Paul Smith’s College launches first and only Sustainable Tourism Management Master’s program in New York State

Partners with New York State Tourism Industry Association

PAUL SMITHS, NY – Paul Smith’s College is making another significant advancement to its curriculum and educational mission by announcing the introduction of a new Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Tourism Management. This innovative offering is New York State’s first master’s program in sustainable tourism.

The new program combines the college’s strengths in natural resources, hospitality, and tourism. Students can expect to gain essential information and tools to address the rapidly expanding opportunities and sustainability challenges in both international and domestic travel and tourism.

“The travel and tourism industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world and requires sustainability-focused leaders who equally consider the social, cultural, economic, and ecological impacts of tourism on host communities,” said Dr. Kelly Cerialo, program faculty and coordinator.  “Paul Smith’s College’s new MPS in Sustainable Tourism Management provides students with the knowledge base, hands-on experience, and industry expertise to promote sustainable tourism and destination stewardship on a local and global scale.”

Designed with the adult learner in mind, much of the coursework will be delivered online, allowing students to engage from any location without sacrificing their ability to earn an income. As the college has always emphasized hands-on experience, learning will be reinforced in week-long in-person residencies that will immerse students in dynamic sustainable tourism locations. Paul Smith’s College is located not far from world-famous Lake Placid, NY, a mountain resort community that is no stranger to tourism driven events, including being the two-time host of the winter Olympic Games and the annual Ironman triathlon. The program is designed to maximize the integrity and resilience of natural ecosystems and destination cultures and communities, while providing equitable and durable economic impact from tourism benefitting providers, participants, collaborators, and host community members.

Graduates of this dynamic program will increase their workplace competitiveness and promotion potential by earning an advanced professional credential critical for assuming leadership roles in sustainable tourism provision and management, while also discovering career opportunities and building an international professional network in this dynamic field. Students can complete the 32-credit program in four semesters of continuous full-time study or take a reduced course load over two years.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that tourism is no longer merely a luxury but is becoming an attainable lifestyle choice for an increasing number of the world’s citizens,” said Dr. Eric Holmlund, director of graduate studies. “We have learned that tourism can and should be a mechanism for increasing international knowledge, education, economic equity, and the protection of threatened natural resources. Paul Smith’s College’s new program gives our students the skills and information to transform tourism into a source of shared insight, dialogue, and stewardship rather than environmental degradation and community conflict.”

Paul Smith’s College has also partnered with the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA), allowing for opportunities to engage NYSTIA members, provide outreach and development, consult on hospitality and tourism trends as well as extend networking opportunities to students enrolled in the master’s program and the College’s business and hospitality programs.

“The new Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Tourism Management at Paul Smith’s College is a great example of aligning industry priorities with educational programming and coursework,” said Bob Provost, President and CEO of NYSTIA. “We believe it’s critically important for tourism industry practitioners and educators to have regular, robust and ongoing communication. When emerging theory and course curriculum meets best practice and real-world experience both are mutually enriched. The students, faculty and the industry all benefit.”

The New York State Tourism Industry Association advances economic growth, job creation, community revitalization, quality of life and pride of place by realizing the potential of New York State’s tourism industry and facilitating the success of its members. The organization serves New York State’s tourism industry through collaborative initiatives, research, legislative awareness, and exceptional marketing.

For more information on the sustainable tourism management degree at Paul Smith’s, visit https://gradschool.paulsmiths.edu.

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu »