Local Professor Speaks at Royal Geographic Society

This is the first in a series of 3 discussions organised by the Tourism Society and Royal Geographical Society, held in London. The event was also filmed by the BBC as part of their observational documentary, ‘The Best Job in the World’, which follows the progress of Ben Southall, as he undertakes the final application stages for the newly created position, Caretaker to the World Heritage Listed natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, Australia.  Ben is the only UK candidate to be picked from the 35,000 international applicants who originally applied for the job.

Other notable speakers at the event included: Tricia Barnett, Director of Tourism Concern – a non-governmental organisation which campaigns for ethical tourism; Roger Heape, Chairman & Founder of the Travel Foundation – a charity that funds tourism development projects in developing countries; Gregg Anderson, Regional Manager for UK & Europe, Tourism New Zealand and Mrs Pilar Saborio, Ambassador for Costa Rica Tourism.

In addition to his post at the University of Bedfordshire, Professor Holden is Director for the Centre into Research into the Environment & Sustainable Tourism (CREST) and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.  Internationally renowned, Professor Holden is an authority on a variety of specialist subjects including sustainable tourism development and climate change.  He recently published a second edition of his book, ‘Environment and Tourism’ (published by Routledge) which is widely used in higher education. Currently Professor Holden is looking into funding for research into ‘social attitudes on the relationship between aviation and climate change’.

The 2 remaining discussions are scheduled for June and September and the BBC’s, ‘The Best Job in the World’ programme is due to be aired August/September time.

For further media information please contact Pauline Duggan in the University Press Office on 01582 743046.