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While hospitality and tourism has traditionally been a career field that emphasized hands-on learning experiences, the highly competitive nature of the business has led to an increased need for professionals with a bachelor's degree and strong skills in management, finance and marketing.
Baldwin Wallace's new interdisciplinary hospitality and tourism management major is designed to help students develop the leadership, communication, analytical and interpersonal skills that can prepare them for success in this ever-growing, multi-trillion dollar industry.
The program includes coursework in accounting, management, marketing and sales, operations, event planning and experience management as well as immersive learning opportunities that include an internship and field experience.
Among highlights of the program is a trip to the Super Bowl, where students can benefit from BW's vast professional connections that place them alongside industry leaders in hospitality operations and event management. Other impressive learning opportunities include conventions, festivals and special events as well as work at nearby attractions like Cedar Point, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and numerous other tourist attractions regionally and nationally.
"The U.S. travel and hospitality industry generated $1.6 trillion in revenue in 2017," noted Lori Long, BW chair of management and entrepreneurship and professor of business administration. "It is a global industry that spans tourist destinations, conventions and visitor centers, cruise and airlines, hotels and resort clubs, fine dining, theme parks, casinos and more.
"Cleveland is a thriving city that attracts 18.5 million visitors annually. There are major league sport franchises, a robust lakefront and several national tourist destinations," said Long. "BW's 20-minute proximity to Cleveland gives students easy access to outstanding internship and employment opportunities.
"Graduates of our new major will learn how to design engaging and innovative hospitality and tourism experiences and prepare for leadership roles in this diverse and lucrative field," she added.
