TRAVEL AND TOURISM CAREERS
Tourism is a $1.3 trillion industry in the United States. It generates $100 billion in tax revenue. The industry is one of the country's largest employers with 7.3 million direct travel-generated jobs. There is $163 billion in direct travel-generated payroll and one out of every eight U.S. non-farm jobs is directly and indirectly created by travel and tourism (TIA, 2007).
Careers in travel and tourism are as diverse as the industry itself. Graduates find employment in local recreation, venue sponsored entertainment, arena and event management, retail supply, hospitality and recreation facilities, clubs, convention centers, visitor bureaus, as well as auto and RV suppliers. Perhaps two of the fastest growing segments in the industy are the cruising and gaming markets. Since 1980, the cruise industry has had an average annual passenger growth rate of 8.1% (CLIA, 2008). Some suggest that more money is spent on gaming than all other leisure expenditures combined (AGA, 2007).
Travel and tourism facilitators include airlines, travel bureaus, tour companies, travel agencies, and travel information services.
Travel and Tourism faculty mentors
B-3-228 Mackinac Hall
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401
Phone: 616 331-3160
Fax: 616 331-3115
e-mail: stansbp@gvsu.edu
B-3-261 Mackinac Hall
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401
Phone: (616) 331-8712
Fax: (616) 331-3115
e-mail: roodsc@gvsu.edu
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