UWTSD Hosts Inspiring IoH Round Table Exploring the Future of AI in Hospitality
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) welcomed leading hospitality professionals, many of whom are proud alumni, to its Swansea Waterfront campus for a thought-provoking Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Round Table, exploring the theme of AI and the Future of Hospitality.
Hosted by Jacqui Jones, Programme Manager, International Travel, Tourism, Events & Festivals Management Portfolio at UWTSD, the event offered students and staff an exclusive opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, learn about IoH Educational Membership, and discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence across the hospitality sector.
The day began with an Introduction to IoH Educational Membership and an overview of IoH Wales in Swansea’s Dylan Thomas Centre (DTC) Lecture Theatre, before guests and staff enjoyed a traditional Welsh Cawl lunch in Vivian Hall, prepared by the University’s Gastronomy Team, and served by Arwen Garland, the recent winner of the waiter category in the Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist Wales 2025 competition hosted by UWTSD.
The focus then turned to the main event: the IoH Round Table Session, led by Aymen Fetouak and streamed live from the Immersive Room to students and staff in the DTC Lecture Theatre. The session delved into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of hospitality, workforce development, and guest experience.
The distinguished panel of in-person speakers included:
Aymen Fetouak, Head of Professional Development, IoH
Professor Gareth Davies, Dean, Institute of Management & Health, UWTSD
Matt Barnby, Regional Director, Celtic Collections
James Hayward, General Manager, Celtic Collection, Coldra Court & Ty Newport
Damian Martin, General Manager, Celtic Collection Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff
Simon Crockford, Executive Chef, Celtic Collection St Brides & Ty Milford
Professor Terry Stevens, Stevens Associates
Oliver de Koning, Group People Manager, Seren Collection
James Morgan, Creative Learning Producer, ATG Swansea Arena
Mel Bourke, Business Development Manager, Levy Group (Swansea.com & Cardiff City Stadiums)
Joining online were:
Craig Jarret, Vice President of Operations, Sodexo Live! (joining from Chicago)
Kieran James, Opening General Manager, Drey Eco Hotel, London
Dr Agnieszka Rydzik Associate Professor in Tourism and Work at University of Lincoln.
Craig Jarret, Vice President of Operations, Sodexo Live! and also a UWTSD alumni said:
“The roundtable was enlightening and invoked a deeper through process for myself after learning from you all. This type of exercise is essential to ensure that the current students and future leaders are not on the back foot but have a seat at the table and that Hospitality doesn’t get left behind.”
Speaking about the event, Jacqui Jones said:
“We are thrilled to host such an inspiring discussion at UWTSD. Bringing together hospitality professionals, educators, and students to explore how AI can enhance creativity, service, and sustainability in our industry is both exciting and essential for the future.
“We are also immensely proud that several of today’s speakers are UWTSD alumni who have gone on to achieve remarkable success across the hospitality sector. Their achievements are a true reflection of the university’s commitment to nurturing talent, supporting innovation, and building strong, lasting connections between education and industry.”
The collaboration between UWTSD and the Institute of Hospitality continues to strengthen the bridge between education and industry, giving students valuable insights into evolving global trends and emerging technologies that will shape their future careers.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476