As someone with a background in the natural and social sciences (MSocSci Tourism, PhD Ecology) Dr Jonathan Edwards has contributed from the outset in the development of research and taught programmes in tourism agri-food and rural development at Bournemouth University. His particular interests are in the development of the tourism and agri-food industries in economies that are in transition towards the development of a market economy. In this connection he has coordinated a number of international research and training programmes working with partners from a range of European countries determining strategies for both the agri-food sector and for the opportunities to develop tourism in rural areas. He has been particularly interested in the adoption by development agencies of community led development initiatives and has been closely involved with the implementation of a number of these.
Further afield he is leading a tourism training initiative in Turkmenistan, an initiative which has led to active cooperation with UNESCO and OSCE projects. The majority of these research and training initiatives have been supported by both UK government and agencies of the European Commission. His PhD students are currently undertaking research in various aspects of tourism development including health and religious tourism.