tourism and hotel management

What to Know About Hospitality and Tourism Management Degree Programs

Hospitality management degrees are designed to train future leaders in the hospitality industry.

How to Study Hospitality Management

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Running a company in any segment of the hospitality industry requires not only financial and marketing prowess, but also an understanding of how to create an inviting environment for guests.

The art and science of hosting strangers is an essential skill for people working in many kinds of businesses, including airlines, casinos, cruise ships, festivals, hotels and restaurants.

Running a company in any segment of the hospitality industry requires not only financial and marketing prowess, but also an understanding of how to create an inviting environment for guests. Cultivating that marketable skill set is the goal of associate, bachelor's and graduate programs in hospitality management.

What a Hospitality Management Degree Is and What Classes It Requires

The goal of any course of study in hospitality management is to train people to create and maintain spaces where others will immediately feel at home.

“Understanding how to take care of the customer is a foundational aspect of the hospitality discipline,” Angela Ramsey, senior director of communication at the University of Nevada—Las Vegas William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, explained in an email.

Hospitality management degrees are, foremost, degrees in business, says Michael Sabitoni, chair of the food and beverage management department and the international travel and tourism studies department at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. They include classes in accounting, finance, human resources, law and technology, he says.

However, unlike a general business degree, a hospitality degree typically includes specialized coursework focusing on the hospitality industry, such as classes on food service business operations, event management principles, and hotel and resort leadership, Sabitoni says. An overview class about tourism is also typically included in hospitality management programs, and industry internships are often mandatory, he adds.

Many hospitality degree programs require students to participate in experiential learning by helping to operate a student-run hotel or restaurant. They may also contain classes on:

• Eco-tourism or sustainable travel
• Global tourism and special considerations involved with international trips
• Customer service protocols
• Assessing the quality of guest experiences
• Specific types of hospitality establishments, such as country clubs, golf courses, resorts, stadiums, timeshares or theme parks
• Nuances involved in planning certain kinds of events, such as conventions or weddings
• Concerns that face certain demographics of customers, including women and people of color
• Various types of tourism, including business trips and visits to cultural destinations or historical sites

Top Undergraduate Schools With Hospitality Management Majors

Many U.S. colleges and universities allow undergraduates to major in hospitality management, including multiple nationally renowned academic institutions. Cornell University of New York, an Ivy League college, has a school devoted to hospitality.

Exceptional hospitality programs are often based in major metropolitan areas that attract significant tourism. For example, New York University and Boston University in Massachusetts offer a hospitality management degree.

How to Know if a Hospitality Management Degree Is Right for You

An interest in the food and beverage sector, a love for travel or an interest in entertaining people may lead someone to consider pursuing a degree in hospitality management. But prospective students should be aware that the hospitality sector has leadership roles for people with all kinds of interests and personalities.

Though some managerial positions in the hospitality industry are customer-facing jobs that require significant people skills, there are also back-of-the-house managerial jobs that concentrate on logistics, Sabitoni says.

Significant cultural awareness and strong communication abilities are essential in hospitality. Foreign language skills are also valuable but not mandatory, Sabitoni says.

What You Can Do With a Hospitality Management Degree

Hospitality programs are designed to train future leaders in the sector.

“It can include anything within the hospitality vertical, from hotel investment companies to real estate firms to our big brands which are the Marriotts, the Hiltons, the Four Seasons, to data analytics companies to Googles to Amazons,” says Kate Walsh, dean of the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell. “Anything that touches hospitality as a part of their business product is something where our students get involved.”

Real estate investment firms often invest in hotel buildings, so people with degrees in hospitality management sometimes find jobs in the real estate sector, Walsh says. Alumni of hospitality management programs sometimes become management consultants who concentrate on assisting companies in the hospitality industry, she adds.

Executive and director roles in the industry typically require at least a bachelor's degree. Many high-level leadership positions at U.S. hospitality firms pay annual salaries above $70,000, according to an article published by Monster.com, a job website.

In 2020, graduates of Cornell's Nolan School had an average base salary of slightly over $69,000 and an average bonus of nearly $15,000, according to the school's employment report .

Considerations for Potential Hospitality Students

Aspiring hospitality managers should be aware of trends that may affect them when they enter the industry, experts say.

This sector has severe labor shortages at hotels and restaurants, many of which laid off workers due to pandemic-related safety measures and now have struggled to replace those workers even after raising wages.

Because of these staffing concerns, many hospitality companies have introduced initiatives to recruit and retain talented staff, improve working conditions, increase job satisfaction and reduce employee turnover, Walsh says.

When comparing hospitality programs, prospective students should investigate whether those programs include experiential learning opportunities, experts say, noting that hands-on projects are one of the best ways to gain hospitality skills. It’s also optimal if hospitality schools offer courses on design, which can inform aesthetic choices about how a hospitality venue looks, according to experts.

“I think the industry needs innovative thinkers," Walsh says. "They need people who think big culturally, who are comfortable with different modes of work, so it’s a great time to join the industry. The industry is trying to be extremely intentional in providing compelling career paths.”

Searching for a grad school? Get our  complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

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Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management (BS)

Program description.

The BS in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management prepares students for management positions in one of the largest economic sectors worldwide. Combining a thorough liberal arts program of study with industry- specific business classes, students gain in-depth knowledge in the areas of hospitality finance, sales and marketing, revenue management, special event planning, destination development, and food and beverage operations. Students learn how to develop new hotel and resort concepts, market tourism destinations, and manage tourism and convention bureaus. Frequent site visits, industry events, and guest speakers ensure that students make use of all the opportunities New York City has to offer, both in and out of the classroom. In addition, they gain hands-on experience through internships, which develop them into successful—and highly employable—industry professionals.

New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU.  For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply . 

Program Requirements

Concentrations.

The program requires the completion of 128 credits, and students may choose one of six concentrations listed below.

The BS in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management prepares students for a wide range of careers in hotels, restaurants, catering companies, real estate and management services companies, online travel agencies, marketing and PR firms, destination marketing organizations, event companies and consulting firms. The degree has six concentrations:

Event Management

This concentration explores career opportunities in festivals, weddings and social events, trade shows, and experiential marketing.

The event sector is growing fast, and offers a wealth of career opportunities. Whether you are interested in festivals, weddings, business conventions or sporting events, this concentration will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this exciting field.

Event planning, design and production are a central focus of this concentration. Event planners/producers coordinate every detail of the event: from the venue and speakers to arranging for printed materials and audio-visual equipment. They develop the concept for the event, and liaise with suppliers and staff. Event planners/producers may work for non-profit organizations, associations, hotels, corporations, and government. Many are independent business owners and coordinate events for a range of clients.

Events can also play an important role in a company’s marketing strategy. Experiential or event marketing is a promotional strategy that involves face-to-face contact between companies and their customers at special events like concerts, fairs, and sporting events. Brands use event marketing entertainment (like shows, contests, or parties) to reach consumers through direct hand-to-hand sampling or interactive displays.

Marketing and Analytics

In this concentration, students study hospitality and travel sales and marketing, as well as strategies and processes that optimize a business’s revenues.

The marketing and analytics concentration provides students with in-depth knowledge of the marketing functions of hospitality businesses.  Professionals in marketing and branding roles need strong analytical skills as they conduct market research, oversee multimedia advertising campaigns, and consult with outside agencies, promotional representatives and corporate executives.

Marketers and revenue managers currently evolve in an increasingly digital and data-driven environment. They are tasked to develop and implement strategies to maximize the business's revenues and profitability. On the basis of daily reports, they make predictions of demand and make distribution channels and pricing decisions. They also leverage the power of loyalty programs and optimize the entire guest acquisition phase; in partnership with travel agencies - on and offline - and other travel intermediaries.

Leadership and Management

This concentration focuses on the operational aspects of hospitality businesses – a great concentration for budding general managers!

The leadership and management concentration provides students with in-depth knowledge of the operational aspects of hospitality businesses. This is an attractive concentration for budding general managers, as the concentration includes aspects of sales and marketing, food and beverage management, but also leadership and law. Hotel operations roles are available in a wide range of departments: front desk, catering, events, housekeeping and human resources. Professionals in operations oversee the daily activities of their teams, and aim to ensure guest satisfaction.

Hotel Real Estate Finance and Development

This concentration provides students with in-depth knowledge of financial management and the hotel development process.

The hotel real estate finance and development concentration provides students with in-depth knowledge of financial management and the hotel development process. Hotel finance careers may include responsibilities such as overseeing the financial processes of the hotel, maintaining audits and reports, producing monthly income statements, and coordinating budgets and forecasts. The hospitality sector is mostly associated with the hotel industry, however, many other asset classes fall into this sector, including large scale resorts, spas, timeshares, restaurants and casinos.

Another aspect of this concentration is hotel development and asset management. Many well-known hotel brand names do not own the building in which the hotel operates, but rather contract their management and brand name to the owner for a fee. Owners and real estate investment trusts employ analysts to maximize the returns earned by the property. Hotel investment professionals produce valuations, and make recommendations about the development of new assets or the remodeling of existing assets.

Travel and Tourism Development

This concentration prepares students for careers in destination marketing organizations, (online) travel agents, tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, PR firms, and visitor attractions.

The travel and tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience in the face of economic challenges, geopolitical conditions and natural disasters. It remains one of the largest and fastest growing industry sectors in the world. Graduate tourism degrees prepare students for a wealth of careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors. WTTC estimates that the travel and tourism sectors support 292 million jobs worldwide, or 1 in every 10 jobs.

The travel and tourism development concentration prepares students for careers in destination marketing organizations, (online) travel agents, tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, event companies, development agencies, marketing and PR firms and visitor attractions. Students will explore various aspects of this large and multi-faceted sector, including casinos, special interest tourism products, sports tourism and mega-events, entrepreneurship and destination marketing.

Entrepreneurship

In this concentration, students will learn the different aspects of the typical entrepreneurship journey: from ideation, to prototyping,  to business launch, and management as applied to hospitality.

Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in innovation, economic development and competitiveness. The entrepreneurship concentration provides students with in-depth knowledge of the crucial role that entrepreneurship plays in the travel and hospitality business. It also provides them with the entrepreneurial and innovative mindset sought after by many employers. The courses offer an overview of the different aspects of the typical entrepreneurship cycle, from ideation to business launch and management. Courses in this concentration are experiential,  applying theory to real world problems and opportunities.

Sample Plan of Study

Learning outcomes.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

• Comprehend the historical development of the industry, including its key global stakeholders, terminology and data/information sources.
• Develop analytical and critical thinking skills, by understanding the selection of appropriate research methods and data, and the principles of analyzing data effectively to address industry challenges.
• Develop the business skills and attributes required of contemporary, global hospitality and tourism professionals, to include the areas of management, service, leadership, communication, ethical responsibility, finance and technology.
• Develop strong business writing skills, as well as engaging and effective presentation skills.
• Develop a specialized focus on a specific area of study within hospitality and tourism.
• Prepare for successful careers by integrating work experiences with academics.

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School of professional studies policies.

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

Additional academic policies can be found on the School of Professional Studies academic policy pag e. 

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Published September 24, 2022

Hotel and Tourism Management at NYU

Nathan Healy

Assistant Director of Content Strategy and Development

New York City hosted more than 13 million international visitors in 2018, making it the only US city to crack the top 10 of Mastercard’s annual Global Destination Cities Index—and an ideal place to pursue a hospitality degree.

“I’d been accepted to a number of schools, but the chance to study in New York City made my decision easy,” shares Tristan Jordan, a senior Hotel and Tourism Management major at NYU’s School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality . “I couldn’t pass up the industry connections, internship opportunities, and professors who are industry professionals.”

“If you utilize all the opportunities you have at hand in New York City, there’s no limit to what you can experience.” —Sophy Martorell

Nearby network.

Tisch Center students connect with top-level hospitality professionals; professors regularly invite these experts to class or take students on site visits. “I’ve taken students to Google’s local offices to talk with its travel product director,” says Professor Recep Karaburun. “We’ve visited the St. Regis and invited its general manager to class to share his experience. The president of NYC & Company and the cofounders of the start-up airline app Hopper have visited class, too. New York City is our lab, and we have access to all its resources.”

The Tisch Center also hosts the annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference , one of the largest hospitality industry events in the world, where students can meet the heads of major hotel brands, investment firms, and destination management companies.

Outstanding Internships

With 217 companies headquartered in New York City—including industry heavyweights like JetBlue, Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, and the Loews Corporation—and countless others with locations here, the opportunities to intern with industry leaders are practically endless.

