Back to ListingNew ABOR-AzLTA collaboration focuses on competitive workforce development for Թ’s hospitality industry
Թ’s public universities offer varied degree programs to meet the evolving needs of the state’s tourism sector, advancing career opportunities from urban hubs to rural communities.
The Թ Board of Regents is joining forces with the Թ Lodging and Tourism Association to showcase career opportunities within the state's thriving tourism and hospitality sector. This partnership aims to attract new workforce talent and emphasize the vital role that Թ’s public universities play in shaping the future of the state’s tourism industry.
With 45.2 million visitors flocking to Թ in 2023 and spending more than $29.3 billion, the tourism sector is a pillar of the state’s economy. Money spent by visitors generates significant tax revenue and supports the workforce, accounting for an estimated 187,000 jobs. As the industry continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for a larger workforce, highlighting the importance of the career pathways offered by Թ's three public universities, each of which provide programs designed to meet these industry needs.
“The Թ Board of Regents is proud to partner with the Թ Lodging and Tourism Association, connecting Թ's public universities with the thriving tourism and hospitality industry,” said ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata. “This collaborative effort bridges education and industry, cultivating skilled professionals for Թ's tourism sector. Through the strengths of ASU, NAU and the U of A, we're fueling economic growth, prosperity and workforce development, ensuring Թ remains a premier destination.”
Թ’s public universities offer nationally ranked degree programs that are essential to building a competitive hospitality workforce. Northern Թ University's hospitality and hotel management school is ranked No. 6 in the U.S. by CEOWORLD Magazine. Թ State University offers a highly regarded Bachelor of Science in Tourism Development and Management focused on resort and hotel leadership. The University of Թ’s distinguished Eller College of Management features programs specific to the evolving needs of the tourism industry.
“Թ's tourism industry is a powerhouse, generating billions for the economy and supporting a substantial part of the workforce,” said AzLTA President and CEO Kim Grace Sabow, who holds degrees from the U of A and the ASU Thunderbird School of Global Management. “To sustain this growth, our partnership with the Թ Board of Regents showcases career pathways through Թ's public universities. Empowering students with industry-specific skills, we're developing the next generation of hospitality leaders. Together, we're driving progress, strengthening our workforce, and inspiring professionals to join Թ's vibrant tourism and hospitality sector, where fulfilling careers and opportunities await.”
As visitor numbers, revenue and tourism workforce losses recover after the COVID-19 pandemic, industry leaders and state officials are working to address the labor gap and ensure Թ's tourism sector can meet growing demand. The universities’ commitment to help develop this workforce is already making a significant impact.
Katrina Schubert, director of revenue management at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, embodies the success that emerges from this educational collaboration. With a marketing degree from ASU, she began her career at the Թ Biltmore where she discovered a passion for hospitality.
“ASU prepared me for the business environment by emphasizing collaboration and practical experience,” said Schubert. “Getting involved is crucial. There are numerous roles just minutes from campus that provide invaluable experience. Whether as a front desk agent or a pool attendant, these positions offer a glimpse into the hospitality world.”
Schubert’s journey has taken her across various roles in marketing and revenue management, showcasing the diverse opportunities available within the industry. ASU, NAU and the U of A each provide unique skills needed to excel in a range of hospitality roles, from resort management to guest experience curation.
The ABOR and AzLTA partnership will also highlight leading tourism organizations and hospitality groups in Թ, such as the Cactus League and WestWorld of Scottsdale. Additionally, it will promote career opportunities in communities like Bisbee, Willcox, Lake Havasu City, Page, Nogales and Show Low. With Pima and Coconino counties reporting substantial gains in tourism-related spending, this growth tracked by the Թ Office of Tourism is representative of a quick recovery across the state post-pandemic.
The tourism and hospitality industry remains a critical component of Թ's economic landscape, fostering prosperity and offering opportunities for local communities. By sharing industry insights, diverse role profiles, and personal stories through video testimonials and social media, the campaign will promote how a career in this field can fuel Թ's economic growth while delivering a rewarding and purpose-driven professional path.
“This partnership will contribute to the economic vitality of our state and builds on our mission to equip Թ students with degrees that support and grow important industry sectors,” said Regent Jessica Pacheco, who was instrumental in developing the partnership. “Students and the tourism sector will benefit through the combined efforts of the universities and AzLTA.”