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

industryleader

EFTI Advisory Board Welcomes Sean Doherty!

The Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute and the Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management are grateful for the contribution of the industry leaders who are part of our Industry Advisory Board. We take this opportunity to thank all members who have been with us for the past years sharing their experiences and insights with our faculty, researchers, students and staff. We are excited to continue expanding our board and welcoming new insights and perspectives in the field.

Now more than ever, the Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management industries benefit from the information provided by research, as well as students need to be properly trained to showcase excellence when becoming the next generation of professionals. The input from the Industry Advisory Board will continue to be valuable for our next research projects and curriculum adjustments in the years to come. This month, we welcome Sean Doherty to our board.

Sean Doherty currently serves as the Tourism Director for the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. He is a proud double Gator, graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sports Sciences in 1994 and his Master of Exercise & Sports Science in 1997.

Doherty has led the VCB team in producing record visitation (+23.4%), economic impact (+35.7%) and Tourist Development Tax collections (+36.8%) in Fiscal Year 2021. In addition, he increased the number of hosted sporting events and corresponding economic impact ten-fold for Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach as well as launched the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach meetings market sales program from scratch.

Outside of his impressive career, he currently serves on the Destinations Florida Board of Directors and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association - Charlotte Chapter Board of Directors. Doherty is also a member of several organizations like Visit Florida, Destinations International, the Sports Event & Tourism Association, and the Florida Sports Foundation.