The Tourism Education department focuses on increasing the recognition of the hospitality industry as a valued profession with a variety of career paths and opportunities as well as enhancing service standards through developing educational programs. The Tourism Education department serves as a point of contact for students, educators, business owners and managers who seek opportunities to excel in the field of hospitality. The ultimate goal of the Tourism Education department is to create more efficient training programs and career pathways for students and employees in the tourism field.

The Tourism Education department is available to assist business owners involved in such areas as accommodations, transportation, restaurants and retail in assessing customer service needs and hospitality issues. The Tourism Education department also provides information on various hospitality education programs from middle school through graduate levels. The CVB takes a direct role in helping institute new education programs in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area that focus on studies in the hospitality field and creating new awareness for professional development in the industry. The Tourism Education department can also assist students and educators in finding scholarships and internships, school-to-career-programs, training programs, and mentor programs in the hospitality industry.

For more information please e-mail Dannette Lynch at [email protected].