Tourism is the world’s largest industry. Destinations compete for tourists worldwide, and the flow of tourists and their economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts are felt on an international basis.

The tourism industry consists of four primary operational sectors: accommodations and food service (hospitality), attractions, and transportation, as well as its development, promotion, and distribution system components. Many companies within each of these sectors and systems are owned, managed, and operated on an international level.

The IHT major is designed to prepare students for the many exciting career opportunities that exist locally, regionally, and internationally within the tourism industry. Students receive a broad foundation of liberal arts and business skills and a strong theoretical and experiential background in hospitality and tourism. An internship of 6-12 credit hours is required.

As a top year-round international destination, Florida is a unique laboratory for the study of hospitality and tourism. Saint Leo University students come from many parts of the USA, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and beyond. Join them as an IHT major or minor, or to fulfill an elective, and learn about an exciting and dynamic industry that continues to grow and prosper throughout the world.

The IHT program receives strong support from the International Tourism Club, an official organization of the Student Government Union, and the Industry Liaison Council, an advisory board of prominent senior executives representing all sectors of the tourism industry and many geographic regions.