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'With over two decades' experience both working in and researching the tourism, hospitality and events industries, the author is pre-eminently qualified to produce this handbook. There are many other human resources and employment texts in the marketplace, but this carves itself a niche for its practical utility for students. Designed primarily as a companion to student learning, a secondary audience could well be leaders in the industry, inquisitive about the competencies and skills their new hires should possess.'

Dr Richard Robinson, Senior Lecturer, University of Queensland, Australia

'This text is unique in that it offers students from a wide range of tourism, hospitality, events and related disciplines an excellent insight into the academic and professional development that is required to underpin their education and for their lifelong learning. The text provides an excellent foundation for researchers in the critical area of professional development. I recommend this book to students, academics and management in the sector as an important, new and contemporary text.'

Dr Susan Horner, Associate Professor, Plymouth University, UK

'This is a much needed and valuable resource for both students and teachers of hospitality, tourism and events courses. Employability and work skills are essential for the future workforce and will ensure relevance for both the industry and the educational institutions that serve it.'

Professor Nigel Hemmington, Pro Vice Chancellor Research Enterprise and International, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

'This textbook is an essential read for any student studying tourism, hospitality and events management. It offers useful, detailed and important chapters on academic and professional development, and will help any undergraduate preparing to study and work in these vibrant and diverse industries.'

Emma Abson, Senior Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

'This is a welcome addition to the academic texts in the area of tourism, hospitality and events management. It is refreshing, topical and highly relevant to see a text that is aimed directly at students and also which guides and supports them in developing the necessary skills and attributes to work in today’s highly challenging and competitive tourism industry. Firth provides excellent insights into the demands of working within the industry, current trends and challenges, and a huge awareness of the skills and personal attributes graduates need. The text is well structured with clear LOs for each chapter and engaging activities, case studies and think points to guide the reader. The text is also extremely insightful and supportive for academics within universities who are working with employee engagement, work placements and developing student employability skills. If only a text like this had been available whilst I was studying and to guide me as a graduate in the field of tourism!'

Dr Jane Ali-Knight, Professor in Festival and Event Management, Edinburgh Napier University, UK

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