UWTSD Celebrates 30 Years of Shaping Leisure, Events and Tourism Leaders and being named Wales’s First ITT Centre of Excellence

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is proud to celebrate 30 years of pioneering Leisure, Events and Tourism education in Swansea, marking three decades of industry-leading teaching, innovation, and graduate success. This milestone year also brings another significant achievement as the University has been named the first ITT Centre of Excellence for Travel and Tourism in Wales.

Jacqui Jones, Programme Director, said: “Reaching 30 years since our first  Leisure Management students graduated in Swansea is a tremendous milestone for UWTSD. We are incredibly proud of the vibrant community of students, staff, alumni, and industry partners who have shaped our programmes over the decades. Being named Wales’s first ITT Centre of Excellence is a testament to the dedication and innovation that defines our work. We look forward to celebrating this achievement together and to continuing to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.”

To commemorate these achievements, UWTSD will host a Celebration Event and Lunch on  December 10 at its Swansea Waterfront campus. The event will bring together students, staff, alumni, industry partners, and distinguished guests for a day of conversation, reflection, and celebration.

The day will feature Professor Terry Stevens, founder of the original tourism and leisure programmes at Swansea, and Professor of Practice Andrew Campbell MBE, who will join staff and students for a special session of Tourism and Hospitality Conversations.

UWTSD is also delighted to welcome two prominent keynote speakers:

• Alan Coppin OBE, Former CEO of Wembley Stadium plc & Historic Royal Palaces and Chair of the Prince’s Foundation
• Tom Gorringe, CEO of Swansea City FC

Reflecting the strength and reach of UWTSD’s alumni community, several high-profile Tourism, Events and Leisure graduates will return to share insights from their professional journeys, including:

• Craig Jarrett, Vice President of Operations, Sodexo Live!
• Dominic Jones, CEO, The Mary Rose Trust
• Heledd Williams, Head of Business Events Wales, Welsh Government

A celebration-themed lunch, generously sponsored by Skyline Swansea and prepared by UWTSD Gastronomy students, will be held in the Vivian Hall at the Dylan Thomas Centre. The afternoon will feature further conversations, panel discussions, and industry reflections, also held at the Dylan Thomas Centre.

The event will be organised and hosted by current UWTSD students who will share their experiences of Taith funded global field trips, placements, industry-based projects, and events. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience the Immersive Room and the cutting-edge digital learning technologies used to support and enhance student learning.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071