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Travel and Tourism Research Association Appoints Dr Seán T. Ruane, as New President

June 21, 2024 – University of Galway – The Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA), the premier advocate for enhanced travel and tourism-related research, analysis, and marketing standards, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Seán T. Ruane, as the new President of the Board for a one-year term.

Founded in 1970 through the merger of the Travel Research Association (TRA) and the Western Council for Travel Research (WCTR), TTRA has been at the forefront of travel and tourism research for over five decades. With a robust membership of over 1,000 individuals from across the globe, TTRA continues to be the authoritative source for evidence-based, global travel, and tourism data and analysis.

Dr Ruane brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. He holds a Ph.D. in Tourism and a Master's in Hospitality Management from Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), now Technological University (TU) Dublin. As a lecturer above the bar at Shannon College of Hotel Management, Dr Ruane teaches Strategy, Management, Tourism, and Facilities, and serves as Associate Head of School for Research & Community Engagement. Additionally, he leads the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management (ADHM) program at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), in academic partnership with Shannon College and the University of Galway.

Dr Ruane's research interests focus on destination image and authenticity, with an emphasis on photography and photovoice, to understand placemaking and sense-of-place. His notable publications include contributions to books such as "Authenticity and Tourism: Productive Debates, Creative Discourses" and various conference papers that explore tourists' photographic constructions of place, memory traces, and personal values in the holiday experience.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr Seán T. Ruane as our new President," said a TTRA spokesperson. "His extensive academic background, coupled with his hands-on experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, makes him an invaluable asset to our organization. We look forward to his leadership in driving forward our mission of advancing tourism insights globally."

Under Dr Ruane's presidency, TTRA will continue to unite the best and brightest in the travel and tourism research community, including university academics, professional practitioners, and research experts. TTRA provides a supportive and inclusive environment where members can connect, learn, and contribute to the advancement of the industry