Peter Bolan

Dr Peter Bolan serves as Senior Lecturer and Course Director for the Masters in Golf Management at Ulster University Business School's Department of Hospitality Tourism & Events Management, Coleraine campus. He previously held the position of Director of International Tourism.

His academic journey includes an honours degree in geography from Ulster University, followed by an MSc in Tourism Management (Ulster), MSc in eTourism (University of Surrey), and PhD in film/screen tourism (Ulster). He holds Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

Research focuses on golf tourism's role in coastal rejuvenation (exemplified by The Open at Royal Portrush), film-induced tourism including Game of Thrones impacts in Northern Ireland, digital tourism innovation, and food tourism networks. His work integrates AI applications in pedagogical contexts, examining digital technology's role in enhancing teaching methodologies.

Recent publications demonstrate evolving expertise from foundational film tourism studies (2018-2019) toward contemporary applications in golf tourism economics (2024) and AI integration in education. Key themes include sustainable destination development, cinematic location impacts, and digital transformation across tourism sectors.

• Best Paper Award at BAM 2013 (Organizational Development)
• Best Paper Award at CHME 2015 (Hospitality Management)
• Best Paper Award at THRIC 2015 (Ireland Tourism)
• Gen AI in Education Awards Team of the Year (2025)
• Multiple best paper recognitions at academic conferences

Industry engagement includes consultancy for Giant's Causeway Economic Impact Study, chairing Northern Ireland Food Tourism networks, committee membership for Irish Open Golf Championship, and regular contributions to business publications. He actively participates in media commentary on tourism trends including Game of Thrones effects, vaccine passport policies, and golf tourism economics. Current research involves transformative marketing technologies through DfE-funded projects.