Dr Stroma Cole, Reader in International Tourism Development and Co-Director of Equality in Tourism at the University of Westminster, was recently named one of the 50 most influential global educators in hospitality and tourism by the International Hospitality Institute (IHI). This achievement highlights her significant contribution to advancing tourism and hospitality education globally.
Dr Stroma Cole joined the University of Westminster in 2021 and has since taught on modules such as Sustainable Tourism, Responsible Tourism, and Tourism, Culture and Society. Her extensive research, which examines the connections between gender, water rights and tourism, is the foundation of her teaching approach. She uses a humanistic approach, promoting dialogue-based teaching that values diverse perspectives and encourages critical thinking.
Dr Cole's research highlights the importance of sustainable practices when analysing the complex relationship between tourism and water resources. Her work advocates for equitable water distribution, ensuring that tourism development does not compromise local communities' access to essential resources. Through longitudinal action research, she has provided insights into the challenges and solutions at this intersection, helping policymakers and industry leaders to develop more responsible tourism strategies.
Beyond her research, Dr Stroma Cole is a co-director at Equality in Tourism, an organisation dedicated to promoting gender equality within the tourism sector. Her efforts have been pivotal in addressing disparities and fostering inclusive practices in tourism development, focusing on empowering women and marginalised groups.
This recognition by the ITI highlights Dr Cole's commitment to integrating sustainable and equitable practices in tourism education and research. Her work continues to inspire and influence policies and practices that aim for a more responsible and inclusive tourism industry.
She also won the John Rooney Applied RTS Award in 2024 for her outstanding contribution to the field and discipline of Applied Recreation, Tourism and Sport Geography. Dr Stroma Cole also was a recipient and Principal Investigator on an EU Horizon project exploring the future of tourism and hospitality work and how workers’ well-being can be improved through social dialogue.
About this achievement, Dr Stroma Cole said: “Thrilled and honoured to be named top 50 most influential educator in tourism and hospitality; for a long time, I have felt like a lone voice on topics of gender equality and water insecurity in tourism and hospitality. I take this as the growing recognition of the importance of these topics and hope that the momentum of interest will grow.”
Dr Stroma Cole’s research initiatives directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5: Gender Equality, 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Tourism and Events Management courses at Westminster.
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