Hospitality and Tourism Management Director Named Leading Industry Educator

Florida Atlantic University’s Peter Ricci, Ed.D., head of The Hospitality and Tourism Management Program, has once again been honored by the International Hospitality Institute (IHI) in its 2024 distinguished professionals and educators lists.

The International Hospitality Institute (IHI) is recognized as the leader in global advocacy, training, and organizational standards such as business acumen and standard operations procedures (SOPs) for the hospitality and tourism industry.

Ricci is named among the 50 most inspirational people in travel and hospitality and one of the 50 most influential educators in hospitality. This is the second year in a row he has been recognized in these categories.

Ricci credits his students for making the industry always new and fresh with their viewpoints along with the industry icons who have inspired him for decades: Christine Duffy (Carnival), Chris Nassetta (Hilton), and Rosanna Maietta (American Hotel and Lodging Association).

“Hospitality and tourism continue to be in my blood,” Ricci said. “It's every moment, every day, every year. Being recognized by groups like the International Hospitality Institute makes me blush and just 'super proud!' It's all about helping others, lifting the world through care and compassion, and helping others experience all the memorable and enjoyable parts of life from social events to conventions to expert seminars and beyond.”

Ricci also gives back to hospitality and tourism education through the Dr. Peter Ricci scholarship. The South Florida Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), Now in its 12th year, multiple scholarships are awarded annually to exceptional students pursuing degrees in hospitality and tourism from across South Florida's colleges offering hospitality and tourism education.  2024 recipients include the following:

• Giuseppe Barioli – Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
• Kara Otten – Florida Atlantic University (FAU) 
• Maria Martinez – Florida International University (FIU)
• Victoria Nicora – Florida International University (FIU)
• Joyce Kessler – Lynn University

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