Three Leeds Beckett students have been recognised at the ITT awards

We’re incredibly proud to share that three Leeds Beckett students have been recognised at the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Awards, a national celebration of excellence across the travel, tourism, hospitality, and education sectors.

Molly Tunstall (BSc (Hons) Hospitality Business Management) was awarded Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year. Molly has consistently brought together academic excellence, professional awareness, and a genuine passion for the industry. Her thoughtful engagement in class, coupled with a strong practical mindset, made her stand out both within our university and across the national field of nominees. Her award is a fitting tribute to the hard work and quiet leadership she’s demonstrated throughout her studies.

Ellen Fineran (MSc Responsible Tourism Management) received the Responsible Tourism Award. Ellen’s work throughout the course has been shaped by a deep sense of responsibility — not just to sustainability and ethics, but to communities, cultures, and the future of tourism itself. Her ability to challenge assumptions and offer hopeful, practical alternatives made her an exceptional candidate for this award and an inspiring presence in our postgraduate community.

Myia McQuilter (BA (Hons) International Tourism Management) was named Leeds Beckett ITT Student of the Year. Myia’s journey reflects the best of what tourism education can offer — a platform to build skills that translate into real impact. Her transition into teacher training, and the strength she’s shown throughout her ITT placement, speak to her adaptability, professionalism, and heartfelt commitment to making a difference through education.

These awards are a celebration of individual excellence — but they also represent something bigger: the power of education to shape values, confidence, and careers. Molly, Ellen, and Myia exemplify what it means to take learning beyond the classroom and into the world with integrity and purpose.

Peter Robinson, Head of Subject for Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management said, "We are delighted, once again, that three of our students have been recognised by The Institute of Travel and Tourism at the annual ITT Summer Party at the Houses of Parliament – two for national awards. All our students were nominated because of the contributions they have made beyond their academic studies, influencing industry practice (Ellen), supporting course recruitment (Myia) and launching a new national heritage event (Molly)."

On her award, Molly said "Winning the ITT Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year award has honestly been such a proud and surreal moment. Celebrating at the Houses of Parliament with industry professionals and fellow students was a truly special experience, and one I’ll never forget."

"Looking back on my time studying Hospitality Business Management with Marketing at Leeds Beckett, I’ve grown so much, not just academically, but personally and professionally too. I’ve thrown myself into every opportunity that came my way, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed the whole journey. One of the highlights was the entrepreneurship module, which gave me the push (and the support) I needed to launch my own business, Brimstone Marketing. The encouragement I received from the course team throughout that process meant a lot, and it’s made a huge difference to my confidence and direction."

"To have all of that hard work recognised by the Institute of Travel and Tourism is such an honour. It’s a great feeling to know that the passion I’ve put into my studies and my future career has been seen and celebrated. I’m really grateful to the team at Leeds Beckett for the support they’ve given me throughout the last few years, it’s been a great experience, and this award has been the perfect way to round it all off."