BUas gives you a global perspective

Maarten De Brauwere obtained his master’s degree in Tourism Destination Management at BUas in 2024. What does he think is the biggest challenge in his work?

“I have always been passionate about travel and events,” Maarten begins his story. “During my bachelor's programme I discovered the world of business travel. The more deeply I dived into it, the more interested I got in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions, ed.) – and in particular, in conference tourism. My job as a Conference & Venue Expert allows me to create both a social and environmental impact in a sector that I find captivating.”

As a Conference & Venue Expert at the Flanders Convention Bureau, Maarten works to develop Flanders into a sustainable and forward-thinking conference destination. “I work closely with conference venues and other stakeholders to set up projects focusing on environmental sustainability, social impact, digitalisation, hospitality, and AI. All with a single goal: to help conferences in Flanders be successful in a way that leaves the most positive possible mark.”

What do you find the most challenging about your work?

“The biggest challenge is that the world – and so our sector too – is constantly changing. Technology evolves almost every month, and environmental regulations are also constantly shifting, becoming stricter, and sometimes being eased again. It is often difficult to keep everyone motivated in that ever-changing landscape. But that is precisely the challenge I relish. The drive to work together towards a sustainable, forward-looking sector gives me energy.”

What makes your work special?

“There is something special about the moment when people from different cultures come together, share stories and ideas, and discover just how much we actually have in common. That curiosity and desire to work together are what drive me.”

What did BUas bring you?

“BUas prepared me to work in an international, complex, and dynamic context. And I really think all those courses were useful. Destination Stakeholders and Policy, Destination Development, Finance and Organisation are frequently relevant to my job: working with stakeholders, managing budgets, destination development – it is literally my day-to-day reality. During my studies I also learnt to communicate interculturally and adapt flexibly to different working styles. That comes into play in every international project I am involved in today.” 

Are there skills that you find characteristic of BUas and that now appear very valuable in your working environment?

“Typically BUas are the hands-on mentality, teamwork, critical thinking, and the guts to carry responsibility independently. That combination is incredibly valuable in my job.”

What was your most memorable moment during your studies?

“Without a doubt, the field research trip to Asia and Australia. It is a truly unique experience to travel the world with a class group – whom you have only known for a few months. That trip taught me a great deal not only about tourism in different cultures, but also about persistence, working together, and taking responsibility. I have learnt to embrace different perspectives, be flexible and find common ground in diversity.”

What would you want to give students considering doing the Master Tourism Destination Management to take away? 

“Go forit! This study programme provides the perfect preparation for a career in an international tourism or hospitality sector. You will not only gain knowledge, but also develop skills such as intercultural communication, project management, critical thinking, creativity, flexibility, and professional collaboration. And the best part is: you will be able to apply these skills not only in your work, but also in your personal life. BUas gives you a global perspective, a strong network, and the mindset to make a real difference in the sector.”