MELVYN PRYER

Director of International Operations at University College Birmingham

With a background in tour operations, archaeology and as a freelance copywriter in travel, Professor Melvyn Pryer is now the Director of UCB’s International Student Centre, having previously been the Dean of the School of Tourism. Having read for a degree in Geography, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Economic Development, Melvyn gained a Shell International Scholarship award to study for a Masters in the Geography of the Middle East and Mediterranean at Durham University, from where he produced his first publication.

He later proceeded to read for an MBA at the University of Birmingham. Melvyn possesses over 25 years of teaching experience, both at UCB and overseas, and has worked on numerous UK and overseas tourism consultancy projects, covering everything from economic impact assessments, through to development initiatives and tourism education strategies.

He also acts as an accreditor for the Institute of Hospitality, appraising educational programmes around the world, and is an accreditation panel member for the Department of Technical Education in Brunei. In general, Melvyn’s key areas of interest lie in tourism business issues and destination development, whilst his passion for travel has meant that he has long maintained an interest in the global backpacking market.

Topic

 Tourism in the 21st Century