proportion of it can be of direct relevance to industry.


Existing academic research tends to categorise innovations along the following lines: product or service, process (notably via information and communications technologies), managerial innovations (ways of organising the business), and institutional (such as a new collaboration). It was interesting to see which of these has been most important over recent decades and where there has been relatively little innovation.


Several academics have sought to explain the conditions under which innovation flourishes. Particular emphasis has been placed on the acquisition and management of knowledge within companies, technology and the role of entrepreneurial leaders. How these have manifested themselves in travel and the potential barriers to innovation will also be discussed.


A full report will appear in the next issue of BullITTin and on the website. Any Members interested in this topic are welcome to email me.


Academics please note: We will soon be inviting applications for the ITT PhD Student of the Year. Please keep an eye on the website or email me if you would like to know more about the criteria and process of application.


Professor Rhodri Thomas


Best Loved Hotels Hospitality & Catering Award


fantastic opportunity to experience work as a commis chef during their stay!


Best Loved Hotels has partnered with ITT to sponsor a new Student Award. The Best Loved Hotels Hospitality & Catering Award becomes part of the growing list of Student Awards that are presented at ITT’s Summer Cocktails each year. The lucky winner will not only become the ITT Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year but will also win a £500 bursary and a weekend break at one of the Best Loved Hotels including a


ITT Fellow and Best Loved Hotels Chairman, Richard Tobias OBE, said: “The hospitality industry is one of Britain’s fastest growing sectors. Well trained and enthusiastic students are essential if the industry is to achieve its true potential and world-class status. I very much hope that this award will spur every student to give his or her best.”


Details of how to apply coming soon!


DERMOT BLASTLAND, TUI TRAVEL PLC.


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