Directions: Applied Research in Tourism and Related
The University of Derby ’s tourism research is spearheaded by the unit; Directions: Applied Research in Tourism and Related Fields (Directions), which is closely linked to a university research group; Culture, Lifestyle and Landscape. Professor David Crouch is the director of both groups.
Research Expertise
Directions embraces work in the areas of sport, leisure, tourism, hospitality, events and outdoor recreation and is particularly engaged in projects for a range of agencies and the wider industry across the East Midlands, as well as nationally and internationally. Managing the delivery of tourism business, building policy response, evaluating the experience of tourism consumers and their response to marketing, the cultures of events, and the interface between tourism and cultural development comprise key areas of Directions work.
The link with the Culture, Lifestyle and Landscape university research group significantly connects the University’s wider expertise into the tourism sphere, including the culture-tourism link through work with Culture East Midlands, environments and landscapes of tourism and the role of lifestyle matters in leisure, tourism, and outdoor recreation.
Partnerships
Directions has carried out applied research projects for a variety of organisations including the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, High Peak Borough Council, European Union, English Nature and the North Pennine Tourism Partnership. In addition, Directions has collaborative partnerships with the Peak Park Sustainable Tourism Forum, Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, the International Spa Association and the Universities of Karlstad and Kalmer , Sweden .
Study Opportunities
The University of Derby offers a full range of tourism programmes at the Buxton site, these include BA in Tourism, Hospitality, Events Management & Sports Studies, MA in Tourism, Hospitality, Strategic Sports Management, and Tourism, Culture and Environment. The University also boasts a strong Doctoral Programme, with students from all corners of the world.
Contact: Professor David Crouch