Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management

Address: 441 Bryan Building
Phone: 336.334.3797
Web site: www.uncg.edu/bae/htm/

Majors & Concentrations

• Hotel & Restaurant Mgt (BA) U452
• Travel & Tourism Mgt (BA) U453

What's unique about the Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management Program at UNCG?

• It is the only four-year degree program in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina
• Courses span multiple fields, including business, hotel and restaurant management, travel, and information technology
• Students gain hands-on experience via a formal internship in a hospitality company
• Industry mentors, guest speakers, and field trips focus students on real-world challenges
• More than 300 hotels and 750 restaurants in Greensboro and surrounding areas

Message from the Program Director

The Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at UNCG prepares students for an exciting, challenging and satisfying career in one of the largest, most important industries in the new global economy. The mission of the program is to provide quality education for students entering management positions in the hospitality industry, and to further the professional development of industry members. As director of the program, I invite you to learn more about us, and how we can assist you in your future success. -- Dr. Bonnie Canziani

Career Opportunities

After UNCG, the world of hospitality and tourism awaits. Positions are available and educated professionals are needed within each segment of the broader hospitality industry (hotels, foodservice, site attractions, private clubs, luxury resorts, meeting services). The supply of graduates with a specialized focus on the hospitality industry is very small compared to the huge demand of this fast-growing industry. Hospitality and Tourism Management graduates often have a competitive edge over students with degrees in general business or other programs not specifically focused on the industry and can move up in the ranks more quickly. Some of our students even choose to open their own restaurant or bed and breakfast.

Career experience through internships

Hospitality and Tourism Management students complete 200 hours of pre-internship work in the industry and then pursue a 480-hour managerial internship. The program and UNCG’s Career Services Center provide assistance in securing internships as well as part-time and full-time employment upon graduation.

Faculty expertise is shared in the classroom

Dr. Bonnie Canziani is author/co-author of several books, including The On-Track Trainer, Elsevier/Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly Publications (Ithaca, NY), and numerous articles in the areas of customer service, service operations analysis, and training. Her professional background includes industry experience in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Ph.D. Cornell, 1988.

Dr. Erick T. Byrd has worked in the commercial recreation and travel and tourism industries. Using professional experiences, he links theory and concepts to practical application. His teaching focuses on management, commercial recreation, and travel and tourism. His research interests include tourism marketing, sustainable development, community involvement, host perceptions, barriers to development, and recreational behavior.

Dr. David A. Cardenas completed his doctoral studies at North Carolina State University. Prior to his return to academia, Dr. Cardenas held managerial positions in the restaurant industry, including The Wolve's Den, Taco Bell, Lil Dino's, and The Underground. His teaching focuses on restaurant management and travel and tourism. His research interests include restaurant management, consumer involvement, and student development. Dr. Cardenas has made presentations at the Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference and National Recreation and Park Association Conference.

Dr. Yu-chin "Jerrie" Hsieh recently completed her doctoral studies at Purdue University. Dr. Hsieh held managerial positions in the lodging industry, including Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Hotel, Taipei; Lai-Lai Sheraton Hotel, Taipei; and Grand Hi-Lai Hotel, Kao-Hsiung. Her teaching focuses on hotel management and operations. Her research interests include hotel management, hospitality human resources, hospitality education, and team effectiveness. Dr. Hsieh has made presentations at the International Council for Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Conference and received the CHRIE 2004 Best Paper Award.

General Information

• Bachelor's degree qualifies you for entry-level government and industry positions.
• Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, and/or co-op experience to expand your resume and your potential salary upon graduation.
• Include foreign language (especially Spanish) and geography classes in your curriculum. You will be able to relate to more guests and employees.
• Join professional organizations such as the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the National Restaurant Association, or the Professional Convention Management Association.
• Develop strong communication and customer service skills. The ability to get along with all kinds of people under all kinds of situations is necessary to succeed.
• It may be necessary to move around geographically to get promotions.
• Be willing to work on weekends, holidays, evenings, and long or unusual hours at times.
• Learn to pay attention to details. Tourists, hotel guests, and restaurant patrons expect it.

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