“Marriott, which has every one of its brands here, is a great example,” says Sophy Martorell, a Hotel and Tourism Management major with a concentration in hotel development. Sophy’s first internship with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide came in the spring of her first year at NYU. She went on to intern with W Hotels, The St. Regis, and Sheraton (all Marriott brands) as well as The Plaza, Iron Bridge Consulting, and LW Hospitality Advisors. “If you utilize all the opportunities you have at hand in New York City, there’s no limit to what you can experience,” she says.

Real-Life Experience, Shared by Real-World Faculty

Tisch Center faculty are industry professionals eager to share their decades of experience. “Every professor I’ve had works full time and teaches, which is amazing, because their real-time industry knowledge and connections become an invaluable resource for students,” says Sophy. Tisch Center professors are founders, CEOs, and presidents of some of the world’s preeminent travel and hospitality companies—including Hotwire, TPG Hotels & Resorts, and Lodging Advisors. “Studying at NYU has forced me out of my comfort zone, taught me to adapt, and provided me with countless opportunities,” says Tristan. “I definitely feel that I’m a step ahead of people who study in other hospitality programs.”

On Hospitality’s Cutting Edge

“Many hospitality schools continue to ignore technology,” says Max Starkov, a Tisch Center professor and the founder and director of the hotel digital marketing and technology firm HEBS Digital, now NextGuest Digital. In the hospitality program at NYU, he says, “Everything we do is powered by technology.” In fact, in his Emerging Issues in Hospitality & Tourism course, Professor Starkov delves deeply into the convergence of tourism and tech. As a result of this interdisciplinary focus, students graduate with skills that are extremely attractive to employers—including Professor Starkov. NextGuest employs a number of Tisch Center alumni who, in just a few short years, have advanced to senior vice president, director, and senior manager positions. “Simply, if you want to be in hospitality, you must understand technology from an industry perspective. NYU puts students in the position to do that,” he says.

And Professor Starkov is not alone in his emphasis on using new cutting-edge methods. Nearly every hotel and tourism management course examines the increasing role of technology in hospitality—a reflection of what Professor Karaburun calls the drive to prepare students for the future. “Students need to know where the world is going,” he asserts. “That way, when they graduate, they’ll be comfortable planning for what will happen five years from now.”

Five Tisch Center Concentrations

Industry-specific concentrations include:

Event management: Focuses on planning, designing, producing, and marketing an array of conferences and special events

Hotel development: Teaches every aspect of a hotel’s creation—from market analysis through operations management

Marketing and revenue management: Explores the ins and outs of promoting a brand and strategically managing the revenue it generates

Organizations and operations: Demonstrates how to develop and implement successful operational structures for casinos, hotels, private clubs, and resorts

Tourism development: Shows how to maximize tourism prospects for exclusive destinations, sporting events, and special interest locations

Since joining NYU’s University Relations and Public Affairs Office of Marketing Communications, Nathan has been integral in helping the university strengthen its brand and share its value with the world. He enjoys uncovering and sharing the stories that hit audiences on a deeper level and guiding partners across the university toward more engaging and informative brand and storytelling experiences. Nathan has also worked as a teacher and academic counselor. He earned a BA in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and an MA in Professional Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.

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• MS in Travel and Tourism Management

Master's in Travel and Tourism Management

100% online, on-site, and hybrid study options.

One of the largest industries in the world, travel and tourism management has rapidly expanded in recent years. Post-pandemic travel will create a whole new range of opportunities and will require nuanced skill sets to meet pent-up consumer demand and changing industry standards. Beginning in Fall 2021, the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality will offer the NEW MS in Travel and Tourism Management , designed to provide students with a deep understanding of this fast-growing industry, while equipping them to adapt to emerging trends including sustainable tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and bleisure travel. This innovative degree will afford the benefits and resources of studying at NYU , while immersing you in New York City—the world’s premier destination for international travel.

Degree Advantage

• 36-credit program of study
• Prepares you for a range of travel and tourism jobs
• Core curriculum and electives focus on trends in travel and tourism, tourism planning, digital marketing, visitor management, travel technology, and destination branding 
• Internships at leading hotels, resorts, media companies, and travel agencies
• Study abroad opportunities and industry site visits
• Full- or part-time study options
• 100% online, on-site, and hybrid degree options available
• New Hospitality Innovation Hub for students, start ups, and industry partners
• Tisch Center Scholarships

VIEW FULL CURRICULUM AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS >

Explore graduate opportunities at nyu sps.

Join an upcoming online session to learn more about our graduate degree programs including the MS in Travel and Tourism Management. As an attendee of an Explore Graduate Opportunities at NYU SPS session, you will meet members of our team and have the opportunity to ask questions about the program and application process.

6:00 PM until 7:30 PM EDT  

Who Should Earn the MS in Travel and Tourism Management?

Whether you just earned your undergraduate degree, are working in another field and are thinking about career change or are already working in the travel and tourism industry, earning this degree will challenge you to discover new ways of thinking about destinations and how technology can support them. It will equip you with the skills needed to attract and retain visitor markets and manage tourism effectively and sustainably.

ALUMNI SUCCESS STORY

Maria tuttocuore ‘02.

Maria Tuttocuore was already working in the travel industry when she decided to pursue a master's degree. She sensed that earning a degree in the field of travel and tourism would better position her for success by providing her with hands-on experience in the field and the opportunity to network. During her time at the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, she completed two internships—one at Leading Hotels of the World and the other at the New York State Division of Tourism . She credits these two experiences with opening the doors to a job at the Monaco Government Tourist Office , where she was promoted to a senior executive sales & marketing position. Her experience in luxury travel and extensive knowledge in destination marketing and leisure trade led her into launching her own travel destination marketing and management company UNICA Journeys LLC based in New York City. Today she represents and consults a varied portfolio of international luxury travel companies.

Learn From Travel and Tourism Faculty Experts

Faculty members are respected experts in areas such as cultural tourism, sustainable tourism, corporate travel management, among other specialities. From working at tourist bureaus, to developing destination marketing campaigns, to managing attractions, their expertise is invaluable in providing insights into the latest travel and tourism trends. Their support and deep dedication is what makes earning a degree from the Tisch Center transformational.

Expand Your Horizons Through Study Abroad

A major advantage of the MS in Travel and Tourism is the opportunity to participate in Global Field Intensives (GFIs). These travel experiences provide international business perspective and attune students to changes in the industry, including the rise of sustainable tourism, which focuses on developing stellar travel and tourism experiences, while monitoring impacts on the environment and local residents. Recent GFIs include trips to: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Prague, and Berlin.

Connect Through Invaluable Networking Opportunities

The MS in Travel and Tourism Management provides unsurpassed networking opportunities through the annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference ; the Grossinger-Bergman Distinguished Lecturer Series, fireside chats with the likes of Roger Dow , president and CEO of the US Travel Association; and industry site visits. These enlightening opportunities make earning a Tisch Center degree a game-changing education and professional experience.

Internships and Job Opportunities

Through the Tisch Center of Hospitality and the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development at NYU SPS , MS in Travel and Tourism Management students have the opportunity to complete internships that provide the hands-on experience needed to accelerate their careers. Many of these internships evolve into permanent jobs. Our graduates go on to careers at tourism bureaus, destination marketing firms, online travel agencies, and attractions, as well as other travel and tourism organizations including the following:

• Arena Destination Marketing • Dubai Tourism Authority • Myriad Travel Marketing • NYC & Company

• Skylark • Tourico Holidays • Visit Britain

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is travel and tourism management.

Travel and tourism management involves the coordination, planning, marketing, and delivery of travel services. Examples of travel and tourism organizations and entities include destinations, attractions, airlines, cruise lines, museums, cultural institutions, and travel and tourism related booking services. The tourism sector includes both leisure travel and business travel.

How does this degree differ from other travel and tourism degrees?

The MS in Travel and Tourism Management differs from other travel and tourism degrees due to its focus on business, technology, and entrepreneurship. The degree’s curriculum is delivered by academic scholars and business professionals. You will be able to immediately apply what you learn in the field of travel and tourism in New York City, the world’s top travel and tourism destination.

What can you do with a travel and tourism degree?

Earning a travel and tourism degree will allow you to begin or advance your career in the global tourism industry. It will prepare you for travel and tourism jobs and leadership roles in the public, private, and voluntary sector, including those with destination management organizations, online travel agents, tour operators, attractions, and transportation companies.

What types of travel and tourism jobs are available?

There are a multitude of travel and tourism jobs and career opportunities available, because the sector is so large and varied. Examples of travel and tourism employers include national and regional tourist offices, travel intermediaries, airlines, cruise lines, theme parks, travel technology companies, and nature tourism providers.

What are the advantages of earning a master's of travel and tourism management in NYC?

The advantage of earning your master’s degree in travel and tourism management in New York City is that you will be studying in one of the world’s leading travel and tourism destinations. New York City is a transportation hub, and is home to world-famous tourist attractions including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the 911 Memorial & Museum, the High Line, and Broadway, among so many others. The City becomes your professional base for establishing your career in a destination that attracts millions of tourists each year.

University of Florida

Tourism and hospitality management.

The curriculum prepares students to gain competency in industry knowledge, develop intellectual abilities, and foster adaptive and technical leadership skills. In addition, the focus on the growth of individual and group dynamics through critical thinking is emphasized so that students will become leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs and create change in an ever-evolving industry. Graduates pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities including hotels, resorts, theme parks, cruise lines, casinos, clubs, restaurants, convention centers, tour operators, corporate, public, and private meetings and events, inclusive of the music, festivals, entertainment, fashion, attractions, and many other options.​ The curriculum is also designed to prepare students to pursue graduate studies in a similar field or business management.

About this Program

• College: Health and  Human Performance
• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
•      Specializations: Event Management | General | Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Credits for Degree: 120

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.

Department Information

The Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management prepares students to gain competency in industry knowledge, develop intellectual abilities, and foster adaptive and technical leadership skills. Website

Email | 352.294.1661 (tel) | 352.846.6627 (fax)

P.O. Box 118208 THE FLORIDA GYMNASIUM GAINESVILLE FL 32611-8208 Map

 Curriculum

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management Certificate
• Combination Degrees
• Event Management Minor
• Event Management Minor UF Online
• Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
• Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management UF Online

To earn the Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management courses must be completed successfully in General Education, the major, and related professional and specialized courses. All students take a common core of courses providing them with foundational knowledge within the discipline. Subsequently, students select one specialization.

An approved 13-week internship is required upon completion of all coursework or the successful completion of the Academic Option (for those who qualify). Both options are included in the 120 credits for the degree. Students that have current or past industry experience (supervisory or entry level but not seasonal employment) will be able to substitute the full-time internship engagement with a choice of five department course electives taken over the course of several semesters.

Students interested in the academic option will need to submit the following documents for approval beginning of their junior year:

• Notice of intent form
• Current resume
• Statement that outlines personal and professional goals
• An overview of how past industry experience has prepared them for a desired career position.

In this specialization, gain the knowledge and skills necessary to administer and manage destination management organizations, tour operations, and hospitality enterprises such as hotels, resorts, attractions, restaurants, and cruises.

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

• Complete 1 of 5 critical-tracking courses: ECO 2013 or ECO 2023 , SPC 2608 or AEC 3030C , Two LEI or HFT courses and one of the following EDF 3110 , DEP 3053 , PSY 2012 or SYG 2000
• 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
• 2.0 UF GPA required
• Complete 1 additional critical-tracking course
• Complete all 5 critical-tracking courses
• Complete any additional LEI or HFT course
• Complete LEI 3921 or Departmental Elective Toward Academic Option
• Complete LEI 4940 Departmental Elective Toward Academic Option

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

The Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management curriculum prepares students to gain competency in industry knowledge, develop intellectual abilities, and foster adaptive and technical leadership skills. In addition, the focus on the growth of individual and group dynamics through critical thinking is emphasized so that students will become leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs and create change in an ever-evolving industry. Graduates pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities including hotels, resorts, theme parks, cruise lines, casinos, clubs, restaurants, convention centers, tour operators, corporate, public, and private meetings and events, inclusive of the music, festivals, entertainment, fashion, attractions, and many other options.​ The curriculum is also designed to prepare students to pursue graduate studies in a similar field or business management.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Demonstrate competence (minimum final grades of C) in the core courses LEI 3301 ,  LEI 4540 , HFT 4468 , and LEI 4880 ..
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major will Learn to

Student learning outcomes | slos.

• Identify major concepts, principles, and theories associated with tourism, hospitality, and event management.
• Apply management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the use of resources to accomplish performance goals in tourism, hospitality, and event management.
• Identify economic, sociological, psychological, political, legal, and environmental issues that influence the delivery of tourism, hospitality, and event services to residents and tourists.
• Interpret information technology and statistical techniques in assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of tourism, hospitality, and event management programs.
• Apply programming and marketing strategies aligned to the development of tourism, events, and hospitality services.
• Develop financial strategies and evaluate budgets and sources of revenues and expenses relevant to financial strategies to tourism, events, and hospitality services.

