UWTSD Students Celebrated at Welsh Hospitality Future Generations Awards

Students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) were among those recognised at a prestigious industry awards event celebrating the next generation of hospitality, tourism, and events professionals in Wales.

Organised by the Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Cymru, the sold-out Future Generations Awards and networking event took place at Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel, bringing together students, apprentices, academics, and leading industry professionals from across Wales to celebrate emerging talent within the sector.

The event attracted more than 110 guests from the hospitality, tourism, education, and events industries, highlighting the strength and vibrancy of Wales’s visitor economy and hospitality sector.

UWTSD worked in partnership with the Celtic Collection to deliver the event. The awards programme was supported by educational partners including Cardiff Metropolitan University, the University of South Wales, Cardiff, and Vale College and Coleg Gwent. Together, the institutions celebrated and supported students receiving recognition for their achievements across the hospitality, tourism, events, and visitor economy sectors.

Recognising UWTSD Talent

Several outstanding UWTSD students received IoH Cymru Future Generations Awards in recognition of their achievements, professionalism, and contributions to their respective fields.

Hospitality Award

Arwen Garland received recognition for an exceptional year of achievement. Arwen won the National Waiter title in 2025 and the Global Above and Beyond Award at the London Young Chef Young Waiter Championships in 2026. These accomplishments led to prestigious hospitality opportunities, including working in the Royal Box at Wimbledon and serving as Supper Manager at the Blenheim Palace Ball. Alongside her studies, Arwen works as a Duty Manager at Swansea Building Society Arena and as a fine dining waitress at the Michelin-starred Beach House Restaurant.

International Gastronomy Award

Emily Keane was recognised for her commitment and achievements within the field of international gastronomy.

International Travel and Tourism Award

Angelika Jasnos was recognised for her outstanding leadership and international experience. A Commonwealth Young Leader, Angelika was invited to Windsor Castle for a reception with His Majesty The King. She has worked on conferences at the United Nations in Geneva and completed an international internship in Shanghai, supporting major international events. She has recently secured a role as a Conference Coordinator and Attendee Experience Professional with a multinational conference management company, working within its European events team.

Events Team Award

The UWTSD Student Events Team received the Events Team Award for delivering the largest Future YOU Conference to date at Swansea Building Society Arena. The team welcomed more than 670 delegates and attracted 55 industry trade stands, creating one of the University’s most significant student-led industry events.

The award-winning team included:

• Simon Canby, recipient of the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence Student of the Year Award.
• Carys Davies, who helped deliver the University’s first food festival, attracting more than 250 attendees, and who currently works in events at Ffos Las Racecourse.
• Nia Moores, who began a new role as Events Coordinator at The Angel Hotel Cardiff immediately following the awards ceremony and previously completed placements at Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.
• Wiktoria Kukiarska, recipient of the Bella Rangel Callen Institute of Travel and Tourism Student of the Year Award 2026.
• Elijah Thomas, who completed a diploma at the International Bartending School in Mallorca and now manages a cocktail bar in Cornwall.
• Charlie McDonald, who is currently undertaking a management-in-training placement with Marriott International at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort in Florida, following a previous placement at Walt Disney World.

Students Supporting Industry

In addition to receiving awards, UWTSD students played an important role in supporting the delivery of the event. Students assisted with a range of activities, from room set-up and venue styling through to supporting the awards presentations. These experiences provided valuable practical learning opportunities, enabling students to showcase their industry skills, professionalism, and event management capabilities in a live industry environment.

The event also created valuable networking opportunities, enabling students to connect with senior hospitality professionals, general managers, academics, and employers from across Wales. These interactions further strengthened links between education and industry while supporting future career development.

Professor Gareth Davies, Dean of UWTSD’s Institute of Management and Health, said: “It was a pleasure to see so many of our students recognised for their dedication, talent and professionalism at the Future Generations Awards. Their achievements reflect not only their individual commitment and ambition, but also the strength of the partnerships we have developed with industry across Wales and beyond.

“Hospitality, tourism and events are people-focused industries, and our students continue to demonstrate the creativity, leadership and resilience needed to thrive in these sectors. We are immensely proud of everything they have achieved and look forward to seeing the impact they will make throughout their careers.”

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

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