Published on: Tuesday, 03 October 2017

The Department of Tourism & Hospitality at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) welcomed a visit by the French Ambassador to Ireland, his Excellency Mr Stéphane Crouzat. Mr Crouzat was joined by the new Cultural Counsellor, Ms Frédérique Tarride along with Mr Thierry Lagnau, Director of Alliance Francaise de Dublin and Délégué Général of Foundation Alliance Francaise.

The visiting party toured the extensive facilities in the Department, met with students, along with attending a pastry demonstration. Lunch was prepared by the 2nd Year Culinary Studies students directed by Culinary Lecturer, Ms Sinéad Clancy, and served by the 2nd Year Hospitality Studies students led by Restaurant Service Lecturer, Mr Joe O’Donovan.

The visit was part of a long-standing cooperation as part of FICAHT, which is the France-Ireland Network for Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Tourism. This is a network which brings together Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism professionals, and academics from both France and Ireland.

Dr Noel Murray, Head of Department of Tourism & Hospitality, commented “We were delighted to welcome the Ambassador and his party to experience the best of what our students have to offer. Mr Crouzat was delighted with the facilities and the professionalism displayed by our students. We hope to use this visit to further develop links with both colleagues and industry in France which will assist in the development of our students into the future.”

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality at CIT encompasses the areas of Culinary Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Beverage Industry Management. It has over 650 students and a team of dedicated student-centred industry experienced lecturers across these disciplines and is located in a modern purpose-built building on CIT’s Bishopstown Campus.