Honour for crisis management tourism expert

Dr Bert 'Bow-Thai' van Walbeek was honoured by the University of West London (UWL)'s London College of Hospitality and Tourism on Thursday 21 July. The University's annual graduation ceremony took place at Wembley Stadium and the honorary degree recipients were joined by more than 1,700 graduates.

Dr van Walbeek has worked as a hotelier for many years, mainly in Thailand. He has advised destinations across Pacific Asia about how to deal with crises and manage risk, both general and in reaction to specific crises in Bali and Chengdu. Dr van Walbeek runs a boutique consulting company, The Winning Edge, and has lectured extensively across the globe.

On being awarded his honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt), Dr van Walbeek said, 'I have enjoyed a long and varied career, for many years in Thailand, where I have striven for excellence in the tourism industry, specifically concerning risk and crisis management. It is an honour to accept this award from the University of West London, where the tourism professionals of the future are taking their first steps.'

The graduation ceremony marks the end of the academic year for the University where 96% of students are in employment or further education within six months of graduating. Each of the University's eight schools confer honorary degrees to recognize business success, contributions to civic and cultural life and long-term support for the University's work.

The University's July 2016 Honorary Award recipients are:

• Lord Daniel Finkelstein, Associate Editor at The Times and member of the House of Lords – awarded Honorary Doctor of Law (Hon LLD)
• Katrin 'Kay' Fitzherbert, creator of the Pyramid programme – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)
• Trish Knight, Health Education and Workforce Adviser – awarded Honorary Master of Science (Hon MSc)
• Professor Jeremy Levy, Consultant Nephrologist, Clinical Lead for Health Education England North West London – awarded Honorary Doctor of Science (Hon DSc)
• Lord John Lytton, Chartered Surveyor, Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Professional Engineers and member of the House of Lords – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)
• Rami Ranger, Chairman Sun Mark Ltd and Sea, Air and Land Forwarding – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)
• Frank Renton, Musician, Broadcaster and Principal Conductor, British Concert Orchestra – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)
• Dr Bert van Walbeek, Hotelier – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)

Find out more, and follow us @UniWestLondon – check out #UWLGraduation.

Media Contact

Ros Selby

University of West London [email protected] 07917 558952