The George Washington University School of Business MS in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) program celebrated 50 years of excellence, innovation and industry impact last week.

Cevat Tosun, the director of the MSTHEM program and a professor of tourism studies and management, opened the event with a heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who have shaped the MSTHEM program over the years.

Vanessa Perry, interim dean of the GW School of Business, highlighted the program's strengths including strong industry connections that have allowed students to participate in professional activities and events organized by notable organizations like the U.S. Travel Association, the The World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

“Because of our location, our faculty, our industry connections and our amazing alumni collaboration, globally, this program remains one of the most competitive graduate programs that will shape the next 50 years of the global service industry,” Perry said.

Stuart Levy, associate teaching professor of management, served as the master of ceremonies for the celebration and welcomed guests to the milestone event.

Larry Yu, a professor of hospitality management, spoke about key moments in the program’s 50-year history such as the program being one of the oldest tourism-oriented graduate programs in the world and being home to the first United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) designated research and training center.

Seleni Matus, the director of the International Institute of Tourism Studies at George Washington University, moderated a panel discussion on the future of tourism, hospitality, and event industries.

“I’m honored to be joined by a distinguished panel of leaders who will be looking into the future with us,” Matus said. The panelists included Brian Beall, M.T.A.’ 06, the director of the National Tourism and Travel Office at the United States Department of Commerce; Faith M., the vice president of Global Public Policy and International Affairs at Marriott International; Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA); and Kannan Sankaran, the senior vice president of CBRE Hotels Advisory.

Don Hawkins, the founding program director of the MTA program, was honored with an award for his outstanding contributions to GW and was celebrated as the esteemed guest of honor at the event.

Hawkins expressed gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged everyone involved in developing and managing the program.

Brian Beall was also presented with an award and recognized as a distinguished alumnus of the MTA program.

Christopher Kayes, a professor of management, delivered the evening’s closing remarks. Kayes said GW’s tourism program stands out for its strong focus on leadership, hands-on experiences, and the community of dedicated faculty, students and alumni that continue to make it special.

On November 15th, Dr. Chris Kayes, Chair of the Department of Management, along with Professors Tosun and Yu, met with the leadership team from the Zhongyuan Institute of Science and Technology (ZIST). The meeting included introductions to the institute's Founder and Director of the International Office. Professor Tosun delivered presentation on the MSTHEM program and extended a warm welcome to the visitors. The ZIST leadership expressed their gratitude for the hospitality and shared their enthusiasm for potential future collaboration.

Washington, D.C. – November 20, 2024 –  Dr. Cevat Tosun, Director of the GWSB MSTHEM Program and Eisenhower Chair and Professor of Tourism Studies, took some of the students from the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) MSTHEM program to the 2024 U.S. Travel: Future of Travel Mobility Conference at Union Station. The conference highlighted cutting-edge technologies and innovations shaping the future of travel. Students were inspired by the transformative ideas and advancements in transportation and mobility, gaining valuable insights into the evolving travel industry.

We were delighted to host Wendy Li, a Tourism and Environment Specialist at The World Bank, for an engaging discussion on her remarkable career journey and the dynamic challenges and opportunities within the global tourism industry. This inspiring event was organized by the TFT (Tourism for Tomorrow) Club, committed to fostering dialogue and innovation in sustainable tourism practices. Wendy captivated the audience with her insights, shedding light on sustainable tourism practices, environmental impact management, and the evolving trends shaping the future of global travel. Her wealth of knowledge and practical experience resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring meaningful conversations and new perspectives. The event concluded with a lively networking session, where participants had the unique opportunity to connect with Wendy and fellow professionals passionate about tourism and sustainability. Attendees shared their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth.

If you are interested in joining future events or connecting with the TFT (Tourism for Tomorrow) Club, reach out to ancheng.shi@gwmail.gwu.edu  and become a part of a community dedicated to shaping the future of tourism! Stay tuned for more enriching sessions that bring experts and enthusiasts together to explore groundbreaking ideas in their fields.

The GW School of Business (GWSB) MSTHEM program continued its tradition of hosting esteemed tourism industry leaders by welcoming program alumnus Brian Beall this month. Beall, who now serves as the Director of the National Travel and Tourism Office at the International Trade Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce, brought invaluable insights to current students.

During his talk, Beall explored the future of the U.S. national tourism strategy, shedding light on the intricacies of the Federal government’s role in bolstering tourism. He discussed collaborative, multi-lateral efforts to ensure the United States is optimally prepared for a series of high-profile international events set to unfold over the coming years. This visit was particularly meaningful for one of our MSTHEM students who has been interning with the U.S. Department of Commerce since April, gaining firsthand experience in this dynamic field.

On November 4, the GWSB MSTHEM program welcomed Denise Naguib, Vice President of Sustainability & Supplier Diversity at Marriott International, for an inspiring guest lecture on sustainable development practices within the hospitality industry. Naguib captivated students with her journey from a pre-med background to a career in sustainability at one of the world’s leading hospitality brands. She underscored the essential role of sustainability in hospitality and provided actionable insights into building a greener future.

Adding to the session, Rani Bernstein offered guidance on Marriott’s internship opportunities, sharing valuable tips to help students navigate the application process and stand out in a competitive field. The MSTHEM program extends its gratitude to Professor Cevat Tosun, whose commitment to student growth and development brings prominent industry leaders like Denise to share their expertise. This session, hosted as part of the TSTD 6249 Sustainable Destination Development class, was both engaging and enlightening, underscoring the program’s dedication to providing students with real-world perspectives on careers in sustainability.

The George Washington University School of Business MSTHEM program was honored to host Peter Weissman, a distinguished law partner and expert in patents and trademarks, in the MGT 3300 Entrepreneurship class led by Dr. Cevat Tosun.

Peter shared critical insights on the importance of intellectual property (IP) in protecting business assets, particularly for startups and companies with global portfolios. The engaging session emphasized how safeguarding ideas and brands through patents and trademarks can provide a competitive edge and long-term stability for businesses.

Dr. Tosun and his students expressed their gratitude to Peter for his invaluable advice, which is essential for navigating the complexities of IP protection in today’s dynamic business landscape. 

Thank you, Peter Weissman, for inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs! 🌍

Congratulations to Dr. Cevat Tosun, Director of the GWSB MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management (MSTHEM) program, and his students for an outstanding performance at the prestigious Pitch George Competition hosted by GWU’s Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence (CFEE)!

Dr. Tosun’s MGT 3300 Entrepreneurship class contributed all three “Top 3 Overall Winners,” showcasing incredible innovation and entrepreneurial spirit:

🥇 First Place ($3,000): UFeast – Developed by Anya Greene, Deniz Baykal, Mackenzie Scott, and Dominick McGee, this app supports college students with dietary restrictions by offering recipes, meal tracking, and dietary support.

🥈 Second Place ($2,000): Chew Charm – Created by Mia Hiekin, Ada Kirkland, and Kayla DeSousa, this pet-friendly spray enhances dog toys with organic flavors to promote healthy chewing habits.

🥉 Third Place ($1,000): Meet Your Match – Designed by DarShayla Price, Harry Lopez, and Elliott Kelly, this app matches users with their ideal makeup shades using a quick selfie.

Dr. Tosun mentored eight student teams, inspiring their success. GWSB celebrates their creativity, dedication, and remarkable achievements! 🎉

The George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS) proudly introduced its new Professional Certificate in Hospitality Management & Leadership. This program is designed for professionals seeking to elevate their careers in the dynamic hospitality industry.

Participants will gain specialized knowledge and hands-on skills through courses led by industry experts. Key focus areas include:
🌎 Inclusive Leadership in Hospitality
🤝 Global Talent Development
♻ Sustainable Hospitality Strategies
💲 Hospitality Financial Management
🤳 Hospitality Digital Marketing
📈 Hospitality Business Analytics

This comprehensive program equips learners with the tools needed to succeed in an evolving global market.

Are you ready to enhance your expertise and advance your career? Learn more about the program and enrollment details here: https://lnkd.in/g_5kHd6u.

Welcome to the Tourism for Tomorrow (TFT) Club at George Washington University! We are thrilled to have you join us as we explore and shape the future of the tourism industry. As a member of TFT, you’ll enhance your educational experience through activities that promote personal and professional growth. Our club is for those passionate about sustainable destination management, hospitality, event and meeting management, sports management, and responsible tourism practices. DC is our social lab, and we’ll leverage it to host guest lectures, site visits, and cultural activities that broaden your understanding of global tourism. These experiences will help you build connections with like-minded peers and industry leaders.

We would like to cordially invite you to be a member of the GW TFT Student Club. If you are interested in being a member and/or taking leadership responsibility, please kindly email: ancheng.shi@gwmail.gwu.edu and fill out the TFT membership form at the following link:
GW Tourism for Tomorrow Student Club Member Form 

Imagine being among the first to know about all the latest updates in our program, as well as getting access to special job and internship opportunities. Our group is here to help you navigate the tourism industry and stay ahead of the curve.

But it's not just about business—we're like a family! We support each other, share ideas, and celebrate each other's achievements. It's a fun and welcoming community where you can grow and thrive.  

 Kindly click here to join the group