WELCOME TO THE ACADEMY OF TOURISM & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Developing a leadership position for Ireland in international tourism and rural development research and innovation

The Academy of Tourism & Rural Development is led by Dr. Felicity Kelliher and Dr. Leana Reinl, and through its activities in research, management education, industry collaboration and international research networks, the Academy has developed a critical mass of world-class researchers and practitioners that have the knowledge required for the enhanced competitiveness, productivity and entrepreneurship of the Irish tourism and rural development sectors. The Academy focuses on the interface between industry best practices and research with the aim of providing the knowledge and insight which will enable Irish tourism and rural development communities respond effectively to a new consumer driven landscape. Through merging traditional training foci with an action orientated network learning environment, the applied research expertise within TRD has being deployed in a range of contexts, including but not limited to: Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Learning Networks, rural learning networks, and destination management contexts.

“Our mission is to be the leading Academy in stimulating cutting edge research and practice in tourism, hospitality and rural development. We want individuals to experience business success, and we will do this by actively supporting research and knowledge development within the sector and through our network.  Through our work, we will bring national and international academics and entrepreneurs together, and become a focal point for developing national tourism and rural development entrepreneurial activities.”

The objectives of the Academy

• To position Ireland as a leader in international tourism, hospitality management & rural development education and research.
• To drive Irish management education and research in tourism and rural development to international standards.
• To impact strategically on the existing body of research in tourism and management capability in Ireland and internationally.
• To be a premier participant in the international collaborative learning networks in tourism and rural development. By partnering with international well-respected business growth organisations and universities, the Academy and the entrepreneurs and researchers we serve can tap into an abundance of resources and know-how already in place, thereby enhancing the long-term growth and viability of these companies.
• To advance the professionalisation of the tourism sector in Ireland, developing a new generation of world-class tourism and hospitality executives.
• To develop a critical mass of world-class researchers working with the Irish tourism industry and rural development stakeholders addressing key performance issues for the sector.
• To provide a living laboratory where postgraduate researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds will develop insight into value-adding activity for tourism and rural development in Ireland.