Critical Thinking

• Identify and apply diverse sources of information and data integrated with theoretical frameworks, models and trends to issues related to leadership, management and delivery of tourism, hospitality, and events management services.

Communication

• Communicate to consumer publics and professional cohorts through written text, oral messages and multimedia presentations.

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Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

Aaron Perkowitz

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated April 15, 2024

Lauren Mastbaum

Contributing Editor

TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

The hospitality industry covers economic output related to hotels, restaurants, cruises, and more. The Business Research Company projects the hospitality sector's global market size will grow to almost $5 trillion in 2024. Earning a hospitality management degree can help workers qualify for careers in this field.

The hospitality industry attracts workers with its large size, fast growth, and variety of jobs. Some roles require specialized skills, including accounting, marketing, and planning. Consequently, pursuing a degree in hospitality management can build these skills for aspiring professionals, giving graduates a competitive advantage when pursuing specific roles or advancement opportunities.

Prospective students who wish to pursue a degree or career in hospitality management can review this page to discover degree benefits, admission requirements, and career opportunities.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Hospitality Management Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

Florida State University

• Tallahassee, FL
• Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: In-State | $216 Out-of-State | $721

Credits to Graduate: 120

Florida State University's hospitality and tourism management program from the Dedman College of Hospitality explores topics like food and beverage management, revenue management, and catering management. Each student must complete a 1,000-hour work experience in the hospitality industry and a field study in hospitality in the final semester of the program.

Hospitality and tourism management electives include classes like international wine and culture, psychology of customer experience, introduction to special events, and communication in hospitality. Potential careers for graduates include director of operations, hotel or restaurant manager, and cruise line director.

#2 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

Brigham Young University-Hawaii

Cost per Credit: Latter-day Saint | $268 Non-church members | $536

Brigham Young University-Hawaii's hospitality and tourism management bachelor of science degree focuses on best practices in the hospitality and tourism industry. Students learn to become servant-leaders who can solve business problems and provide excellent customer service. 

The curriculum includes courses like food and beverage management, the economics of global tourism, leadership and talent development, and lodging operations. Electives explore topics like health tourism and innovative gastronomy. Graduates can apply for leadership and management jobs in tourism development agencies, hotels, and food service operations.

#3 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

University of South Florida

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Credit: In-State | $105 Out-of-State | $211

University of South Florida's BS in hospitality management from the Muma College of Business can prepare you to pursue leadership roles in the global hospitality industry. The 120-credit degree requires 1,000 hours of industry experience, including a 300-hour internship. Program partners include Aramark, Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. 

Required coursework includes an introduction to food production management, cost control in hospitality operations, human resources management, and management accounting and finance in the hospitality industry. Electives explore topics like beverage management and cruise line operations and management.

#4 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

San Diego State University

• San Diego, CA

Cost per Year: In-State | $8,728 Out-of-State | $21,328

San Diego State University's hospitality and tourism management degree from the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is a business-focused degree that prepares students to pursue leadership roles in various management settings. The program requires 1,000 hours of hospitality-related professional experience before graduation.

Required courses include hospitality financial management, service leadership development, cross-cultural perspectives of tourism, and leadership and coaching in hospitality units. Potential career paths include hotel owner, brewery restaurant manager, casino manager, and wedding planner. 

#5 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

Boston University

Cost per Year: In-State | $66,670 Out-of-State | $66,670

Credits to Graduate: 128

Boston University's hospitality administration BS degree from the School of Hospitality Administration can prepare you for careers in hotel operations, food and beverage management, event management, or marketing. Each enrollee receives hands-on experience through two 400-hour supervised field placements. The program also requires an international or intercultural experience.

The curriculum covers classes like hospitality communications, financial accounting for the hospitality industry, talent and people strategies, and experiential marketing. Students can add concentrations in event management, hospitality real estate development, revenue management and analytics, and hospitality entrepreneurship.

#6 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

California State University-Long Beach

• Long Beach, CA

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration

Cost per Semester: In-State | $2,871 Out-of-State | $2,871 + $396 per credit

California State University Long Beach's hospitality management BS degree from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences includes hands-on professional experiences and emphasizes values like sustainability, community, globalization, and forward-thinking. 

The curriculum explores operations, technology applications, legal and ethical issues, and effective communication in the hospitality management industry. Students can participate in various hospitality management extracurricular activities, including student clubs, internships, and guest speaker events. The university reports that 2022-2023 program graduates experienced a 97% rate for professional placement or continuing education.

#7 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

University of Mississippi

• University, MS

Cost per Credit: In-State | $385 Out-of-State | $732

University of Mississippi's BS in hospitality management program offers study abroad opportunities, internships, and field trips to local businesses. Students can also get hands-on experience in the hospitality management field by working at the school's student-run restaurant, Lenoir Dining, or the Ole Miss Inn. The program requires 600 industry hours to graduate. 

Students take courses like hospitality industry accounting, legal issues in the hospitality industry, food service procurement, and principles of hotel operations. Areas of emphasis include lodging, event management, and food service. 

#8 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

College of the Ozarks

• Point Lookout, MO

Cost per Credit: In-State | $325 Out-of-State | $325

Credits to Graduate: 120-140

College of the Ozarks's hospitality management bachelor of science program provides hands-on learning experiences at the Keeter Center, a fine dining, lodging, and event center on campus. The program emphasizes hospitality management best practices, culinary excellence, and workplace and food service safety from a Christian perspective.

Required major courses include banquet and catering operations, managing conventions and group business, hospitality marketing, and a professional food service practicum. Each enrollee also must complete a five-credit hospitality industry internship. All students have their tuition covered through scholarships, grants, and a work program.

#9 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Blacksburg, VA

Cost per Year: In-State | $12,698 Out-of-State | $33,310

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's hospitality and tourism management program can prepare students for leadership careers in the tourism and global hospitality industries. Potential roles for graduates include cruise industry executive, tourism attraction entrepreneur, or meeting and convention sales.

The curriculum provides a broad business education and specialized courses in franchising, lodging operations, and tourism destination management. Students can get hands-on experience through internships and field studies. The program also offers frequent opportunities to interact with industry experts. 

#10 Top Hospitality Management Degrees 2024

St. Augustine College

• Chicago, IL

Cost per Credit: In-State | $537 Out-of-State | $537

St. Augustine College's BA in hospitality management degree from the College of Business can prepare you to pursue various roles in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, events, hotels, and entertainment. Students with associate degrees in fields like business or culinary arts can earn BAs in hospitality management quickly through the school's fast-track option.

The program covers hospitality principles, leadership, customer service, and human resources management and offers hands-on learning and work experiences, including a 500-hour senior-year internship. The curriculum includes classes like hospitality accounting, management information systems, and lodging in the hospitality industry.

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Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page .

Why Get a Hospitality Management Bachelor's Degree?

• Job Stability: Hospitality has seen stable growth in the last few decades, COVID-19 impacts aside. Graduates of top hospitality management programs may stand out among peers. These individuals can pursue entry-level management jobs and careers at growing international corporations.
• Versatile Skills : Hospitality management degrees teach a variety of skills, including accounting, sales, marketing, and leadership. These competencies have applications in a wide array of roles and industries.
• Diverse Career Paths: The hospitality industry spans an array of subfields, including hotel management, event planning, and international conferences. Gaining a foundation of hospitality management knowledge can help graduates pursue multiple kinds of jobs.

What to Expect From a Hospitality Management Degree

Hospitality management degree programs help prepare students for leadership roles in the field. Learners study topics like finance, operations, and human resources to understand how large corporations work internally and what they require to continue running.

Bachelor's programs in hospitality management usually consist of 120 credits, which full-time learners can complete in four years. Some schools offer generalized degrees, while others offer concentration options so enrollees can specialize in subfields like gaming, event design, or human resource management. Programs may include hands-on experience like internships.

Applicants should ensure their prospective learning institution holds accreditation — acknowledgement from an accreditation agency that the school meets standards of academic excellence. In addition to institutional accreditation, hospitality management degrees can hold programmatic accreditation from agencies like the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. This designation verifies that a program's curriculum adequately prepares graduates for careers in the field.

Degree, Concentration, and Format Options

Hospitality management degrees may come in bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) formats. BA programs usually focus more heavily on humanities concepts, while BS degrees typically emphasize technical concepts. In addition to programs called "hospitality management," these degrees use names like:

• Hospitality and tourism management
• Hotel and restaurant management
• Food and hospitality management
• Hospitality and event management
• Hospitality and retail management

Some hospitality management degrees may specialize learners' knowledge toward specific industry sectors. While researching programs, prospective students should ensure programs align with their career goals.

Schools may also offer accelerated bachelor's/master's combined programs that allow learners to earn two degrees more quickly — typically in five years. Often, these programs require learners to take graduate-level courses during their third or fourth years of study, and these classes often count toward both the bachelor's and master's degree requirements. These options can help students save time and money.

Admissions Process

Each hospitality management program maintains its own admission requirements. Often, students have to submit materials like:

• An online form with an application fee
• High school diploma or equivalent with official high school transcripts
• Admission essay
• ACT or SAT scores

Possible prerequisites include:

• Minimum 3.0 high school GPA
• Previous relevant work experience

All students must submit an application, usually through the school's website or Common App . Common App provides a single application that learners can submit to over 1,000 cooperating schools.

Popular Hospitality Management Undergraduate Courses

Hospitality management curricula vary by school; prospective enrollees can investigate each program's courses before applying. Learners usually take a combination of general education, major-specific, and elective courses. Attendees may complete a capstone project to synthesize their knowledge, tackling theoretical issues or working as consultants to solve real-world issues. We explore popular hospitality management courses below.

• Introduction to Hospitality: This class explores the hospitality industry's history, trends, and organizational structures. Enrollees learn about management, accounting, maintenance, and engineering. The course may also discuss potential career paths and strategies to help professionals succeed.
• Hotel Operations: The hotel industry is a crucial piece of the hospitality sector. Consequently, many programs include a class dedicated to teaching the operations, finances, and management of hotels. Students learn about the various staff who run hotels, including front desk, housekeeping, and kitchen workers.
• Revenue Management: Revenue management courses discuss the importance of revenue maximization and forecasting. Attendees learn to utilize pricing, discounts, capacity management, and duration control to achieve revenue goals.
• Advanced Wines: Students pursuing food service specializations can take courses about wines of the world, learning about wine types and pairings as well as the history and geography of wine production. As these classes often include hands-on experience sampling wines, learners need to be of legal drinking age to enroll.

How Much Do Hospitality Management Bachelor's Programs Cost?

The price of hospitality management degrees ranges widely. Some schools charge as low as $2,500 for annual tuition, while others charge more than $50,000 per year. Factors that impact tuition include public or private school status, institutional prestige, and student state residency. Attendees should also budget for additional costs like school fees, books, and the cost of living.

Learners can also help pay for their hospitality management degree with financial aid like:

• Scholarships: Awardees receive merit-, need-, or demographic-based funds that do not require repayment
• Fellowships: Like scholarships, fellowships do not require repayment
• Grants: Grants are often need-based and do not require repayment
• Loans: Public and private lenders offer student loans, which require repayment with interest

The links below provide additional information on student loans and scholarships.

Should You Get Your Degree Online?

Prospective hospitality management degree enrollees may consider online programs. Distance education degrees are usually more flexible than on-campus programs because they include asynchronous learning opportunities with no set meeting times. Attendees of the best online hospitality management programs can attend any program without moving across the country.

In contrast, on-campus programs also offer their own benefits, including the ability to more easily network with students, professors, and alumni. In-person degrees feature more rigid learning structures, which some learners may prefer. On-campus attendees can also participate in extracurriculars and student clubs. Regardless of degree type, both in-person and online programs provide high educational quality.

Hospitality Management Jobs and Salaries

Hospitality management bachelor's degree-holders can pursue entry-level leadership roles in industries like lodging, restaurants, and event planning. Professionals may obtain new skills or strengthen existing ones as they gain work experience.

Individuals can also enroll in a master's program to further specialize their knowledge and pursue more advanced roles, including hotel revenue manager, cruise director, and corporate controller.

We explore common hospitality management careers below.

Lodging Manager

Lodging managers work in hotels, motels, and resorts. They ensure that guests have a comfortable experience. Managers direct internal activities to keep the accommodation running smoothly and profitably. These professionals may have a variety of duties, including inspecting the building's cleanliness, monitoring staff, and reviewing revenue.

