University becomes first UK institution to receive THE-ICE accreditation

The University of Derby is the first UK institution to receive the International Centre of Excellence (ICE) in Tourism and Hospitality accreditation among some of the world’s leading hospitality educators. 

The accreditation was judged based on how academic staff teach the curriculum, student experience, how engaged students are and industry engagement before benchmarking against other institutions.

The University of Derby joins 26 other members of the ICE including The Swiss Hotel Group and Singapore Institution of Technology.

The Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism (CCHT) was ranked in the top five for events, hospitality and tourism education in The Guardian University Guide 2020 and this new ICE accreditation will help to build the growing reputation of the CCHT as an international organisation and network with world leaders.

Next October the ICE will hold its 14^th International Panel of Experts Forum at the University of Derby’s Buxton Campus on the theme of Education for Sustainable Development: key sustainable development issues in teaching and learning.

This annual event features panel discussions from leading international Tourism Hospitality and Education educators and other industry experts.

Dr Sarah Rawlinson, Head of Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism at the University of Derby said: “I am really pleased that the Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism has been recognised as an international centre of excellence by our peers and the International Centre of Excellence for Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE). 

“This accreditation means that CCHT is rated amongst the top hotel schools in the world, which is a significant achievement and recognition of the hard work of our staff and students.”

Dr. Craig Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at The International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education, said: “Membership of THE-ICE demonstrates the University of Derby meets the exacting ‘Standards of Excellence’ of THE-ICE and entitles it to join our steadily increasing global network, currently comprising of 34 higher education institutions across 17 countries.”

To find out more about the Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism Centre, visit: https://www.derby.ac.uk/departments/contemporary-hospitality-tourism/