First Name:
Jessica
Last Name:
House
Major Department:
Hospitality & Tourism Management
Thesis Director:
Michael Evans
Date of Thesis:
May 2011
The travel and tourism industry is an enormous revenue generator and a major employer worldwide. Thelodgingindustry(referringtoanytypeofaccommodation)isoneofthebiggest players under the travel and tourism umbrella. There have been many changes in these industries due to natural disasters, innovation in technology, and the economy, among a myriad of other .... factors. These transformations require the industry to react to consumer demands and adapt to their new lifestyles and expectations. Trends such as sustainability, globalization, and technology have made some of the biggest impacts on consumers' lives, and can also be seen on a macro-environmental level across different industries, specifically travel and tourism. In light of all these industry changes, educators must keep up with the latest trends in order to best prepare students for entering the job market. By taking a "hands on" approach to learning, educators will better equip students with the skills they need to succeed in the professional arena. Their curricula should be flexible enough to incorporate any trends that arise in the future. By examining syllabi from existing lodging management courses, I will determine if curricula is meeting the current industry needs, and what changes, if any, should be made to these courses and the tourism programs they are part of.