Lead Department
Tourism and Hospitality
Coordinated by
Siobhan Gough (Siobhan.Gough@mtu.ie)
Active Members
7
Purpose
The Sustainability in Tourism and Hospitality Learning Community (LC) aims to develop and promote a culture of sustainability within the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at MTU. The LC will focus on embedding sustainable practices across various disciplines, including tourism, hospitality, home economics, and bar operations. The LC will act as a collaborative space for staff and students to share ideas, implement sustainability initiatives, and create long-term positive change.
Key objectives include:
- Developing and launching a Sustainability Charter for the Department of Tourism and Hospitality.
- Encouraging sustainable practices in both practical and theoretical teaching.
- Expanding sustainability initiatives beyond culinary and restaurant operations to include all department areas.
- Engaging staff, students, and industry experts in sustainability discussions, workshops, and activities.
- Establishing real-world, hands-on learning experiences that allow students to actively engage in sustainable practices.
Summary
The restaurant and culinary operations within the department have already been involved in several sustainability initiatives over the past three years. These include:
- Sustainability training on Canvas for department operations.
- Food waste reduction initiatives.
- Engagement with sustainability-focused industry leaders.
Building on these existing efforts, the Learning Community will widen its focus to include tourism, hospitality, home economics, and bar operations, ensuring a department-wide commitment to sustainability.
Planned Activities for 2024-25:
- Development of a Sustainability Charter: The LC will draft and implement a formal sustainability policy to guide department-wide efforts.
- Student Engagement Activities:
- Students will plant seeds in the new greenhouse, raised beds, and hydroponic towers as part of the Sustainability Charter launch.
- Hands-on sustainability activities will be embedded into coursework.
- Industry Collaboration & Fieldwork:
- Guest speakers from the sustainability sector will provide insights into best practices in sustainable tourism and hospitality.
- A field trip to a leading sustainable tourism and hospitality business in Cork will give students firsthand exposure to sustainable business models.
- Training at The Hollies Centre for Sustainability (or similar) will provide immersive education in sustainability.
- Workshops & Awareness Campaigns:
- Department-wide discussions on sustainability practices.
- Collaborative initiatives with other Learning Communities.
Future Plans:
- Continued Expansion: Grow the LC membership, encouraging wider staff participation.
- Integration of Sustainability into Curriculum: Embedding sustainability principles into course content and assessments.
- Enhanced Student Involvement: Expanding hands-on sustainability activities to ensure students actively participate in shaping a greener future.
- Collaborations Across MTU: Work with other Learning Communities and sustainability-focused groups to share insights and develop new initiatives.
The Sustainability in Tourism and Hospitality Learning Community will bridge the gap between theory and practice, empower staff and students, and position MTU as a leader in sustainable education within tourism and hospitality.
