This introductory course is designed to gain insight into the nature, scope, and significance of the tourism industry. Also studied are the economic importance of tourism to international economies, current issues in tourism, the future of tourism, and publications related specifically to tourism. This introductory course about the hospitality industry is designed to orient students to the history, organizational structure, and likely direction of lodging and food service operations.
Emphasis is placed on the management of lodging properties, and food and beverage establishments.
Students are also exposed to various career opportunities which the hospitality industry offers. This course examines the organizational behavior and interaction of people in the work environment as applied to service industries. Students learn about work behavior, leadership and its development, organizational and social environments, and communications and group processes. This course introduces students to the work systems and procedures used in front office operations of the lodging industry. In addition, students are taken on local field trips to observe various front office operations on Saipan.