• Job Outlook (2022-32): +7%
• 2022 Median Annual Salary: $61,910

Source: BLS

Food Service Manager

Food service managers oversee the routine operations of restaurants. Managers organize staff to optimize efficiency and ensure patrons promptly receive their orders. Restaurant managers may also hire staff, inspect equipment, and oversee food preparation.

• Job Outlook (2022-32): +0%
• 2022 Median Annual Salary: $61,310

Event Planner

Event planners arrange weddings, conventions, and corporate events by choosing locations, handling logistics, and working with vendors. Planners discuss event details with customers, including budgets, food, and accommodation choices.

• Job Outlook (2022-32): +8%
• 2022 Median Annual Salary: $52,560

Selecting the Right Undergraduate Program

Many schools across the U.S. offer programs in hospitality management, each with their own curriculum, concentrations, and flexibility level. Students should explore each program's details to find degrees that match their needs. The list below covers important considerations when choosing a school.

• Program Length: Most bachelor's programs require four years of full-time study, but schools may offer accelerated degrees that take less time. Some institutions offer combined bachelor's/master's programs that grant students two degrees in five years.
• Concentrations: The hospitality industry has many subfields. Applicants with specific career goals should ensure programs offer specializations or coursework that aligns with these aspirations.
• Partnerships: Investigate each program's partnerships. Some schools may connect students with local organizations, including hotels and event planning companies, for internships and other hands-on opportunities.
• Alumni Network: Students can use alumni networks to make internship, job, and mentor connections. Active alumni groups may provide additional networking opportunities through online meetings and in-person events.

Common Questions About Hospitality Management Degrees

• Collapse All

Is a hospitality degree difficult?

Like any field, hospitality management can prove challenging. Individuals who enjoy learning different subjects or obtaining versatile skills in accounting, management, and marketing may thrive in this field.

How much does a hospitality management bachelor's program cost?

The tuition for a bachelor's in hospitality management can range from $2,500 to $50,000 per year. Prospective learners should explore the cost of each program before applying.

Can you get a hospitality management bachelor's degree online?

Yes, multiple hospitality management degrees offer fully online programs. Classes may run asynchronously, allowing students to study and complete assignments at their own pace. Online programs provide the same degrees as their in-person counterparts.

Is a degree in hospitality management worth it?

Individuals with a passion for hospitality management may find a degree in the field worth the time and cost investments. Hospitality management professionals with a degree can often qualify for a wider array of careers, including advanced roles.

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Online MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management

White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Explore where an online MS in hospitality and tourism management can take you

With a revitalized industry and more opportunities for customer experience innovation, there has never been a better time to elevate your management skills. Whether you want to advance your management career in the restaurant industry, take the lead within full-service hotels or begin your journey at the corporate level, Purdue University’s online Master of Science in hospitality and tourism management will fuel your career.

Take your management skills to the next level with a hospitality management degree at Purdue

Offered through the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM), Purdue’s online hospitality and tourism management master’s program is ideal for managers who have three to five years of experience working in tourism, events, hotels or restaurant management. The program teaches foundational skills that are relevant to all areas of hospitality and management while covering emerging topics and trends in the industry.

Master the executive management, leadership and analytical skills you need to advance your career on your journey toward becoming a customer experience expert. You’ll also have opportunities to network with other accomplished professionals, apply new knowledge to your current position and distinguish yourself as a leader in the field. Explore hospitality and tourism management careers.

Experience the Purdue difference in customer experience management

In the online MS program, you will learn from leading researchers in hospitality and tourism management and evaluate real-world challenges to create innovative solutions with the help of skilled managers. The innovative hospitality curriculum will also give you the skills needed to manage top-performing companies in the hospitality sector. These include:

• Advanced management and leadership to help your organization navigate planned and unplanned change.
• Human resources, operations management, marketing and finance to enhance your resume and boost your business mindset.
• Critical thinking and problem solving to develop innovative solutions to industry challenges..
• Quantitative and data analysis to drive informed business decisions.

BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

University HQ, 2023

University HQ has ranked Purdue’s program No. 1 in its list of Best Online Master’s in Hospitality Management in 2023. Criteria for the ranking includes acceptance, retention and graduation rates; graduating salaries; reputation in the industry; and expert opinions.

Program Quick Facts

Degree Type : Master of Science

Format : 100% Online

Program Length : Two years (34 credits)

Weekly Commitment : 15-20 hours

Cost : $26,055 (in-state), $28,690 (out-of-state)

Department/School : Hospitality and Tourism Management

Learn from award-winning faculty

With expertise in hotel and restaurant management, event design, customer service innovation, and more, Purdue HTM faculty are renowned for their teaching skills. They work to give you the skills needed to confidently lead your organizations and take customer experiences to the next level. Learn more about our team of faculty experts .

Refine your management style and leadership skills

The hospitality and tourism industries are part of a niche market with their own sets of values and challenges. Purdue’s online hospitality degree program ensures you possess the latest information to develop your leadership style and make effective management decisions. Through the coursework, you’ll learn critical leadership skills, including business analytics, finance, marketing and human resource management.

Gain a broader perspective

Many of Purdue’s HTM instructors have a wealth of experience in hospitality and tourism management, which they draw on in preparing you to manage complex organizations. The coursework also takes on a global perspective, allowing you to explore business concepts through a lens of cultural awareness and diversity to improve your overall professionalism, communication and critical-thinking skills.

Is the online program as credible as the degrees offered on campus at Purdue?

Yes, the online program is as reputable and rigorous as an on-campus program. You will be taught by the same experienced Purdue instructors as our on-campus students, and, upon graduation, you will receive the same Purdue diploma as your on-campus peers. Assignments and projects may differ slightly to work with the online format, and the curriculum was developed to meet the specific needs of midcareer hospitality professionals.

How do online classes work?

Most coursework is asynchronous, meaning there are not specific times you need to be online. When you start the program, you will be given access to a virtual classroom interface. Your instructor will post coursework, syllabi, assignments and messages every week. You will also use discussion boards, e-mail and chat to communicate with your classmates and your instructor. You can log in and do your coursework at any time that is convenient for you, but you must turn in your assignments by the deadlines your instructor sets.

As an online student, you should plan to devote 15-20 hours each week to coursework, depending on your study habits.

What do I do if I have a question about homework or need help with a technical issue?

The faculty and staff at Purdue are dedicated to your success. Your instructor will set weekly times for one-on-one electronic consultations and will answer emails in a timely fashion. Technical support staff are available to help you handle hardware and software issues, and we have dedicated staff available to talk to you about financial aid, scheduling or any other administrative issues.

For what careers do these certificates prepare me?

Hospitality professionals work in a broad range of companies across hotels and lodging, restaurants, attractions and events, cruise lines, and destination marketing organizations.

Among other positions, you will be prepared for the following careers:

• General manager
• Director of operations
• Business development director
• Finance director/controller
• Food and beverage director
• Director of finance
• Director of facility operations
• Human resources director
• Conference director
• Special events director/event producer

This program can also help you on your journey to pursue a C-suite position, including the following:

• Chief information officer
• Vice president of operations

Is work experience required to apply?

At least three years of work experience is recommended for those applying to the program. Most students will be in the early-to-middle stages of their career and have a general understanding of practices in the hospitality field.

How will I be graded?

You will be graded based on your performance in class. The courses will have various methods for grading depending on the specific requirements for a given class. You can expect to experience any combination of discussion boards, case studies, final projects, group work or graded reports. View the Purdue grading scale for more information.

What will the diploma say?

Your diploma will read “Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management.”

Is there financial aid available for the program?

Yes, financial aid may be available. Please contact Purdue’s Division of Financial Aid to learn more about how to finance your online or hybrid degree.

How frequently does this program start?

There are three starts for this program – fall, spring and summer semesters.

Bachelor’s Degree Program in Hotel Administration

Discover hospitality management: our undergraduate hotel administration degree.

What Is Hotel Administration?

Hotel administration is the study of all things hospitality. Expertise in the guest experience and analysis through a hospitality lens prepares individuals to excel in a variety of people-focused fields.

Why Study Hospitality Management at the Nolan School?

There are many advantages to earning a hotel administration degree at the Nolan School, starting with our immersive experience in the business of hospitality. Our approach pairs traditional coursework with hands-on experiential opportunities. No matter what corner of the industry interests you, we prepare you for career success with a strong foundation of business skills, crucial real-estate knowledge, strategy informed by data, and the pursuit of innovation.

Read More about The Nolan School

Highlights of Our Hospitality Management Program

• Student Profile 48% Women, 18% Underrepresented Minorities, 32 Countries
• Clubs and Organizations 23 at the Nolan School; 1,000+ at Cornell; 11% Study Abroad
• Career Trajectory Average Base Salary: $69K Full-time Job Offers: 93%
• Alumni Network Hotel Alumni: 13K; 45K Business School Alumni; Cornell Alumni: 325K

Undergraduate Learning Goals

Graduates of our Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration can apply fundamental business principles to analyze situations in a diverse hospitality management context. They have a command of written and verbal professional communications and interact effectively with diverse teams. They are ethical business leaders and hospitality professionals with the self-knowledge required for ongoing personal and professional development as business leaders in the hospitality industry.

Hospitality Management Academics

We combine the best of both worlds: a focused core curriculum to give you the essential business and hospitality-management skills, with the flexibility to take advantage of Cornell’s liberal arts offerings. You can complete two-thirds of your major coursework within your first two years, exploring the breadth of hospitality so you can discover your passions early on.

Explore Academics at The Nolan School 

Student Life at the Nolan School

An Unparalleled Student Experience that Affords You a Clear Career Advantage

When you join the Nolan School hospitality management degree program and the Hotelie community, you also enjoy all that Cornell has to offer — from its richly diverse community to unlimited venues to explore your interests. As a Hotelie, you can focus on research, study abroad, gain real management experience, and sample all aspects of the hospitality industry. It’s an unmatched student experience that gives you an enviable career advantage.

Hotel Administration & Hospitality Management Careers

Your Hospitality and Hotel Administration Career Awaits

Much more than a traditional hospitality management degree, the Nolan School’s hotel administration degree prepares you with the essential business knowledge and skills, the strong foundation in real estate, and the hands-on experience to be a confident, effective professional. With a hospitality management degree from the Nolan School, you’re ready for career success in any industry.

Access Career Resources

Nolan School Admissions

You’re here because you’re interested in a career in hospitality management, and we want to ensure that the Nolan School will provide the right fit for you. We welcome bright, hardworking candidates who are ready to devote themselves to the pursuit of service excellence — and to each other. Familiarize yourself with our hospitality management program and our admissions requirements.

Discover Nolan School Programs

Tuition and Financial Aid at the Nolan School

A Nolan degree is a solid investment in yourself and your future. Driven by Cornell’s founding vision of “any person, any study,” we’re committed to helping promising students achieve their dreams, regardless of their means.  The University’s Office of Financial Aid will help you determine how to make your tuition and living expenses as manageable as possible.

The Nolan School is the first step to success in your hospitality career. With our rigorous academic coursework, experiential learning opportunities, unmatched student experience, challenging and supportive faculty, and the tight-knit Hotelie community — all backed by an Ivy League pedigree and Cornell credentials — the start of your successful career in hospitality management is only a click away.

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MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Online

Take Your Next Step

Connect with an advisor to discuss career outcomes, curriculum, and get your questions answered.

Step 1 of 2

Create a world of hospitality.

The global hospitality industry is powerful, resilient, and ever evolving. New and interesting models for service delivery continue to redefine the guest experience. Trends in sustainability, personalization, and smart technology are transforming physical spaces and reshaping the sector’s core values. The “experience era” of hospitality is here—and it’s driving consumer behavior and spending in exciting ways. Which means modern hospitality execs must know how to pivot, adapt, and respond in a way that supports the industry’s vibrant future.

That’s where you come in. Earn your Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism from Washington State University, and develop the advanced expertise to lead the business side of a dynamic, multi trillion-dollar international industry.

Why Earn Your MBA in Hospitality and Tourism?

Gain a global perspective on hospitality and tourism.

The hospitality industry is large and diverse. More than that, every sector—from accommodation and recreation to luxury events and entertainment—is always changing. And executives with the skills to effectively navigate the unique challenges of this evolving industry are poised to shape its future. This is where adding a concentration in hospitality and tourism to your MBA can give you a serious edge.

Choose this track, and you’ll gain a global perspective on lodging, restaurant and food service, event management, and entertainment management. You’ll study service management, international tourism, and business operations within the hospitality industry. You’ll dive deeper into current industry trends and explore themes like customer-relationship management. You’ll cover hospitality marketing and event promotion. And you’ll study with experienced faculty who have global hospitality and tourism experience.

Choose the Hospitality MBA Online, and you can graduate prepared to:

• Gather and interpret data to make informed business decisions and propose strategic solutions in domestic and global organizations.
• Apply industry-specific skills in finance, marketing, human resources, leadership, and risk management to effectively implement best practices in hospitality businesses.
• Evaluate the cultural, psychographic, and demographic attributes of today’s global consumers.
• Lead essential business functions—from hiring and motivating staff to navigating and growing the bottom line.
• Assess the social, multicultural, and environmental issues that impact the global hospitality industry.

Personalize Your Online MBA with a Graduate Business Certificate.

WSU’s Online MBA Hospitality and Tourism concentration is also offered as a nine-credit graduate certificate that you can complete in as few as three courses. So you have multiple paths to pursue your goals.

By pursuing this option, you can: 

Receive credits that can be applied toward your MBA

Earn a standalone certificate

Earn a  standalone certificate

Pair the certificate with your MBA — and graduate with both

Pair the certificate with your MBA — and graduate with both

What Can You Do With an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism?

Join the next generation of hospitality executives.

The global hospitality industry is one of the largest in the world—and one of the fastest growing for employment. The field is broad and far reaching, which means the opportunities for advancement are, too. And earning your MBA in Hospitality and Tourism can prepare you for a successful path in a number of high-level roles.

You can lead teams in resorts, hotels, restaurants, spas, and private clubs. You can manage operations in convention centers, cruise lines, casinos, theme parks, sports arenas, and entertainment venues. You can even apply your industry-specific skills in unique ways—thanks to the increasing complexity within the sector. For instance, the expanded use of technology and data has prompted the creation of new career profiles, such as asset managers and content marketing specialists. Bottom line: With an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism from WSU, you’ll have the advanced credential to add value in any role you may pursue.

Online MBA in Hospitality Management Career Paths

Hotel manager.

Coordinate activities and operations for a place of lodging. Hotel managers are responsible for staffing, maintenance, customer satisfaction, and profitability at hotels, motels, and similar establishments.

Restaurant Manager

Manage staff, décor, budget, and operations to ensure diners have a first-rate experience at your establishment. Restaurant managers are responsible for maintaining quality of food, service, and atmosphere.

Director of Food and Beverage

Manage purchasing, staffing, code compliance, and other operational aspects of running a restaurant, club, or related establishment. The director of food and beverage is tasked with maximizing profit without sacrificing customer satisfaction.

Learn more about all of the Hospitality and Tourism careers and growth opportunities you could experience after earning an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism from Washington State University.

What Is the Typical Salary for MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Graduates?

Earning an MBA is often associated with increased earning potential—a correlation that holds true in hospitality. According to the most recent data from Payscale, MBA graduates earned a median annual salary of $95,000 , while those with a bachelor’s earned just $69,000.

Careers in hospitality are diverse, meaning salaries can vary widely across different roles and settings. The following are some common occupations in hospitality and tourism, along with their respective salaries*:

Private Club General Manager

Restaurant owner/operator, director of events, food and beverage director**, director of resort operations**, director of casino operations.

*Payscale, March 2023

MBA in Hospitality Management Job Outlook

Surging growth in hospitality.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the leisure and hospitality sector will add nearly 2 million new jobs between 2021 and 2031—representing 23.1% of all new jobs created during that period. This projected growth is the fastest of any sector, at an annual rate of 1.3%.

Strong gains post-COVID

Partly owing to its ongoing pandemic recovery, the leisure and hospitality industry added an average of 79,000 jobs per month in 2022, according to the BLS.

Promising projections for employment growth

The hospitality industry’s recent gains are expected to continue over the next decade. The BLS projects that employment of lodging managers, food service managers, and event planners will grow by 18%, 10%, and 18%, respectively, between 2021 and 2031—far exceeding the 5% employment growth projected for all occupations.

Why Choose WSU for Your MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Online?

WSU’s Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism provides you with the flexibility you need to earn your degree while balancing personal and professional commitments. Our program is also built for efficiency, allowing you to complete your degree in as few as 22 to 29 months. Additionally, our online program connects you with like-minded professionals, which can plant the seeds for future career growth. Our strategic partnerships also span four continents, enabling you to receive an enriching international outlook on hospitality and tourism.

What Does The Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Curriculum Cover?

Dive into the business of travel and tourism.

The in-depth courses of WSU’s Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism expertly blend the unique principles, practices, and trends of the tourism and hospitality industry with the core fundamentals of the business world.

As you move through the concentration’s curriculum, you’ll learn about operations within the hospitality sector through courses in service management and international tourism strategy. You’ll explore topics such as revenue management, information technology, human resources, and strategic marketing. And you’ll develop the critical thinking, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills to lead the future of the global hospitality industry. Read more about the concentration’s course offerings now.

Services Management

Service businesses are an increasingly dominant force in world economics. Approximately 79% of our labor force, 76% of the GDP, 45% of the average American family’s budget, and 32% of all U.S. exports are accounted for by services. This course explores concepts, principles, and issues within the service management area. We will study service management from an integrated viewpoint with a focus on service quality and customer satisfaction. The material will integrate operations, marketing strategy, information technology, and organizational and human resources issues.

International Tourism Strategy and Planning

This course concentrates on techniques and concepts of international tourism, destination management and marketing, and its role in developing customer- and service-oriented managerial approach in a tourism organization. This course is designed to provide you a working knowledge of international tourism, destination management and marketing process, and the interrelationships between destination marketing decisions, marketing research, buyer behavior, product strategy, channels of distribution, promotional activities, and pricing decisions.

Hospitality Operations Analysis

Yield/revenue management and managerial accounting concepts within the hospitality industry.

Explore More Online MBA Concentrations

Online MBA General Track

Online MBA in Finance

Online MBA in Marketing

Online MBA in International Business

MBA in Hospitality and Tourism FAQs

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Bachelor of Science (BSc) Tourism and Hospitality Management

This degree will prepare you to be a leader in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. The program takes you through critical management, relevant tourism and hospitality courses embracing theories and concepts. You will learn about the various global and emerging trends in the Tourism and Hospitality industry through courses and research projects. Training will occur at the entry and management level through industry internship programs, field trips, and day releases. You will have the opportunity to learn about many dynamic sectors including food and beverage, events, meeting and conventions, destination marketing, accommodation, cruise lines and tour operations among others. The practical requirements of the courses are completed at the university’s hotel, the University Club.

Freshman Year—34 Credit Hours

Sophomore Year—30 Credit Hours

Junior Year—29 Credit Hours

Senior Year—30 Credit Hours

Course and program information subject to change without prior notification.

*Does not count toward degree **If required

Additional Curriculum

In order to obtain a degree, you will need to complete both program specific and general curriculum.

Prepare for a degree with global reach. Start at SGU and take your skills and your passion anywhere.

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Tuition & Fees

Plan for your future. Learn more about SGU’s affordable tuition and fees.

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"For Grenadians, SGU allows us to follow our dreams by presenting a chance to afford an excellent university education and obtain a college degree or higher, which opens doors that would’ve remained closed had you not had a degree. SGU makes dreams possible."

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Tourism & Hospitality Management

Bachelor of science in tourism and hospitality management.

Do you love to travel and immerse yourself in diverse cultures? Whether sailing the seas on a cruise ship, running a hotel, restaurant, quaint bed and breakfast, or working in a corporate office, the tourism and hospitality management program prepares students to succeed in the world of travel and tourism - one of the world's fastest growing industries. Tourism and Hospitality ranks in the top three industries in all 50 states. Travel and tourism in the United States is a $1.3-trillion industry and is among the nation's largest employers with 13 million direct travel-related jobs. If you are interested in organizing events, making sure conferences go smoothly, and ensuring that hotels run like a well-oiled machine, tourism and hospitality management is the program for you!

Possible Careers: Cruise Director, Casino Manager, Event Planner, Restaurant Owner, Meeting and Convention Management

Hays Daily News, the local newspaper, interviewed Dr. Stacey Smith, the Tourism and Hospitality Management Director. Check out what they had to say!

To graduate with a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management, you must complete the following:

For a digital format of the degree program for students admitted for Fall 2023 and after, please click here.

Program Summary Credit Hours

General Education Requirements (34 Credit Hours) College of Business Core (24 Credit Hours) Tourism and Hospitality Management Core (23 Credit Hours) Required Electives (12 Credit Hours) Free Electives (27 Credit Hours) Total 120 Credit Hours

College of Business Core - 24 Hours

ACCT 203 Principles of Accounting I BCOM 210 Introduction to Professional Development BCOM 300 Spreadsheet Applications BCOM 301 Strategic Business Communication GBUS 204 Business Law I MGT 301 Management Principles MGT 611 Human Resource Management MKT 301 Marketing Principles

Tourism and Hospitality Management Core - 23 Hours

THM 620 Principles and Practices in Tourism and Hospitality Management THM 621 Tourism and Hospitality Marketing THM 622 Service Operations Management THM 625 International Hospitality: Problems and Planning THM 629 Tourism and Hospitality Industry Internship THM 632 Sustainable Tourism & Events  MLNG 226 Beginning Spanish II for Tourism & Hospitality

Required Electives - 12 Hours

THM 601X Special Topics in THM THM 601 Foundations of Wine THM 623 Meetings, Conventions, & Events Management THM 624 Hotel & Resort Management THM 626 Food & Beverage Management THM 627 Casino Management THM 628 Health & Wellness Tourism THM 630 Spa Facility & Destination Management THM 601 Revenue Management MKT 610 Social Media Marketing

Suggested Free Electives - 27 Hours

MGT 101 Intro. to Business MKT 606 International Marketing BCOM 400 Global Business Communication COMM 348 Intro. to Public Relations & Advertising COMM 414 Business & Professional Speaking COMM 601 Persuasion ENTR 301 Intro. to Entrepreneurship ENTR 350 Opportunity Development & Creativity ENTR 401 Opportunity Evaluation ENTR 605 New Venture Creation LDRS 300 Intro. to Leadership Concepts LDRS 302 Intro. to Leadership Behaviors LDRS 310 Field Work in Leadership Studies MGT 475 Business, Society, & Ethics MGT 606 International Business MKT 607 Business-to-Business Marketing

General Education Cognates

MATH 250 Elements of Statistics MLNG 225 Beginning Spanish I Economics Choice - Choose 1 ECON 201 Principles of Economics: Micro ECON 202 Principles of Economics: Macro

In addition to requirements specific to the student’s Tourism and Hospitality Management degree, FHSU requires every student to demonstrate foundational skills and perspectives that allow graduates to understand the relationship of their chosen field with other fields and society. The "General Education Cognates" section specifies 11 hours that must be completed within the  FHSU general education program . 

How to Reach Us

Department of Applied Business Studies Fort Hays State University 600 Park Street McCartney Hall 113 Phone: 785-628-4772 Email:  [email protected] Contact Us

Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (MS)

Program at a glance.

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

Formulate and Implement Strategies for Success

The M.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management program helps you advance your career within the global hospitality and tourism industry by maintaining a competitive skill set. Build on your strengths and interests, broaden your knowledge of the industry, and sharpen your management skills. Plus, the program incorporates your professional and extracurricular experiences into our interactive learning environment.

As a graduate student in hospitality and tourism management, choose from a thesis and non-thesis option. The thesis option is a great fit if you’re interested in the scientific study of the various aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry. You’ll also want to choose this path if you plan to pursue a doctoral degree or a professional research position. The non-thesis option provides a wealth of opportunity if you’d like to gain a managerial or leadership position within the industry. The emphasis of the non-thesis option is on coursework, practical experience, and real-world insight.

Complete your degree in a format that works best for you. Enroll in the online master’s in hospitality and tourism management degree program , take it on campus or customize it through a mix of both to fit your schedule and budget. Please note that the thesis option is not available to students who study fully online.

As a graduate from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, you’ll be in high-demand for hospitality and tourism organizations around the globe. Many of our alumni go on to work for leading employers including the Walt Disney World Company, Universal Orlando Resort, Hilton, Marriott International, Loews Hotels, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Orange County Convention Center and so many more.

Available Tracks:

• Foundations Track

Application Deadlines

Ready to get started, course overview, critical issues in hospitality human resources.

Analysis of HR critical factors affecting operation and profitability of hospitality enterprises. Examination of emotional labor, empowerment, burnout, service orientation, turnover, absenteeism, compensation.

Managing Hospitality and Guest Services Organizations

Analysis of the unique problems of managing organizations in the hospitality and guest services industry.

Hospitality/Tourism Strategic Issues

Capstone experience with strategic decision-making principles in hospitality/tourism. Application of skills, knowledge and understanding of areas of concern for formulating and implementing operational strategies.

