In celebration of World Tourism Day this September, the EDGE office is excited to explore this year’s theme, “Tourism, Justice, and Peace,” and its connection to hospitality.
As part of this initiative, EDGE team members Filiz Oskay and Carlotta Penn interviewed Professor Annemarie Turpin, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Hospitality Management Program within the Department of Human Sciences and Director of the Hospitality Management Advisory Board, and Sophia Troutman, Senior student in the Hospital Management major and Spanish minor to gain valuable insights and perspectives on how hospitality can foster justice and peace through tourism.
Annemarie Turpin
Clinical Assistant Professor, Hospitality Management
Board Director, Hospitality Management Advisory Board
Fostering Cultural Understanding through Hospitality
What do you think about the relationship between hospitality management and peace and cultural understanding?
“Hospitality management is crucial for fostering peace and cultural understanding by facilitating diverse interactions. At OSU, we support this through enriched curricula that include study abroad programs focusing on personal and ethnic identity exploration. Our hotel management classes further enhance understanding by integrating OCALI’s certification on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and accessibility training for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, or Visually Impaired. Additionally, we utilize resources from OSU’s Center for Belonging and Social Change to engage students in discussions on systemic racism, stereotypes, and anti-Blackness, all aimed at increasing empathy and awareness.”
Embedding Justice and Inclusivity in Education
How does the Hospitality Management program incorporate these themes in its curriculum and initiatives?
“Our program incorporates these themes by offering a multicultural education that prepares students to lead diverse teams and serve guests from all backgrounds with respect. Through initiatives like Hospitality Listens, which supports individuals on the autism spectrum, and Dining in the Dark, designed to foster understanding of visual impairments, we emphasize cultural inclusivity. Combined with globally focused study abroad programs, these initiatives equip students to manage the complexities of equity and inclusion within the hospitality industry on a worldwide scale.”
Addressing Global DEI Challenges in Hospitality
What may be the challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the global hospitality industry, and what strategies does the program employ to ensure students are equipped to navigate these challenges?
“Challenges in the global hospitality industry—such as cultural misinterpretations, biases, and accessibility issues—are addressed through an emphasis on multicultural education and sustainable practices. We aim to balance tourist needs with community well-being by providing specific certifications and training that foster inclusive environments. Our students are prepared to effectively lead diverse teams and navigate the complexities of a growing global industry.”
Hospitality Management’s Role in Broader Social Issues
This year’s theme for World Tourism Day focuses on ‘Tourism, Justice, and Peace,’ encouraging reflection on tourism’s impact on social equity, migration, climate justice, and cultural preservation. How do you see the role of hospitality management education in addressing these broader social issues, and how does the program at OSU prepare students to engage with such critical topics in their future careers?
“The role of hospitality management education is integral in addressing broader social issues as the industry expands globally. At OSU, our approach integrates courses like CSHSPMG 3330: Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability & Entrepreneurship, which promote understanding of tourism’s economic and cultural impacts. We prepare students to critically assess how the industry can support social equity and cultural preservation, equipping them to make decisions that foster justice and peace while enhancing community well-being.”
Student Perspective:
Sophia Troutman
Senior student in the Hospital Management major
and Spanish minor
What role do you think the hospitality industry plays in promoting peace and cultural exchange? How has the Hospitality Management program at Ohio State University helped you deepen your understanding of this topic?
“The hospitality industry plays a vital role in promoting peace and cultural exchange by focusing on exceptional service. The Hospitality Management Program provides countless opportunities to work with diverse groups, allowing us to make real-world impacts while preparing for our post-graduate careers. Through a creative curriculum, supportive partners, passionate teachers, and hardworking students, I’ve gained hands-on experience serving a diverse range of people.”
What are your thoughts on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the hospitality industry? Can you share any experiences, through internships or courses, that have shaped your views?
“The more I learn about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) within hospitality, the more passionate I become about creating initiatives around these themes. Serving on the planning committee for Hospitality Listens, a dinner celebrating inclusion for individuals with autism or other disabilities, and organizing Dining in the Dark—which connects blind and sighted communities—opened my eyes to different perspectives and the importance of creating environments where everyone feels comfortable and included.”
How do you envision your future career in hospitality contributing to positive social change, such as fostering peace or bridging cultural divides?
“I see my future career contributing to social change by showcasing hospitality locations that genuinely focus on people and communities. I’m passionate about driving change in areas needing more focus on inclusivity, and I strive to be a role model, advocating for practices that ensure everyone receives the level of hospitality they deserve.”
