Ewen Crilley, Senior Lecturer Global Business, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Sheffield Hallam University

I applied for the CHME Bursary, due to ongoing challenges with funding within the institution to attend conferences. It is important to me to
stay connected to my subject areas and have always valued the conference. I am looking forward to meeting with colleagues from across other institutions, seeing the different research across the tracks and learning all about the new research taking place. Also presenting and supporting one on my colleagues on their first conference submission.

Dr Lori Hoy, Research Assistant, Leeds Beckett University

As an early career researcher who completed my PhD in 2024, CHME 2026 represents an outstanding opportunity to grow my profile in hospitality research at a pivotal career stage. Currently working in a part-time Research Assistant role, this bursary makes it possible for me to present my paper on pet-friendly hospitality and connect with the CHME community. I am excited to share findings from my rapid review on pet-friendly hospitality, which confirms growing research interest in this substantial and expanding market – where understanding consumers and thoughtful service design can create a real competitive advantage. I am equally looking forward to learning from fellow researchers, engaging in discussions about emerging hospitality trends, and building connections within the CHME community that will shape my future research.

Tomi Agfianto, PhD Student, Bournemouth University
After knowing that CHME will organise a conference at the University of Surrey in 2026, I became interested in participating in the program. However, due to financial constraints, I applied for the CHME Bursary to help cover the costs of attending the conference. Engaging with academics and experts in the field of tourism is one of my main objectives, as I am currently at an early stage of my career as a tourism researcher. I believe that interacting with them will significantly contribute to my sector. The bursary makes it possible for me to attend while travelling sustainably. I’m looking forward to the discussions during the panel and poster sessions and the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers. I’m also excited to connect with the wider CHME community and learn from their work.

Dimitri Lera, Lecturer, University of Essex

I applied for the CHME Bursary because I value the CHME community and the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the sector. The bursary makes it possible for me to attend while travelling sustainably. I’m looking forward to the discussions during the panel and poster sessions and the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers. I’m also excited to connect with the wider CHME community and learn from their work.

Yasir Jehan, PhD Student, University of Palermo
I decided to apply for the CHME Bursary because it represents a valuable opportunity for emerging researchers to share their work within a
leading international community in hospitality and tourism education. As a PhD researcher at the University of Palermo, working on Tourism
Statistics Literacy and its role in destination management, the bursary enables me to present my research and engage with distinguished scholars in the field. I am particularly looking forward to presenting my research and receiving insightful feedback from experts and academics attending the conference. I am also excited about the opportunity to exchange ideas, build professional connections, and learn from the diverse research being presented at the CHME conference.