University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has launched the country’s first work-based master’s degrees in international tourism and events management.

The two new work-based qualifications have been designed by UWS to address concerns at the lack of formal training among many of the 175,000 people working in the industry.

Dr Daniel Turner, senior lecturer in events and tourism at UWS, said: “Many people working in hospitality in the UK entered the industry before there were specific qualifications in this area – and these individuals can now be in very senior positions. They now find themselves contending with increasing numbers of people with degrees in related fields, especially from competing countries and regions.

“However, there is a problem in the industry in finding spare time for employees to gain qualifications and improve their skills. By delivering a work-based approach to meeting these skill gaps, we have given our tourism leaders of today and tomorrow the opportunity to bolster their skills without having to affecting their employer or business.”

Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: “We need everyone working in the industry to step up to be a leader in their own area of expertise and qualifications such as these will help meet that aspiration. “Scotland has to compete on the international stage and deliver quality, memorable experiences to visitors who come with each new wave of tourism – from China, the Middle East and countries closer to home.”

Source: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/business/business-news/new-hospitality-sector-masters-qualifications-5948428