University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) marked 30 years of pioneering Leisure, Tourism and Events education with an event that highlighted career-shaping placements, industry partnerships and a thriving alumni community — all defining features of a programme now recognised as Wales’s first ITT Centre of Excellence for Travel and Tourism and winner Best UK Events Course for the past two years at the National Outdoor Events Awards.
Hosted by students and staff from UWTSD’s current Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism programmes, the day brought together alumni, staff, students, industry partners and distinguished guests for conversations, reflections and inspiration focused on celebrating the past, present and future of tourism.
At the core of UWTSD’s Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism programmes, is a commitment to real-world, industry-led learning — a theme that resonated throughout the celebration. Placements, introduced early in the programme’s history, have become a defining feature of the student experience, giving graduates the confidence, skills and connections to thrive.
During the event, alumni speakers repeatedly credited these opportunities as life-changing, highlighting how practical experience and strong industry partnerships have shaped careers across three decades.
Dominic Jones, Chief Executive Officer of The Mary Rose Trust, delivered the opening address, sharing insights from his career journey and reflecting on the transformative impact of the programme. He shared how his degree experience “changed his life,” taking him from Disney internships to leadership roles at Thorpe Park, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Merlin Entertainments. His remarks set the tone for a day focused on opportunity, innovation and alumni success.
Craig Jarrett, who made the trip from Chicago to attend the event, reflected on how studying part-time while working at Swansea Leisure Centre helped him “think bigger” and pursue a global career with Royal Caribbean International before earning him his current role as Vice President of Sodexo Live!, overseeing the American Express airport lounge portfolio.
His story echoes a common theme among alumni: many didn’t follow a traditional academic path, but the course unlocked their potential and changed their lives.
Heledd Williams, Head of Business Events Wales for Welsh Government and Debbie Jenkins, who has come full circle as a UWTSD lecturer, shared a nostalgic conversation about their student days and the lecturers who inspired them. Both spoke warmly about how the programme gave them confidence and ambition, setting them on paths that would lead to rewarding careers.
Ewan Rees took his degree from the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi F1 circuit, where he worked as Events Sales Director, to founding VIP Wales, a bespoke tour and travel company in his home county of Pembrokeshire. He spoke passionately about the value of placements, describing how they helped him apply classroom learning in real-world settings and enrich his studies. His advice to students: “take leaps of faith” and seize every opportunity.
Recent graduates Mel Bourke and Ethan Scriven shared how the course gave them exposure to the industry and confidence to succeed. Ethan described his experience as “life-changing,” crediting the course with building resilience and opening doors. They praised lecturers for pushing them to seek opportunities and described them as ‘gold dust’, highlighting how rare it is to have educators so deeply invested in their students’ success.
Jacqui Jones, Programme Director of International Travel, Tourism, Events & Festivals Management Portfolio, said:
“Without our alumni, we couldn’t do what we do. They play a vital role in creating opportunities and opening doors, and we’re deeply grateful for the incredible relationships we’ve built. Our alumni help shape the future of the industry, the course, and the next generation of leisure and tourism leaders.”
