TOURISM INNOVATION
RESEARCH GROUP
About Us
The Tourism Innovation Research Group (TIRG) at the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest is an academic tourism research group. We formed in 2023 to support the tourism industry, our local and regional communities, and policy makers, in developing sustainable responses to challenges faced in Irish and European tourism.
The TIRG's mission is to support the sustainable development of the Irish tourism industry, with a particular focus on issues in the Midlands and Midwest regions.
Our goals:
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To position Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest as a recognised leading centre of expertise for the Irish tourism industry, tourism innovators, policy makers, educators, and other stakeholders;
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To inform and drive the contribution of tourism to achieving the SDGs and addressing the challenges facing local communities and marginalised groups;
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To strengthen the capacity of TUS to attract external research funding, collaborative projects and post-graduate students;
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To raise the quality of tourism-related applied research at TUS and elevate the status of tourism as a significant field of study in the university;
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To inspire, inform and drive tourism-related under-graduate and post-graduate course development at TUS.
Our Research Clusters:
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Tourism destination leadership, management and marketing, including stakeholder networking, destination resilience and adaptation
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Sustainable and regenerative tourism development in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
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Tourism, poverty reduction and social inclusion
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Tourism, climate change, environmental change and biodiversity
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Tourism & hospitality pedagogies
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Technology-enhanced tourism product development & innovation
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Sustainable events and event impacts
Our Partners:
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We are located across the campuses of Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest in Ireland.
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Our mission is to foster a culture of excellence in applied research for tourism (and associated sectors) in cooperation with regional stakeholders including policymakers and practitioners, thereby contributing to realisation of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Our collaborating researchers include colleagues from our Regional University Network (RUN-EU), Businet Global Higher Education Network affiliates, Association of European Hotel and Tourism Schools members (AEHT), and across our faculties and campuses in Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.
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We always welcome new project opportunities and members.
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Contact any member and we will discuss collaboration opportunities with you.
Our Ph.D. & our Master's by Research Programmes
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Contact us for 2024 application and admission information.
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Email anthony.johnston@tus.ie or caitriona.murphy@tus.ie for an informal discussion on admission to our programme for 2024.
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Visit https://tus.ie/rdi/graduate-school/ for further programme details and research areas.