Hospitality Management & Tourism Skills You'll Learn

• Prepare for higher-level management and leadership positions with the knowledge, connections and experience to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace
• Apply high-level academic knowledge to real-world management challenges
• Handle the analytical, financial, logistical, operational and management challenges that managers face on a daily basis

Career Opportunities

• Hotel Manager
• Restaurant Manager
• Travel and Tourism Services Marketing Manager
• Convention or Conference Manager
• Director of Special Events
• Director of Sales

Admission Requirements

The hospitality and tourism management master’s degree at UCF accepts applications three times throughout the year: fall, spring and summer. You must apply online and submit all requested materials by the established deadline.

The typical candidate:

• Is a professional working in a position related to hospitality, tourism or events.
• Holds an undergraduate degree in hospitality, business management or a related discipline.
• Understands that advanced educational training is required to be competitive in the thriving hospitality, tourism and event industry.

Admission is restricted each semester to individuals showing high promise of success in postgraduate studies. In addition to the requirements, other indicators of promise include the applicant’s extracurricular activities, work experience, job responsibilities and leadership experience, which will be considered in making admissions decisions.

To apply, submit the general graduate admissions requirements , as well as the following items by the deadline:

• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• The GRE/GMAT is not required, however, the Admissions Committee may ask for the GRE/GMAT to strengthen a candidate’s application package.

Rosen College of Hospitality Management News

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Enter your information below to receive more information about the Hospitality and Tourism Management (MS) program offered at UCF.

The Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management enables students to build on their strengths and interests, broadens their knowledge of the industry, sharpens their management skills, and incorporates their professional and extracurricular experiences. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management candidates are especially attractive hires for hospitality and tourism organizations around the globe.

The typical Hospitality and Tourism Management MS candidate:

• Is a professional working in a position related to hospitality, tourism, or events.
• Holds an undergraduate degree in hospitality, business management, or a related discipline.
• Understands that advanced educational training is required to be competitive in the thriving hospitality, tourism, and event industry.

The program offers thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option is intended for students who are interested in the scientific study of the various aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry and who may anticipate pursuing a doctoral degree or a professional research position. The non-thesis option is intended for students who anticipate a managerial and leadership position in the hospitality and tourism industry. The emphasis of the non-thesis option is on coursework, practical experience, and real-world insight. You can complete your degree either fully online, face-to-face, or customize it through a mix of both to fit your schedule and budget, although the thesis option is not available to students who study fully online. A maximum of three credit hours of restricted elective may be taken as an independent study.

The Rosen College of Hospitality Management aims to provide students with an outstanding graduate hospitality management educational experience and serve other stakeholders with continuing education, research, and service. The College is committed to UCF's goals by providing intellectual leadership through quality hospitality education, international prominence by means of educational and research programs, promotion of a global perspective, nurturing inclusiveness and diversity, and partnerships with local, national, and international hospitality and tourism constituencies.

Please note: Hospitality and Tourism Management (MS) may be completed fully online . However, the thesis option is not available to students who study fully online, and not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit http://global.ucf.edu/ . If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at (407) 823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Program Prerequisites

For students with undergraduate majors in Hospitality Management or Business Administration, there will be no undergraduate course prerequisites, provided they have successfully completed an undergraduate course in statistics or applied quantitative analysis with a grade of "C" or higher.

For industry professionals with an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Hospitality Management or Business Administration, the following two undergraduate courses "may" be required to be completed with a grade of "B" or higher within the first year of course work in the program (decisions are made at the discretion of the Graduate Recruitment Team).

• HFT 2401 - Hospitality Industry Financial Accounting
• HFT 3431 - Hospitality Industry Managerial Accounting

Students would also have to have successfully completed an undergraduate course in statistics or applied quantitative analysis with a grade of "C" or higher within the first year of course work in the program. The following undergraduate courses "may" be required to be completed with a grade of "B" or higher within the first year of course work in the program (decisions are made at the discretion of the Graduate Recruitment Team).

• STA 2401 or STA 2023 or
• HFT 3465 Applied Quantitative Analysis for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Degree Requirements

Required courses.

• HMG6228 - Critical Issues in Hospitality Human Resources (3)
• HMG6245 - Managing Hospitality and Guest Services Organizations (3)
• HMG6477 - Financial Analysis of Hospitality Enterprises (3)
• HMG6585 - Data Analysis in Hospitality and Tourism Research (3)
• HMG6596 - Strategic Marketing in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6296 - Hospitality/Tourism Strategic Issues (3)

Thesis Option/Nonthesis Option

• An appropriate culminating academic experience is required of all master's degree candidates. For those students in the thesis option, a thesis defense is required. Thesis defenses will be approved by a majority vote of the thesis advisory committee. Further approval is required by the Dean of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and the UCF College of Graduate Studies before final acceptance of the thesis in fulfilling degree requirements.
• HMG6586 - Research Methods in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6971 - Treatise (Thesis OF Research Report) (1 - 99)
• FSS6365 - Management of Food Service Operations (3)
• HMG6227 - Advanced Training and Development in the Hospitality Industry (3)
• HMG6251 - International Lodging Accommodations Analysis (3)
• HMG6267 - Case Studies in Restaurant Management (3)
• HMG6291 - Hospitality Entrepreneurship: Concept Creation to Capitalization (3)
• HMG6347 - Contemporary Issues in the Resort Industry (3)
• HMG6446 - Hospitality/Tourism Information Technology (3)
• HMG6476 - Feasibility Studies for the Hospitality/Tourism Enterprises (3)
• HMG6528 - Convention and Conference Sales and Services (3)
• HMG6529 - Contemporary Issues in Resort Sales Management (3)
• HMG6533 - Hospitality/Tourism Industry Brand Management (3)
• HMG6556 - Digital Marketing and Big Data Management for Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6565 - Social Media in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6566 - Principles of Destination Marketing and Management (3)
• HMG6710 - International Tourism Management (3)
• HMG6738 - Tourism Industry Analysis (3)
• HMG6756 - Mega-Events (3)
• HMG6797 - Event Administration (3)
• HMG6466 - Applied Revenue Management Techniques in Hospitality (3)
• HMG6229 - Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry (3)
• HMG6449 - Smart Travel and Tourism (3)
• HMG6757 - Advanced Theme Park and Attraction Management (3)
• HMG6810 - Food Supply Chain Management (3)
• HMG6811 - Beverage Supply Chain Management (3)
• HMG6224 - Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6223 - Leading Innovation and Change in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6299 - Contemporary Issues in Hospitality and Tourism Leadership (3)
• An appropriate culminating academic experience is required of all master's degree candidates. For students in the non-thesis option, an appropriate culminating academic experience is the successful completion of HMG 6296 - Hospitality/Tourism Strategic Issues, a required course in the curriculum that is designated as a capstone course. This capstone course acquaints students with the principles of strategic decision-making in various sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry. Students are required to apply skills, knowledge, and understanding in order to identify areas of concern encountered by managers responsible for formulating and implementing operational strategies.

Independent Learning

• Candidates for the MS degree are constantly challenged with numerous requirements to engage in independent learning during the program of study through special projects and papers. For students in the non-thesis option, an appropriate culminating academic experience is the successful completion of HMG 6296 - Hospitality/Tourism Strategic Issues , a required course in the curriculum that is designated as a capstone course. HMG 6296 should be taken during the final term of study, and enrollment is based on approval. This capstone course acquaints students with the principles of strategic decision-making in various sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry. Students are required to apply skills, knowledge, and understanding in order to identify areas of concern encountered by managers responsible for formulating and implementing operational strategies.

Grand Total Credits: 33

Application requirements.

Outside USA: +1‑607‑330‑3200

Hospitality Management Cornell Certificate Program

Overview and courses.

A career in hospitality management means that you are involved in every aspect of your property’s many moving parts. From the front of the house to the back, you need a firm grasp on finance, marketing, and managing employees to succeed. Build your credibility and learn how to manage a world-class operation with a foundation in essential industry best practices and skills.

By taking this certificate program, you will learn how to improve in your role as hospitality manager by developing strategies that can be applied to your teams in the workplace. This program covers a wide range of content, from building a loyal guest base to finances to team building, giving you a set of skills needed to be successful in a management role. Knowing how to handle multiple facets of the hospitality industry will help you manage your organization to its fullest potential as well.

Whether you are a manager currently, positioning yourself for a management position, or have recently been promoted, make your mark today by learning from experts in the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality schools. You can finish all of the courses in this program and earn your certificate in as little as three months, spending about three to five hours per week.

This program includes a year of free access to the Hospitality and the Marketing Symposium! These events feature several days of live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore the marketing and hospitality industry’s most pressing topics. Symposium events are held several times throughout the year. Once enrolled in your program, you will receive information about upcoming events.

Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

For the best experience in this program it is recommended to take these courses in the order that they appear.

Course list

Understanding financial statements.

Every property's finance function keeps detailed records of the daily transactions involved in the running the organization. Periodically, they create reports that allow management, stakeholders and regulating authorities to have insight into the financial health of the organization. As a manager, you need to understand both the metrics that are reported in income statement, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, and how they relate to each other. You also need to understand how comparing numbers across your company, the industry, and from year to year, can help you assess the overall financial performance of the firm.

The in-depth review of sample case studies in this course will provide you with the tools you need to examine your own property's reports. As you make budgeting and investment decisions, your knowledge of how vital financial markers indicate relative health in the organization will help drive initiatives to meet your company's financial goals.

Building High-Performing Teams

In this course, you will create a strategy to turn a work group into a high-functioning team by evaluating challenges and applying techniques to generate positive team outcomes. Based on the research and expertise of Professor Kate Walsh, PhD, of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, you will learn how to enable a team to take ownership of its own success and shift leadership roles as the team assumes greater responsibility. 

Using tools provided in this course, you will explore best practices in leading teams, assess case studies, and examine functional conflict. With the completion of an action plan at the end of the course, you will be ready to apply what you learn to your own organization.

Services Marketing Planning and Management

Services marketing is often viewed in terms of outcomes, but services marketing is also an ongoing analytic process. In this course, you will learn how to properly analyze frameworks, tools, channels, data sets, customer behavioral data, decision-making factors, and strategies that support broader marketing decisions.

Authored by Robert Kwortnik from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, this course will teach you how to review the way marketing works in your organization and how to create and apply a services marketing process.

Pricing and Revenue Management Essentials

Have you traveled recently? More than likely, you used the internet to search for the “best” price in whatever way you might define that: a combination of room, car rental, and airline seat class prices; discounts; travel dates; length of stay; and so on. Conversely, as a decision maker in the hospitality industry, you cannot escape the influence of search engines, online travel agents, and social media on how you price your product. In this course, you will explore various revenue management, pricing, and internet marketing strategies and tactics that can enable you to maximize revenue at your firm.

Revenue management is about rejecting current opportunities for potential future opportunities while maximizing profit. Pricing has also become an increasingly important mechanism in a firm's profits. In this course, you will begin by examining how to incorporate uncertainty in setting prices along with the trade-offs between demand and price. Calculating breakeven rates will assist you in determining where to set prices.

Your customers have varying appetites for risk; in hospitality, this entails whether they will book now or wait for a lower price. How your competitors react to price changes you make will impact your revenue as well, and you will explore a model for framing these interactions.

Finally, you can optimize your position on internet search results and increase conversions by applying the search engine optimization strategies that you will explore in this course. These strategies can increase your visibility to target customers.

This course includes a pricing simulation game, where you will first compete against the computer to set prices competitively, then you will play the game with your peers. We recommend that you start the game immediately to ensure that you have enough time to experience (and enjoy!) the game in the final module.

Building Guest Loyalty

Loyal repeat customers are key to the success of any food and beverage operation. They represent recurring revenue and are a great source for feedback and gauging customer sentiment. They can also be your greatest evangelists, recommending you to friends and colleagues, even giving favorable online reviews.

Through careful design, meticulous attention to service processes, and a way to gauge customer sentiment, you can play to your team's strengths and identify opportunities for improving the guest experience to grow your business.

Introduction to Hotel Operations

Running a successful hotel today is a highly collaborative process involving many roles.

This course is structured around the four key stages in the guest experience -- pre-arrival, arrival, occupancy, and departure -- and will explain hotel operations, the systems that hotels rely on, and the managers and staff who run them. During the guests' experience, managers and staff will learn how to engage with guests to win and maintain their loyalty.

Professor Reneta McCarthy brings first-hand knowledge of hotel operations to this course, providing insights and guidelines that will give participants a good understanding of the inner workings of today's hotels.

