Colorado Turns Attention to Tourism Growth, Trends and Strategies Impacting the Industry

Leading tourism industry professionals have convened at the Governor’s Colorado Tourism Conference in Steamboat Springs, Colo. this week to discuss important trends that are impacting tourism and strategies to expand and strengthen tourism in the state.

In addition to world-class tourism attractions, Colorado continues to grow its strong tourism base through degree programs that prepare future tourism leaders with real-world skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the changing industry.

Colorado State University recently expanded its tourism degree offerings with an innovative nine-month Master of Tourism Management degree that focuses on integrating sustainability into tourism by merging tourism, business management and natural resource conservation courses.

“As tourism grows and depends more heavily on natural resources, it is increasingly critical for tourism professionals to have applicable knowledge of sustainable tourism management practices,” says Mike Manfredo, CSU professor and department head. “The Master of Tourism Management program is designed to prepare students and professionals to advance their careers and create solutions to meet global tourism industry challenges.”

The Master of Tourism Management at CSU is offered through CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resource in collaboration with CSU’s College of Business, which was recently named to The Princeton Review’s list of top business schools in the nation. Curriculum includes courses such as Natural Resource Management and Tourism, Global Tourism Policy, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and other advanced courses in business management, conservation and tourism.

The degree is offered in a flexible on-campus format that incorporates both traditional classroom learning and online learning delivery to accommodate practicing professionals. A new online degree format through CSU OnlinePlus will be available in fall 2013.

Applications are being accepted for fall 2013. Those interested in applying or learning more about this degree program can visit http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/masters-in-tourism or contact mastersintourism@colostate.edu or (970) 491-6591.

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