Professor Emeritus Brian Archer (1935-2023)

Professor David Airey, who wrote “A portrait of Brian Archer” in 2014, commented that the recent death of Professor Brian Archer means the loss of one of the true pioneers of the study of tourism.

As an economist Archer was one of the early leaders in bringing his discipline into tourism which in its turn contributed to the recognition of tourism as an important activity and worthy of serious academic study. This played a major part in establishing the University of Surrey as a world leader in this field.

The study of tourism now extends far beyond economics and Surrey’s reputation in tourism is as much for its social, environmental and technical aspects as for its economics, but it was thanks to the work of academics like Archer that the whole subject gained its academic respectability from which it has continued to flourish. Archer described himself as the “multiplier man” referring to the multiplier impact of tourist expenditure and it was his work on the tourism multiplier that made him known throughout the world both as an academic and as a consultant who could help countries understand the importance of tourism in their economies. His studies took him to countries world-wide – from Bermuda to Fiji, from Mauritius to Vanuatu; all of course significant tourism destinations in their own right and places where Archer could also enjoy himself being a tourist!

Brian Archer joined the University of Surrey in 1979 as Professor and Head of the then Department of Hotel, Catering and Tourism Management. He also served as Pro-Vice Chancellor. In total he was at Surrey for more than 20 years. During his time the Department, then School, continued to develop and grow and to continue enhancing its reputation as a world centre for hospitality and tourism studies. He retired from his full-time post in 1994 but continued on a part-time basis until 2000. Subsequently he was made professor emeritus. During his retirement he remained active, initially as a consultant and academic reviewer and examiner but always as an inveterate traveller. His personal interest in tourism remained with him until the end.

Professor Iis Tussyadiah, Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) stated: “We are saddened to hear the loss of our esteemed colleague and a prominent tourism expert, Professor Brian Archer. On behalf of all of us here in SHTM, we offer Professor Archer’s family and friends our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this difficult time.”