Speakers

Lobke Elbers

Lobke holds a senior position in research & development/innovation at Breda University of Applied Sciences and the Dutch Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH). She had a strategic position in the Pact for Next Tourism Generation Skills (PANTOUR) project (june 2024-2026); a European Commission-backed strategic alliance shaping the EU tourism skills agenda. The project is unique in its Pan-European impact and implementation across multiple EU regions, engaging public and private stakeholders. In FuTourAlliance the work is continued in developing a European Tourism Skills and Training Intelligence Mechanism.

Next to her key roles in European projects, Lobke is leading the development and execution of projects on Human Capital for the Dutch Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH). In her work she is exploring high-potential collaborations between government, education, and industry by further developing national skills initiatives in tourism. Her role as chair of the Dutch Hospitality Pact is one of them. In her work, there is also a strong focus on involving partners outside the direct tourism sector to contribute additional knowledge and tools, for example, shape the digital and sustainable transformation and the evolving human capital needs of both organisations and individuals.

Altti Näsi

Dr. Altti Näsi is a Finnish researcher. In his previous work, Näsi specialized in the sociocultural functions of visual communication as part of identity formation. Currently, he serves as a Project Manager at SAMK (Satakunta University of Applied Sciences), working on two international research projects: Ce4Re (Development of joint circular economy solutions in the Central Baltic restaurant sector) and PANTOUR (Pact for Next Tourism Generation Skills). He has been a visiting researcher at multiple universities and is a recipient of several grants and awards in academia and culture. Näsi’s working experience comprises of multiple positions in the Nordic meaningful experience sector, electric water mobility and he has held leadership roles in the Finnish Red Cross.

Klau Erlich

Klaus Ehrlich studied Economics – Business Administration at the Universities of Siegen (DE) and Sevilla (ES). Co-founder manager of the rural tourism associations in Andalusia until 2006. Leading positions in Ruraltour – European Federation of Rural Tourism since 2002, currently Secretary General. Coordinator of the Pact for Skills in Tourism LSP and of the Community Group Rural Tourism of the Rural Pact. Member of expert groups and consultative bodies at the European Commission related with tourism and rural development. Independent work in consultancy and training at vocational and academic institutions.

Moderator

Ziene mottiar

Dr Ziene Mottiar is a senior lecturer and researcher in the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism at TU Dublin.

She is an active and well-established researcher in tourism. Her research focuses on entrepreneurship and social enterprise in tourism, local and regional development, the circular economy, food tourism and global citizenship.

Dr Mottiar also has a strong profile in teaching and learning research and curriculum innovation. She has held national and European teaching and education research awards and fellowships. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to impactful research, engaged pedagogy, and the development of future-focused tourism and hospitality education.

Organisor 

Dominika Halasi

My name is Dominika Halasi, and I am a second-year Tourism Management student at Breda University of Applied Sciences . I organised this webinar as part of my internship and final project, with the aim of bringing together tourism students, recent graduates, and industry professionals to discuss employability within the tourism sector. Through this event, I hope to provide practical insights into the skills, experiences, and career development opportunities that can help young professionals successfully enter the tourism labour market.