UF EFTI

EFTI Welcomes New Director: Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu

The Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute welcomes exciting leadership changes this Summer. Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu assumes the role of Director of EFTI, as well as Chair of the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management at the University of Florida.

EFTI Welcomes New Director: Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu The Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute welcomes exciting leadership changes this Summer. Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu assumes the role of Director of EFTI, as well as Chair of the Department
UF EFTI

EFTI Student and Faculty develop rural community’s resilience post-hurricane through home sharing

Although some communities are just now having to deal and learn from a crisis, this time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, facing the importance of resilience for a crisis is not a new concept for some communities. Yu-Hua “Melody” Xu is a PhD candidate whose research focuses on destination resilience, community development, and sharing economy

EFTI Student and Faculty develop rural community’s resilience post-hurricane through home sharing     Although some communities are just now having to deal and learn from a crisis, this

artificial intelligence

Dr. Rachel Fu Speaks with CNBC

Travel is 'roaring back' - but the industry might not be ready for a boom

On January 11th, Rachel, J.C. Fu, PhD, Chair of the UF Department of Tourism Hospitality and Event Management, and Director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute discusses travel trends with CNBC writer, Monicca Buchanan Pitrelli.


Dr. Fu dove into the advances of technology and artificial intelligence in the tourism industry saying, “Using AI wisely can significantly reduce labor costs without sacrificing the level of personalized services.”