Sichuan Tourism University News Network （Correspondent:LiXunbin）Wang Xiong, member of the Standing Committee of the university Party committee and vice president, headed a delegation to three UK institutions: the University of Cumbria, Hartpury College and the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH). The group held detailed talks covering student mobility, staff exchange visits, joint research platforms, dual-degree programs and international vocational training & certification.

Vice President Claire Ndu, David McGregor, head of dual-degreeprograms, and Yang Xiaohong, Asia regional director, hosted the visit. Wang Xiong shared an overview of SCTU’s history and standout strengths in flagship fields including culinary arts & food science and mountain tourism. Claire Ndu introduced the University of Cumbria and outlined its international collaboration ambitions. The two institutions discussed student and staff mobility plus Sino-British joint education schemes, reaching an initial cooperation agreement.

The delegation later toured the university’s Ambleside Campus to discuss outdoor education with Helen Mans, dean of the School of Science and Environment, alongside Professor Lisa and Associate Professor Jimmy McAfee. The University of Cumbria enjoys a global reputation for outdoor education. Its Ambleside Campus sits within the Lake District National Park, offering unique natural and learning resources widely regarded as an ideal hub for outdoor learning. The institution prioritizes experiential, cross-disciplinary study across outdoor leadership, environmental science and psychotherapy. Its modular teaching framework and practical skills-focused pedagogy offer valuable reference for SCTU’s outdoor sports curriculum. Both sides confirmed plans for tangible cooperation including curriculum co-development, joint research and two-way student and staff exchanges.

At Hartpury College, the delegation was hosted by Principal Professor Andy Keeler, Vice Principal Lucy Scott-Ward and other management staff. Wang Xiong and Andy Keeler formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Sichuan Tourism University and Hartpury College. The group also visited the college’s Equestrian Centre to inspect teaching spaces, laboratories and competition facilities.

Hartpury College holds an international standing in equestrian education, supported by fully integrated teaching and event management systems. Its equine science, equestrian sport and management courses feature structured curricula and abundant learning resources. Campus facilities include advanced labs for horse gait motion capture, rider movement analysis and rider fitness training, offering key learnings to support the development of SCTU’s equestrian sport and management program.

At the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality’s head office, Marketing & Business Development Director Steve Bakerworth and China Regional Manager Assad Warrechi welcomed the delegation. The two sides held an official plaque handover ceremony for the 'Chinese Sichuan Cuisine Academy' and agreed joint work on international vocational training covering hospitality, catering and tourism sectors.

Established in 1982, the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) is a UK government-recognized awarding body. It operates over 150 training centers globally, delivering industry-standard qualifications for hotel, culinary and tourism professionals to support career development across the sector. Following in-depth dialogue, the two organizations will co-create international professional certification frameworks and training courses for tourism, hospitality and culinary arts.

Representatives from the College of Sports and Leisure of SCTU travelled with the delegation throughout the UK trip.