Tourism at the University of Sunderland

A few highlights from our tourism field trips this semester ✨
We explored religious tourism, local heritage, and Durham’s old food market, to walking through the streets of York, learning about The Shambles, passing the iconic Bettys Tea Room, and ending the day at Shambles Food Court 🍴☕ Always nice to take learning beyond the classroom and experience destinations first-hand with our students across all levels of study 📹

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and recognise the incredible contributions women make across the hospitality, events, aviation, tourism and business industries 💜

Across our HEAT community and the wider Business School, we are proud to work alongside inspiring women who lead, innovate, mentor, and support others every day. From students beginning their journeys to colleagues shaping the future of our industries, their impact is powerful and lasting.

At the University of Sunderland, we remain committed to supporting equality, opportunity, and representation; empowering the next generation of women to thrive in their careers and make their mark across the global visitor economy.

Today is a moment to celebrate achievements, recognise progress, and continue the conversation about building inclusive and supportive environments for everyone.

Yesterday, our postgraduate tourism and business students had the chance to hear from Kem Small, founder of Reight Signature, and it was one of those sessions that lingers.

Kem walked us through his journey from Sales Manager to entrepreneur. Not the glossy version, but the real one. The leap. The doubt. The recalibration.

He shared what makes Reight Travel different. Thoughtfully differentiated, tailor made travel products designed with intention. From business oriented trips that respect time and purpose, to signature breaks that feel personal rather than packaged. Travel as strategy. Travel as experience.

And then came the honest part.

The financial strain at the beginning.
The quiet negotiations with your own confidence.
The risk, not just on paper, but in identity.

The room shifted when he spoke about building professional networks. Not transactional networking. Real relationships. The kind you nurture before you need them. The kind that outlast a single deal.

Questions flowed from students.

How do you know when it is the right time to step out on your own?
What is the first practical step if you have an idea?
What business skills do you think are most important for graduates

The discussion was thoughtful, probing, and refreshingly honest. Students leaned in!

A big thank you to Dr Serkan Uzunogullari, our Postgraduate Academic Champion in Employability and Enterprise, for organising the session and continuing to create spaces where industry and education genuinely meet.

And thank you to Dr Laura Nelson for opening up her class and contributing so meaningfully to the discussion. Collaboration like that quietly elevates the whole experience.

Moments like this matter.
They bridge theory and reality.
They remind students that careers are rarely linear, and that uncertainty is often part of the design.

University of Sunderland

Winter 2026 Graduates... Congratulations from all of us at HEAT! 🎉

What an amazing week we have had at the University of Sunderland's graduation ceremony venue, The Fire Station. A huge congratulations to everyone who crossed the stage this week and best of luck for your future.

Keep in touch, and welcome to our University of Sunderland Alumni Association 🎓

And that’s a wrap! 🎄 ✨

As the semester comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a busy and inspiring semester.

The photos here capture just a snapshot of the technology and digital tools our students and colleagues have been engaging with, bringing theory to life and enhancing the learning experience across Hospitality, Events, Aviation and Tourism.

A huge thank you to our brilliant students for their enthusiasm and hard work, and to our colleagues for their continued collaboration, creativity, and support throughout the semester.

We’d like to wish all our students, staff, and partners a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. We look forward to what 2026 will bring!

University of Sunderland