Tourism education innovation on show at SCU

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s premier tourism destinations and from February 2-5 will play host to more than 200 specialists in the field as they converge on Southern Cross University for the 25th annual Council for Australasian University Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) conference.

The conference theme Rising Tides and Sea Changes: Adaptation and Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality will be explored by tourism academics from across Australia and the world, with a range of discussion papers, ideas sessions and forums shedding light on the evolving area of tourism education.

Dean and Foundation Head of Southern Cross University’s School of Business and Tourism, Professor Elizabeth Roberts, said the aim of the conference was to provide delegates with the opportunity to participate in discussion sessions, present research and share ideas.

“Given the economic importance of the tourism industry and education for the Gold Coast, the CAUTHE Conference is an excellent opportunity to showcase the southern Gold Coast and Southern Cross University,” she said.

“The University’s School of Business and Tourism is a pioneer of tourism education in Australia and is nationally and internationally recognised for the excellence of its tourism and hospitality teaching and research.

“This is the second time the University has hosted the CAUTHE Conference, which is quite unprecedented for an institution of Southern Cross University’s size, and it’s an honour to host such an important event.”

The conference will be opened by Peter Doggett, Connecting Southern Gold Coast CEO, and the University’s Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor William MacGillivray.

Keynote speakers include Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter, Professor John Tribe from the University of Surrey, and Professor Betty Weiler from Southern Cross University.

Photo: Professor Elizabeth Roberts, Dean and Foundation Head of Southern Cross University’s School of Business and Tourism.