The University of Surrey has launched a collaborative partnership with Sanderson Phillips to support the next generation of tourism professionals through a series of expert-led lectures on crisis management in travel and tourism.
As part of this initiative, travel risk, safety, and crisis management experts Sanderson Phillips is proudly funding the involvement of John Telfer, one of its most experienced consultants and a specialist in travel risk and crisis response. John will deliver four guest lectures to students on the University’s International Hospitality and Tourism Management course. While he has previously contributed to the University’s teaching, this is the first time his work is being delivered as part of a formal partnership with Sanderson Phillips – adding greater industry relevance and professional insight to the student experience.
Drawing on real-world case studies and decades of expertise, the lectures will explore how the travel industry prepares for, manages, and recovers from crisis events – from natural disasters to health emergencies, security incidents, and global disruptions. The partnership embeds risk, safety, and crisis preparedness into tourism education, ensuring students graduate with both academic knowledge and practical awareness.
Dr James Kennell, Head, Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management, Surrey Business School, University of Surrey, of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey, said:
“We’re delighted to continue working with John Telfer and to now welcome Sanderson Phillips as a formal partner in this initiative. John’s expertise adds tremendous value to our students’ learning, and this partnership further enhances our ability to deliver an education that’s grounded in industry relevance and real-world challenges.”
David Atkin, Managing Director of Sanderson Phillips, added:
“We’re proud to support the future of the travel industry by sharing our expertise with students at one of the UK’s leading hospitality and tourism institutions. Risk, crisis and safety management are vital areas for modern travel professionals – and we’re committed to embedding these themes in education from the outset. As a Certified B Corp organisation we are passionate about supporting People and arming the next generation of travel professionals with insight, resilience and practical know-how to make the travel industry more safe and sustainable.”
This initiative highlights Sanderson Phillips’ ongoing commitment to education, travel risk assessment, and crisis preparedness in tourism, helping to shape a safer, more informed future for global travel.
The lectures will take place in October and November 2025, with future collaboration opportunities already being explored.
To learn more about Sanderson Phillips’ expertise in travel risk management and industry partnerships, visit www.sandersonphillips.co.uk
To find out more about The University of Surrey please visit https://www.surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate/international-hospitality-and-tourism-management
About John Telfer
John is a senior consultant with Sanderson Phillips and a highly experienced specialist in crisis management, travel safety, and operational resilience. With over 40 years in the travel industry, John has advised global tour operators, travel companies, and development agencies on risk preparedness, emergency response, and traveller wellbeing. He is a regular contributor to industry panels and educational programmes, and is known for blending strategic insight with hands-on expertise.
About the University of Surrey – School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
The University of Surrey is home to one of the UK’s leading centres for hospitality and tourism education. Its School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is consistently ranked among the top globally for research, teaching and industry impact. The school works closely with industry partners to ensure students gain real-world knowledge, practical skills and a global outlook, making them highly sought-after graduates in the travel, tourism and events sectors.
For images, comment or further information please contact:
Abi Geldard – abi@sandersonphillips.co.uk