The Centre of Expertise Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality (CELTH) has appointed a new management team. Outgoing director Menno Stokman will be succeeded by Jos van der Sterren and Anke Arts.

Both have been given interim positions. CELTH is a collaboration between HZ University of Applied Sciences, Breda University of Applied Sciences, and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.

The duo will continue the current research program focused on destinations, sustainability, leisure, and hospitality with the team. Additionally, they will pursue ongoing discussions with other universities of applied sciences in the leisure domain about potential expansion. The new management team will also engage with companies in the leisure, tourism, and hospitality sectors to explore how the center can create more impact within the industry.

“Jos and Anke have extensive experience in research, tourism, and management, and they bring strong networks to the table,” says Jorrit Snijder, Chair of the Executive Board of BUAS. “I am confident they can build a meaningful connection between the industry's societal challenges and the solutions offered by education and research. This is crucial for future development.”

Van der Sterren is a senior researcher and lecturer at BUAS. Previously, he was Program Director of Research and the Graduate School and Director of the Academy for Tourism there. Arts is a researcher at the European Tourism Futures Institute at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences and is responsible for policy and development at CELTH.