ISTTE Innovation in Tourism Education Conference

Niagara University will mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of its groundbreaking College of Hospitality and Tourism Management by co-hosting this year's ISTTE Innovation in Tourism Education Conference with the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. The conference will be highlighted by an awards dinner with a keynote address by Bruce Nierenberg, chairman of the board and founder of Victory Cruise Lines.

The college, the first in the U.S. to offer a bachelor's degree in tourism, was founded in 1968 and has grown to become a world-class producer of graduates who take their places among the most accomplished leaders in the hospitality and tourism fields. A sports management component also turns out executives at some of the most well-known sports teams and organizations.

The conference, from October 17 to October 19, with events at both Niagara University and Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, will focus on the latest trends in hospitality and tourism education. For more than 35 years, the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE), which holds the conference, has been bringing travel and tourism educators together to discuss the latest industry research, teaching issues, solutions, and trends. The conference is a place for educators at all levels to exchange ideas and best practices, and to form a lasting network of professionals. ISTTE 2018 presents an opportunity for those in the field to reach educators and administrators in tourism, hospitality and related disciplines to demonstrate how their products and services can lead to effective classroom or program management.

The awards dinner on Thursday, October 18 at 6:30 pm, will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in downtown Niagara Falls with Keith Radford, anchor, WKBW-TV News in Buffalo as master of ceremonies. The following awards will be presented:

• International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) Awards
• Niagara University College of Hospitality and Tourism Management Alumni Awards
• Hotel Schools of Distinction (HSD) Award
• Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) Award

"This history-making program has been one of the greatest achievements in Niagara University history," said Rev. James J. Maher, president of Niagara University. "We've had some of the most prominent faculty members in the travel and tourism field and we've created programs and internships that send students to some of the most prominent properties in the world. They learn from the best and leave NU with the basis for great careers and the added benefit of a Vincentian education, core values and a solid foundation in the liberal arts."

Kurt Stahura, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, said, "It has been my honor to head this institution for the past three years. We've had some amazing students who have gone on to exciting careers in a field that is growing by leaps and bounds. We send them to far-off locations to learn from the best in the business. With the knowledge they also obtain here in our classrooms, they graduate as true professionals."

For conference information, click here.