Tourism & Hospitality News

The chapter of Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) at Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management’s (STHM) has been recognized as the recipient of the 2021 ESD Chapter of Distinction Award from the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE).

Since STHM’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) has established a series of scholarships that expand the diversity of the student body. These opportunities for funding have made STHM degrees possible for an even wider array of students, including five master’s degree candidates from historically underrepresented groups.

Temple University is proud to announce that the U.S.-Asia Center for Tourism & Hospitality Research at the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) has recently been designated a Knowledge Partner of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This recognition sets the school apart as one of only 10 such partners worldwide—only 3 of which are academic centers, and STHM is the only one from the U.S.

The Center for Hospitality Resilience’s brought students in as partners to serve the community through her capstone class in the Master in Hospitality Management program. Center Co-Director Dr. Ceridwyn King devised last fall’s version of the course to be a hands-on learning experience that lent post-pandemic support to a key industry partner.

We spoke recently with several who are working at Philly’s new Live! Casino & Hotel and Maestroe Sports & Entertainment, who were eager to share how their STHM experience has translated directly into a career opportunity that’s as exciting and it is valuable.

Kay Walten (MSTT ’20) was named the only U.S. finalist in an international competition on social entrepreneurship in travel.

Professor Ben Altschuler praised his and Professor Christine Cleaver’s students, saying, “This could be something these students could give to a potential employer showing their abilities.”

T.H.E. Summit was designed to bring both academia and industry together, so they could discuss how to cope with unprecedented challenges and explore opportunities to promote sustainable innovation in tourism, hospitality, events and related industries.

Gina Vorgiatzidis ’15 had a flourishing career in gaming after earning her BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management. When the pandemic dealt a blow to the industry, as it did in so many, she used her initiative and creativity to transform a tourist experience into a lucrative side gig in online marketing.

The Tourism, Hospitality & Events Global Higher Education Leadership Summit 2021, aptly nicknamed T.H.E. Summit, will be held Friday, March 19, and Saturday, March 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. The event is free and open to the public.