Leadership Symposium   LIVE

Symposium sessions feature three days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today’s most pressing topics. The Leadership Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium in which we’ll discuss the ways that leaders across industries have continued engaging their teams over the past two years while pivoting in strategic ways. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to relevant topics for leaders. Throughout this Symposium, you will examine different areas of leadership, including innovation, strategy, and engagement. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from various industries.

Upcoming Symposium: June 4-6, 2024 from 11am – 1pm ET

All sessions are held on Zoom.

Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.

Hospitality Symposium   LIVE

Symposium sessions feature three days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today’s most pressing topics. The Hospitality Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium, in which we’ll discuss how both day-to-day operations and strategic goal setting in the hospitality sector have rapidly evolved over the past two years, opening up new space for real-time conversations about the future of the industry. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to various areas of the industry, examining the innovations and accommodations you have all had to make throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and strategizing on future directions. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from across the industry.

Upcoming Symposium: July 16-18, 2024 from 11-1pm ET

Marketing Symposium   LIVE

Symposium sessions feature two days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today’s most pressing topics. The Marketing Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium, in which we’ll share experiences from across the industry, inspiring real-time conversations about best practices, innovation, and the future of marketing work. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to some of the most pressing topics and trends in the marketing field. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from across the industry.

Upcoming Symposium: August 13 – 14, 2024 11AM – 1PM ET

How It Works

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Faculty Authors

• Certificates Authored

Kate Walsh is Dean of the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration and E. M. Statler Professor. A professor of management, Dean Walsh has been a member of the Hotel School’s faculty since 2000. She received her Ph.D. from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College and her MPS degree from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Fairfield University.

Dean Walsh’s primary research is in identity, leadership, and career development. She also conducts research examining the impact of strategic human capital investments. In addition to contributing to numerous books, Dean Walsh’s articles have appeared in such outlets as Journal of Management, Journal of Service Research, Journal of Organizational Behavior, Journal of Vocational Behavior, Human Resource Management Review, Organization Science, Career Development International, The Service Industries Journal, Trends in Organizational Behavior, Research in Management Consulting, Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, The Learning Organization, International Journal of Hospitality Management, and The Cornell Hospitality Quarterly.

Dean Walsh has extensive industry experience. She is the former director of training and development for Nikko Hotels International, corporate training manager for the former Bristol Hotels, and senior auditor for Loews Corporation. Dean Walsh is also a former New York State Certified Public Accountant.

Dean Walsh began her second term as dean on July 2, 2021. Since the beginning of her administration, she has focused on positioning Nolan for the future of hospitality business education as well as contributing to the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. This includes undertaking a comprehensive renewal of the graduate and undergraduate curricula, developing Nolan’s online global presence, launching two new graduate degree programs, and providing thought leadership for the hospitality industry, most notably through the creation of industry-based webinars to guide the industry during the pandemic as well as supporting extensive outreach and engagement through Nolan’s six centers and institutes.

Dean Walsh serves on the boards of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, including serving on its Educational Foundation’s DE&I committee, and Yonsei University’s School of Business.

• Professional Development Program
• General Managers Program
• Hospitality Strategy
• Hospitality Leadership
• Management 360
• Hospitality Management 360
• Performance Leadership

Hospitality Management

• Executive Leadership
• Change Management
• Leadership Essentials
• Executive Healthcare Leadership

Steven Carvell joined the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration’s finance faculty in 1986 and is currently a Professor of Finance in the SC Johnson College of Business. Over the past 33 years, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses such as Advanced Corporate Finance, Capital Budgeting, Financial Strategy, and Investments. Dr. Carvell has also been an active teacher in executive education since 1990, working with almost every major domestic and international hotel company to create custom courses for hotel executives with companies like Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental Hotel Group, Taj Hotels, Jumeirah, Accor, Sol Melia, Le Meridien, Shangri La, and Peninsula. Dr. Carvell has also authored eight distance-learning courses through eCornell that are among the most widely demanded courses offered. He has held academic leadership positions at the School of Hotel Administration since 1999, serving as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2007 to 2016 and the Academic Director of the Pillsbury Institute for Entrepreneurship from 2013 to 2016.

Dr. Carvell has published numerous articles in academic and professional journals, including the Financial Analysts Journal, Journal of Portfolio Management, the Harvard Business Review, and the Cornell Quarterly, and he is the co-author of “In the Shadows of Wall Street.” His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, Fortune, Institutional Investor, Financial World, and Leaders. Dr. Carvell has recently finished a major project designed to identify the determinants of hotel demand for U.S. hotels and another on economic and capital market antecedents of venture capital commitments. He is currently working on a project to disaggregate hotel room rates within urban markets and another to determine the risk-return characteristics of hotel room rates in major U.S. markets. Dr. Carvell is also involved with evaluating the effectiveness of hotel company business strategies using strategic benchmarking and economic value-added analysis.

Dr. Carvell has worked for professional money managers in the area of applied strategy in the equity market and served as a consultant to the Presidential Commission on the 1987 stock market crash. His consulting interests include valuation and risk analysis in feasibility studies, hotel debt capacity, strategic benchmarking, and corporate and financial strategy.

• Revenue Management 360
• Financial Management

Scott Gibson is the J.E. Zollinger Professor of Finance at the College of William and Mary Mason School of Business. His current research interests include optimal financing strategies for hospitality firms and the effect of institutional investor trading behavior on securities prices. His research has appeared in hospitality-focused journals including the  Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly ,  Journal of Hospitality Financial Management , the  Cornell Hospitality Report  and top finance journals including the  Journal of Financial Economics ,  Review of Financial Studies ,  Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis ,  Journal of Financial Intermediation ,  International Review of Finance ,  Journal of Portfolio Management , and  Journal of Financial Services Research .

His research has also been featured widely in the financial press, including articles in the  Wall Street Journal ,  Financial Times ,  New York Times ,  Barron’s ,  Business Week ,  Bloomberg ,  Financial Advisor , and  Institutional Investor .

Before returning to his alma mater Boston College where he received a Ph.D. in Finance, Professor Gibson worked as an analyst with Fidelity Investments and as a credit team leader serving a Fortune 500 clientele with HSBC Bank. Lecturing about corporate finance and the creation of shareholder value, he has received numerous teaching awards at the undergraduate, graduate, and executive levels. He has also been named as an outstanding faculty member in  Business Week ’s Guide to the Best Business Schools. Professor Gibson currently serves as an editorial board member of the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly (CQ).

Sheryl E. Kimes is an emeritus Professor of Operations Management at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration. From 2005 to 2006, she served as interim dean of the school, and from 2001 to 2005, she served as the school’s Richard and Monene P. Bradley Director of Graduate Studies. Dr. Kimes specializes in revenue management, restaurant revenue management, and service operations management. She has been named the school’s graduate teacher of the year three times and was awarded a Menschel Distinguished Teaching Fellowship by Cornell University in 2014.

Dr. Kimes’s research interests revolve around revenue management in the restaurant, hotel, and golf industries. She has over 100 articles in leading journals, such as Interfaces, Journal of Operations Management, Journal of Service Research, Decision Sciences, and the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly. She was awarded the CHR Award for Industry Relevance in 2010, 2012, and 2014, and she was given a lifetime achievement award by the Production and Operations Management Society in 2010. In addition, Dr. Kimes was given the Vanguard Award for Lifetime Achievement in Revenue Management by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International in 2017.

Dr. Kimes has served as a consultant to many hospitality enterprises around the world, including Chevy’s Fresh Mex Restaurants, Walt Disney World Resorts, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Starwood Asia-Pacific, and Troon Golf. She earned her doctorate in Operations Management in 1987 from the University of Texas at Austin.

• Hotel Revenue Management
• Hospitality Digital Marketing
• Restaurant Revenue Management

Rob Kwortnik, Associate Professor of Services Marketing, joined Cornell’s faculty after earning his Ph.D. in Business Administration from Temple University in 2003. He also earned a B.A. in Journalism from Temple and an MBA from California State University, Northridge. Professor Kwortnik’s research focuses on consumer behavior in service contexts, with special attention to service experience management. He has published in the Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Service Research, The International Journal of Research in Marketing, and the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, among others. He has been honored eight times as a Teacher of the Year by students at the School of Hotel Administration. Prior to his career in academics, Professor Kwortnik held several professional positions in marketing and was a travel industry consultant. He is a recognized expert on the leisure cruise industry.

• Digital Marketing 360
• Social Media Marketing
• Integrated Marketing 360
• Strategic Hospitality Marketing

Alex Susskind is a Professor of Food and Beverage Management and is currently serving as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Professor Susskind earned his Ph.D. in Communication from Michigan State University with a specialization in organizational communication and his MBA with a concentration in personnel and human relations. He earned his undergraduate degree at Purdue University in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management and is also a trained chef with a degree in Culinary Arts from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Prior to starting his career in academia, Professor Susskind was a chef and restaurant operator for both independent and multi-unit restaurant companies in the Northeastern and Southeastern United States.

• Senior Living Management
• Food and Beverage Management

Cheryl Stanley is a Senior Lecturer in food and beverage management at the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University. She has been involved with food since the age of ten, when she started her own chocolate business, Cheryl’s Chocolates. Following her interest in food, Ms Stanley attended the School of Hotel Administration and graduated in 2000.

While at Cornell, Ms. Stanley discovered her passion for beverages through the courses “Introduction to Wines,” “Food and Wine Pairing,” and “Beverage Management.” Upon graduation, she continued this enthusiasm for beverages and food service in both hotel and restaurant operations on the West Coast, where she worked for the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach and the Wine Cask in Santa Barbara.

Continuing her entrepreneurial journey, Ms. Stanley started her own restaurant consulting company specializing in beverages and service in 2008. During this time, she was also presented an opportunity to become an adjunct instructor at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where she taught courses that included gastronomy, food, wine, and (agri)culture. Falling in love with teaching, Ms. Stanley decided to pursue her Master’s degree in hospitality and retail management from Texas Tech University. Heading back north, she returned to CIA prior to joining the food and beverage operations area back at her alma mater.

Ms. Stanley teaches courses on specific elements within the field of food and beverage operations, including “Introduction to Wines,” “Catering and Special Events,” and “Beverage Management.” She combines theoretical education with practical operational applications.

Certified through multiple wine organizations, Ms. Stanley has conducted research on beverage costing in hotels, bars, and restaurants, as well as hospitality education, and she has presented at beverage-related conferences. In 2015, she was awarded the Ted Teng ’79 Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award. Ms. Stanley is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and the United States Bartenders’ Guild. She is the faculty advisor for Cornell Cuvée, the blind wine tasting competition team, which has won first place at multiple international wine competitions. In 2017, Ms. Stanley was selected as one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers.

• Wines of Germany and Austria
• Wines of the World
• Wines of Spain and Portugal
• Wines of the Southern Hemisphere
• Wines of Italy
• Wines of France
• Wines of California, the Pacific Northwest, and New York

Reneta McCarthy has both teaching and practical experience in hotel operations. She began her career at Marriott International, where she worked as a housekeeping manager and then as director of services in the full-service hotel division. She later transferred to Courtyard Hotels, by Marriott, where she became one of the youngest general managers of a Courtyard property. She became director of rooms at The Statler Hotel at Cornell in 1992 and joined The Hotel School faculty in 1995, where she teaches courses in hotel and casino operations. She is the faculty advisor to Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC), an annual, student-run industry conference that attracts 300 hospitality leaders to campus each spring.

Key Course Takeaways

• Describe hotel revenue management and its benefits
• Assess the role of marketing in your organization
• Understand principles of financial statements
• Identify online sources of financial information
• Create strategies to develop a high-functioning team
• Identify service recovery strategies that satisfy guests and prevent problems from occurring again
• Estimate the marginal value of capacity and plan allocations
• Evaluate competitive responses to pricing actions
• Simulate how consumers find prices

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What You'll Earn

• Hospitality Management Certificate from Cornell Hotel School
• 60 Professional Development Hours (6 CEUs)
• 17 Professional Development Units (PDUs) toward PMI recertification
• 20 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification
• 20 Credit hours towards HRCI recertification

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Who should enroll.

• Hospitality professionals working in every function of their organization
• Professionals looking to move into a hospitality management position

“In my 20 years of experience as a hotel manager, I’ve completed my share of various training programs — but the experience at eCornell is FANTASTIC. Totally recommend.”

“great program and great resume booster. this certificate is easy to follow yet challenges you enough to make you think outside of your “expertise.””, “an easy and efficient way to update knowledge and get feedback from students all over the world. ecornell brings professionals from all over the world closer.”, “after completing the certificate, i helped my company make changes to increase profitability. i am proud when people ask me where i earned my certificate and i can say cornell university school of hotel administration. thank you, ecornell”, “i have been linked to senior management in hotels and restaurants for more than 20 years and the training received at cornell has provided me with a collection of very valuable tools for professional growth.”.

