Jacqui Jones, Programme Manager for the International Travel, Tourism, Events and Festivals Management portfolio at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), has been appointed as the new Chair of the Institute of Hospitality Cymru (IoH Cymru).
With an extensive background in tourism education and industry engagement, Jacqui’s appointment reflects her outstanding commitment to promoting excellence in hospitality, travel, and tourism across Wales and beyond, the university said.
Jacqui is a member of the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Training and Education Committee and serves as an ABTA Co-ordinator. She played a pivotal role in UWTSD being named a Centre of Excellence for Travel and Tourism, recognising the university’s high standards in teaching, industry collaboration, and student development.
The Institute of Hospitality Cymru is a long-standing and regional network of the professional body, dedicated to supporting members across Wales. It promotes the growth and prosperity of the hospitality, leisure, and tourism sectors, encouraging professional development and positioning Wales as a destination of choice.
Under Jacqui’s leadership, IoH Cymru will continue to champion career pathways, professional standards, and skills development across the region. The organisation’s thriving Student Group will remain a focus, providing a platform for the next generation of industry professionals to connect, learn and grow through student and industry conferences, networking, and social events.
Jacqui Jones, who lives in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, and is based at the University's Swansea Waterfront campus, said:
“It’s a privilege to take on the role of Chair for IoH Cymru. I’m passionate about nurturing talent and promoting Wales as a world-class destination for hospitality and tourism. This new position complements my work at UWTSD, where we strive to empower the next generation of leaders through education, collaboration, and real-world engagement.”
Jacqui’s appointment also marks a strengthening of IoH Cymru’s industry links. James Hayward, Cluster Manager for Celtic Collections, has been appointed Vice Chair, working alongside Jacqui to represent the industry across Wales and support the next generation of hospitality professionals. Jacqui and James originally joined the IoH Cymru committee together and successfully delivered a series of impactful online and in-person events during the Covid period. Their partnership continues to flourish, with plans already underway for a series of new initiatives and events that will drive academia collaboration and innovation across the sector.
Jacqui added:
“Our relationship with Celtic Collections continues to grow and having James as Vice Chair brings a wealth of industry insight and experience. Together, we’re representing the industry across Wales and the next generation of future professionals and we’re planning big things for IoH Cymru.”
The appointment also recognises Jacqui’s active contribution to IoH Cymru’s event programme. Working with the Institute, she helped organise ‘Manage the Track’ at Ffos Las Racecourse and coordinated two highly successful IoH Cymru Conferences at the Senedd, both of which brought together leaders, professionals, and students to celebrate innovation and excellence in Welsh hospitality and tourism.
Her dual role within UWTSD and IoH Cymru will create further opportunities for students and industry professionals alike, strengthening partnerships, expanding professional networks, and fostering innovation within the Welsh tourism and hospitality landscape.
Professor Gareth Davies, Dean of the University’s Institute of Management and Health, said:
“Jacqui’s appointment as Chair of IoH Cymru reflects both her personal commitment and the university’s wider mission to collaborate with industry partners in shaping the future of hospitality and tourism in Wales. Her leadership will help bridge education and practice, creating even greater opportunities for our students and the wider Welsh tourism community.”
