Collaborative approach to mentoring in the tourism sector: Embracing new partners to enhance an industry programme

Abstract

This study considers the impact of a new mentoring scheme within the UK tourism sector. To broaden the portfolio of expertise within this programme, launched by the trade’s professional newspaper the Travel Trade Gazette, an academic was selected as a mentor alongside senior travel professionals and business leaders. The key findings show that embracing specialists who work indirectly within the field can add depth and a new focus to mentoring within the tourism business. Therefore, it is hoped when developing future mentoring schemes including practitioners, who are linked to the sector, but not directly involved, can be a valid option to those working in the business.