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Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism

6 Degree Options

Our unique programs focus on engaging students in integrated teaching, research, and outreach programs to create skillful leaders in the field. Graduates are prepared for careers in this leading and quickly evolving industry.

Expanding Internship Areas

This department prioritizes the human experience in novel and transformative spaces, connecting people to places, and enhancing understandings of humans and the places they visit. Our internships include locations in Texas and around the world.

300+ Enrolled Students

We embrace a modern experience within the life sciences and agriculture, exploring new places and experiences – bringing together expertise from across the College and spanning social science, management and life sciences.

New department name, same foundation.

Building upon our proud 57-year history as the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, we will continue to prioritize the study of how people connect with the places and spaces around them. We are ideally placed to expand our scientifically-based approach to creating enhanced hospitality experiences.  

We have a strong foundation to expand our educational mission into hospitality, with experiential learning at the heart of our approach.  

Brian King, Ph.D. Department Head

New Name, Same Foundations

Hospitality, hotel management and tourism welcome video.

Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism News

Texas A&M students let their imaginations roam free during Disney Week

A group of students from the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences recently gained valuable insights on the hospitality industry from one of the world’s most iconic brands.

Hospitality expert with international teaching experience brings entrepreneurial perspective to students

An expert with wide-ranging hospitality, international teaching and entrepreneurial experience, Wen Chang, Ph.D., has joined the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism as an assistant professor.   

Read more news on AgriLife Today…

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Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management ranked in world’s top 1% by QS World University Rankings

Program moves two spots to #6 in the U.S. in hospitality & tourism education

By Ivonne Yee-Amor

April 23, 2024 at 11:16am

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USA Launches New Hospitality and Tourism Concentrations

Joy Crawford

The University of South Alabama Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management in the College of Education and Professional Studies is launching two new concentrations, global leadership and events marketing and management, under its bachelor’s degree program.

For those who seek to shape the future of a vibrant and evolving industry, South’s hospitality and tourism concentrations will start in the fall semester of 2024.

“With the new concentrations in global leadership and events marketing and management, our program in Hospitality and Tourism Management is uniquely positioned to provide students with the knowledge and skills that hospitality and tourism employers demand,” said Dr. Angela Barlow, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “This will, in turn, lead to successful careers for our students in the fast-growing areas of leisure and hospitality. Whether a student desires to be the operations manager for a cruise line or an event planner for a resort, this program will help them grow as professionals through meaningful experiences provided by our community and industry partners.”

The servant leadership being modeled to South students will help them stand out in an industry that will produce future leaders through innovative business-education partnerships.

“The new concentrations in global leadership and events marketing and management were developed through a robust planning process and were not arbitrary,” said Dr. Khal Nusair, chair of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism and Management. “Over the duration of a three-step planning method, we analyzed hospitality and tourism programs at the state and national levels, sought the feedback of our advisory board and gathered data from industry partners and alumni.”

In the global leadership concentration, students build problem-solving, communication, critical thinking and analytical skills to excel in the global hospitality and tourism industry.

“It’s important to note these specialized programs will strengthen our existing industry ties and develop new partnership opportunities with stakeholders from the hospitality and tourism industry,” Nusair said. “Thanks to hospitality and tourism industry partners’ guidance and support during the program restructuring efforts, the program has been positively transformed. This couldn’t have been accomplished without their dedication and commitment to our success.”

According to President and CEO of Visit Mobile David Clark, who also serves as president of South’s Hospitality and Tourism Advisory Board Executive Committee, the new concentrations will open doors to many career opportunities.

“USA continues to raise the bar with its education and career offerings to help students earn the right to lead,” Clark said. “Adding global leadership and events marketing and management will significantly enhance students’ ability to make a huge impact on their career path and advancement.”

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UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague to drive innovation in hospitality

UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague, have agreed to partner around the development and execution of pioneering projects in the hospitality industry.

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to stimulate innovation and fresh ventures within the hospitality industry, promoting entrepreneurship and education while engaging in open innovation projects that can enhance the tourism industry, with a particular focus on hospitality. Currently, 20% of entrepreneurs of the UN Tourism Network are directly related to hospitality and are the most dynamic projects including a variety of stakeholders of the industry.

Building on the UN Tourism’s established innovation network, this agreement will further facilitate connections between startups and potential investors, as well as promote knowledge and skills through joint events, communication channels, and media interactions. This partnership not only underlines a commitment to a more sustainable future for the industry but also signifies a shared commitment to providing inclusive opportunities and memorable global student experiences, demonstrated through Hotelschool The Hague’s global Sustainable Hospitality Challenge.

Strong foundations for innovative future

Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, expresses: “Unfortunately 90% of startups within the hospitality sector eventually do not succeed. A decent tourism education and knowledge of the hospitality sector is necessary to develop a disruptive and well-functioning product. Through our collaborative efforts, we aspire to alter this trajectory by offering a more robust foundation, fostering invaluable connections, and providing a conducive testbed for emerging startups. Given that technology now permeates 70% of tourism enterprises, it is imperative that these startups are seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem, connected with pertinent stakeholders, and afforded the opportunity to validate their solutions in real-world settings before embarking on a larger scale.

Ms. Regine von Stieglitz, President of the Board of Directors of Hotelschool The Hague says: “At Hotelschool The Hague, we provide our students with the perfect balance of theory, real-world experience and applied research to prepare them for a career in the hospitality industry. We develop leaders who shape our global industry and drive it to give back more than it takes. We are proud to join forces with UN Tourism. We fully embrace their vision to Foster Innovation in the Hospitality Industry. In fact, our Sustainable Hospitality Challenge is a student competition designed to enhance the evolution of sustainable practices in hospitality, aligning seamlessly with the objectives of UN Tourism.”

Hotelschool The Hague, founded and funded by the hospitality industry in 1929, provides high-quality education and cutting-edge research in the field of international hospitality management, with an emphasis on the transformation of sustainability and digitalization and on developing students into sought-after hospitality graduates who excel in leadership roles worldwide.

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Today’s front page, Sunday, April 21, 2024

Alarming rise of hotel rates threatens growth of PHL tourism industry

• BusinessMirror Editorial
• April 22, 2024
• 3 minute read

The high cost of travel and accommodation in the Philippines has been a long-standing concern for domestic tourists, destination management companies, and lawmakers. The situation has reached a point where many people now prefer to travel abroad, where they can get more value for their money. The issue is not limited to expensive domestic airfare; even hotels, especially those in Metro Manila, have significantly raised their room rates, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Unfortunately, this trend is projected to continue in the medium term, posing a serious threat to the government’s goal of attracting 12 million international arrivals by 2028. (Read the BusinessMirror story:  ‘Keys Muna’: Imminent hotel room shortage—and resulting higher room rates—could derail PHL’s ambition to lure more visitors, April 20, 2024).

According to a recent briefing by Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), there is an impending hotel shortage in the country. Only 87 properties are in the pipeline from 2025 to 2028, adding a mere 25,000 hotel rooms to the supply. This means that by 2028, there will be a total of 308,000 hotel rooms available. To achieve the target of 12 million inbound tourists by 2028, there needs to be an annual growth rate of approximately 10 percent. However, the growth in hotel keys during the same period is expected to be less than one percent, significantly limiting the country’s ability to reach its tourism goals. As a result, room rates and occupancy rates will undoubtedly increase, making travel more expensive for both locals and foreigners.

The majority of the new hotels (40 percent) are concentrated in Metro Manila, with the rest distributed among popular destinations such as Cebu, Boracay, Davao, and Palawan. While this development is promising, it may not be sufficient to meet the growing demand for accommodations. Furthermore, factors such as a high inflation rates and the cost of funding pose significant challenges to hotel development. High inflation rates make borrowing and financing more difficult, hindering the construction of new hotels.

The pandemic has also played a role in delaying hotel constructions. Many ongoing projects were halted, leading to a shortage in available rooms. Additionally, the current cost of funding, as reflected in lending rates, further contributes to the impending hotel shortage.

Inflationary pressures are expected to drive the average daily rates (ADR) of hotels to continue rising, outpacing occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR). While ADR typically lags behind occupancy growth, hotels have been focusing on increasing rates to offset higher operating costs driven by inflation. Luxury hotels in Metro Manila have already experienced significant ADR growth, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This trend, coupled with the slow return of international travelers and rising operational costs, has made it challenging for hotels to generate profits.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has projected inbound arrivals to reach 11.5 million and domestic trips to reach 137.5 million by 2028. However, the current National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) lacks a clear identification of the number of hotels needed to accommodate these projected numbers. To address this, the DOT is working with the Philippine Hotel Owners Association to develop a strategic action plan for the hotel industry. The plan aims to identify incentives for hotel investments, required facilities, and suitable locations for construction.

It is crucial for the government and relevant stakeholders to address the rising cost of vacationing in the Philippines to ensure sustainable tourism growth. Efforts should be made to encourage the construction of more hotels, especially in popular tourist destinations beyond Metro Manila. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the challenges faced by the hotel industry, such as inflationary pressures and high funding costs. Additionally, exploring measures to promote competitive pricing, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall tourism experience can help attract both domestic and international travelers.

The Philippines has immense potential as a tourist destination, offering diverse attractions and natural beauty. However, the stakes are high, as a shortage of affordable, quality accommodations could severely constrain the growth of the tourism industry—a critical driver of economic development, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. Decisive action is needed now to avert this looming crisis and unlock the full potential of the Philippines as a premier travel destination.

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Facing pressure from rights groups, World Bank suspends funding for Tanzania tourism project

FILE - Giraffes and zebras congregate under the shade of a tree in the afternoon in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania on March 20, 2018. The World Bank has suspended funding for a tourism project in Tanzania that caused the suffering of tens of thousands of villagers, according to a U.S.-based rights group that has long urged the global lender to take such action. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

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KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — The World Bank has suspended funding for a tourism project in Tanzania that caused the suffering of tens of thousands of villagers, according to a U.S.-based rights group that has long urged the global lender to take such action.

The World Bank’s decision to suspend the $150 million project, which aims to improve the management of natural resources and tourism assets in a remote part of southern Tanzanian, was “long overdue,” the Oakland Institute said in a statement Tuesday, charging that the bank’s “failure to take immediate action resulted in serious harms for the local communities.”

At least $100 million has already been disbursed for the project, which started in 2017. The suspension of World Bank financing took effect April 18.

The Oakland Institute, a California-based rights watchdog whose work focuses on marginalized communities, for years led calls for the World Bank to stop funding the project known by the acronym REGROW, documenting serious rights abuses suffered by Indigenous communities in the area.

The group in a report released in November accused the World Bank of failing to hold Tanzanian authorities accountable for extrajudicial killings and sexual assaults relating to the expansion of Ruaha National Park.

The report said the Tanzanian government’s tactics to force communities away and increase tourism in Ruaha National Park, a goal of the REGROW project, were “inextricably tied to its financing by the World Bank.”

The World Bank said at the time that it “has zero tolerance for violence in the projects it finances,” adding that a panel of inspectors was reviewing a complaint related to REGROW “to determine whether a compliance audit into the concerns raised is warranted.”

In recent correspondence between the World Bank and the Oakland Institute seen by The Associated Press, the lender confirmed the suspension of further disbursements to REGROW “until we are confident that the project is upholding our environmental and social standards.”

Anuradha Mittal, executive director of the Oakland Institute, said the World Bank’s decision to suspend funding for “a dangerous project” is a victory for marginalized communities in the East African country.

“It sends a resounding message to the Tanzanian government that there are consequences for its rampant rights abuses taking place across the country to boost tourism,” Mittal said. “The days of impunity are finally coming to an end.”

It was not immediately possible to obtain a comment from Tanzanian authorities.

The Oakland Institute documented at least 12 disappearances or extrajudicial killings allegedly carried out by rangers, in addition to multiple sexual assaults of women. Government agencies allegedly seized and auctioned large numbers of cattle, imposing a heavy financial strain aimed at pressuring herders to leave.

“During the first months of 2024, rangers illegally seized and auctioned off thousands of cattle from herders while preventing farmers from cultivating their land -– devastating countless livelihoods as a result,” it said in its statement Tuesday.

Tanzania relies heavily on tourism to finance its budget, and the country has long been trying to develop its extensive national parks to attract more visitors.

Tens of thousands of communities in other parts of Tanzania have been caught up in the efforts, putting local authorities under the spotlight over civilian abuses. These efforts, cited by Amnesty International and others, include the violent eviction of 70,000 Maasai from grazing lands in the Loliondo area to clear vast tracts of land for trophy hunting.