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Kent's tourism prize is student's ticket to a top career

Graduate Matt Taylor has the world at his feet after scooping a prestigious prize from the University of Kent.

The 28-year-old high-flier, who completed his Tourism Management degree at Kent's Medway campus last summer, has won the Wyndham Tourism Student of the Year award.

The annual award, sponsored by travel giants Wyndham Hotel Group, goes to a student who has demonstrated not only an excellent standard of work during their time at the University, but also outstanding commitment and dedication to their subject.

Matt now has his sights set on a senior management career within the travel industry, as his prize guarantees him a job interview with the Wyndham Hotel Group.

He has also taken a step towards his career goals by landing a position as a sales support executive for London-based Gullivers Travel Associates (GTA), a leading wholesaler of travel and hotel services.

'I'm fascinated by the travel industry as it's so dynamic and fast-changing,' he said. 'My tourism degree at Kent was a steep learning curve, but the all-round depth of knowledge I gained in business and management has been priceless.

'I'm far more capable and confident now than I was at the start of my studies, and my tutors have played a crucial role in preparing me for a long term career in the industry. I'm thrilled with the student of the year accolade and I feel ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.'

Matt's journey to his present award-winning position required plenty of drive and dedication. He began his studies several years ago at Mid-Kent College - where he studied for an HND in Travel and Tourism Management - and throughout his time at the University of Kent he worked part-time as a sales co-ordinator at Marriott Hotels in Maidstone.

The University of Kent has a growing international reputation in the area of Tourism Management. As well as running postgraduate tourism studies at Masters and Doctoral level, the University has a unique Centre for Tourism in Islands and Coastal Areas - CENTICA - which carries out a thriving international research programme. CENTICA's work has included projects in Asia-Pacific funded by the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and the British Academy.

Contact: N.J.Ellwood@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 12:05pm 29 January 2008