ACMT Wins Bid for Major European Hospitality Industry Conference

Travel and tourism has impacted the economic growth in Eastern European countries. Over the last few years, countries such as Croatia have become popular travel destinations. In recognition of its growth and influence in the field, RIT’s American College of Management and Technology in Croatia won the opportunity to present the annual European Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education Conference in Dubrovnik in 2011.

Don Hudspeth, president and dean of the ACMT and Francis Domoy, chair emeritus of the School of Hospitality and Service Management, made a presentation to the European Council board of directors at its annual meeting in Amsterdam this March. The Council is one of the leading professional associations of educators in the tourism and hospitality industry around the world. Founded more than 50 years ago, the organization has more than 1,500 members in over 50 countries.

“The EuroCHRIE conference will be a great opportunity for us to showcase the college and the city of Dubrovnik,” says Hudspeth. “We are excited about the plan to have hospitality students from the Henrietta and Dubrovnik campuses working together via distance, initially, and in person during fall on conference arrangements, which will create a unique learning experience. The conference will also be a fantastic scholarship opportunity for both RIT and ACMT faculty members.”

The theme of the 2011 conference is “Tourism and Hospitality: Drivers of Transition.” It will focus on how the tourism and hospitality industry impacts economic and social change in transitional countries.