Mission

Mission Statement:

The UTC Tourism Center’s mission is to serve the applied and theoretical research needs of tourism planners and providers in the southeastern United States. We aim to accomplish this mission by bridging academic inquiry with practical application, fostering innovative and sustainable tourism solutions that enhance the region’s economic, recreational, and cultural vitality.

Purpose:

The purpose of the UTC Tourism Center is to act as a resource supporting the practical needs of tourism planners and providers, while advancing academic understanding

The Key Areas of Focus Include:

• Regional Tourism Development: Supporting and enhancing tourism initiatives in the southeastern United States by attending to the specific needs of regional stakeholders through research and partnership collaboration.
• Economic Impact: Analyzing the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts associated with tourism-based programming, activity, or special events.
• Sustainable and Resilient Practices: Promoting sustainable tourism development to ensure long-term economic, environmental, and social, viability, while addressing regional stakeholder priorities.
• Innovation in Tourism: Leveraging technology and analytics to drive forward-thinking solutions in tourism management and marketing that respond directly to stakeholder challenges and opportunities.
• Workforce and Knowledge Development: Strengthening the tourism industry by fostering education, skill development, and professional growth for current and future tourism professionals, ensuring our programs and others align with regional stakeholder needs.
• Insights and Data-Driven Decision-Making: Providing actionable insights through data collection, analytics, and research to inform tourism planning and policy decisions.