SURE

I have been a Lecturer in Tourism and Events at the University of Sunderland for the last five years. The majority of my work, in terms of teaching, research and external engagement concerns cities and tourism’s place within them. Specific areas on which I focus in terms of research include: Urban space/public space and hospitality; developing a realistic understanding of modern public space use through the geographical concepts of mobility, containment/exposure to space and public life in urban space; the compact city model for urban development and tourism; the interpretation of urban landscapes through tourism and events; and using qualitative means to improve understanding of the processes of informal urban development and the links with tourism planning in the Global South. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In my work, I strive to understand, interpret and contribute towards developing the academic areas mentioned above in both their regional and international contexts. At the University of Sunderland, we are lucky enough to attract fantastic students to our programmes from the north east of England, from across the UK and from around the world. The tourism, hospitality and events sector plays a crucial role in economic diversification in the north east of England and some of our students will contribute to the future growth of the sector regionally. Other students will play a part in the development of the sector internationally, sometimes in countries with very established visitor industries, others where this is being developed for the first time. My own research interests and external engagement see me work in the north east of England and internationally, particularly in Latin America. This experience helps me develop together with students an understanding of the globalised nature of the tourism, hospitality and events sector.