PAUL SMITHS — Paul Smith’s College announced Monday that a new Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Tourism Management program has been added to its curriculum, the first such master’s program of its kind in New York state.

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, according to the college.

“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 Lake Placid, a 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.

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, 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.

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