Marianna Kornilaki
Lecturer and PhD researcher, Marianna Kornilaki,
studied HND International Travel & Tourism at
Bradford College from 2000 to 2002.
Lecturer and PhD researcher, Maria Kornilaki,
studied HND International Travel & Tourism at
Bradford College from 2000 to 2002.
Marianna had direct experience of the tourism
industry at home in Greece, having work for an
inbound tour operator for 3 years. It was her dream
to study and she worked part-time in hotels locally
whilst she attended her classes for the 2 year HND
International Travel &Tourism Management course
at Bradford College, graduating with distinction.
Encouraged by her tutors, Marianna enrolled on
the BA (Hons) Managing International Tourism
degree at Leeds Metropolitan University, where she
graduated with a first class honours degree and the
course prize for academic achievement.
Marianna is currently undertaking her PhD
research at Leeds Met, which aims to provide an
understanding and explanation of the behaviour
of small family tourism firms towards sustainability.
The findings will help public authorities, nongovernmental
organisations and industry players
to understand the needs of small and medium
sized companies and to encourage them to
work together towards achieving sustainable
development.
During her studies Marianna worked in a variety
of tourism and hospitality companies and she has
also participated in many research projects at the
university. She is presently working as a lecturer in the
UK Centre for Events Management at Leeds Met.
“My experience at Bradford College was an eye
opener; our course had students from very diverse
cultural backgrounds and nationalities, which added
value to understanding and learning about the
travel and tourism industry. All the tutors were very
enthusiastic about the topics they taught us, but
most importantly they were very supportive in my
studies and in my personal wellbeing when I lost a
close family member.
I will never forget the last day at the College, when
my tutors congratulated me for my achievement
and encouraged me to pursue higher qualifications
and a brighter career in the industry. They boosted
my confidence and by following their advice I have
achieved all I have ever dreamt and I now have a
fantastic job where I contribute daily to the industry
through teaching others.”
Photograph supplied by Marianna Kornilaki