EFTI/THEM in the News

[February 22, 2024] “If you’re planning to go into the hospitality industry, the pathway is increasingly going to involve some sort of familiarity with AI. That’s one of the key messages in “Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robot Applications in Hospitality Businesses,” a new book by hospitality professor Rachel J.C. Fu. In the following Q&A, Fu discusses how the hospitality jobs of the future will rely more and more on technology to provide a pleasant guest experience.”

[February 14, 2024] Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu wasn’t just attending her first Formula One as a fan. As the inaugural chair of the University of Florida’s department of tourism, hospitality and event management, she saw this as an opportunity. Big events and festivals represent a growing share of the tourism market – as an educator, Dr. Fu wants to prepare future leaders to manage them. 

Our THEM dept Chair and EFTI Director, Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu has been featured on some of the world's premier news outlets, and our department has made headlines in premier business and industry publications: 

[July 27, 2023]. Boca Beacon. “New Airlines Make for Breezier Visits, Fewer Stopovers.”

 [June 29, 2023]. Forbes Advisor. “More Back-To-Back Hurricanes Are Possible. Will That Push Up The Price of Travel Insurance?”

 [June 29, 2023]. US News and World Report. “Despite ‘Titan’ Submersible’s Fatal Wreck, Extreme Tourism Among the Ultra Wealthy Isn’t Going Away. From the Titan submersible to Virgin Galactic’s rocket plane, the ultra-rich are paying top dollar for extreme adventures that can be short on regulations and high on danger.”

 [June 13, 2023]. Florida Trend. “Survey Reveals why people Choose to Visit Florida”. Story as the lead.

 [June 8, 2023]. The Capitolist. “Report: social media plays the biggest role in attracting tourists to Florida.”

 [June 7, 2023]. University of Florida News. “Survey reveals why people choose to visit Florida”.