Dominican Republic 

Where better to study resort management than at some of the world’s premier resorts? That’s what a dozen students did in a program at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, led by hospitality and tourism management professor of practice Tom Duetsch. The program comprised classroom lectures and discussions at the Punta Cana Resort and Club and site visits to many of the leading resorts in the area.

Learning about a working farm and the efforts some farms are making to attract agri-tourism visitors with Elso Rijo in Bayhibe, Dominican Republic. (Photo credit: Tom Duetsch)

Learning about a working farm and the efforts some farms are making to attract agri-tourism visitors with Elso Rijo in Bayhibe, Dominican Republic. (Photo credit: Tom Duetsch)

Punta Cana offers diverse resort experiences and opportunities for learning, Duetsch said, “due to its recognition as one of the top spots in the Caribbean to vacation.” In addition to service, food and beverage operations, event management, marketing, and crisis management, the program examined resort design and the relationship between land developers and golf course communities, the environmental impact of resorts and their sustainability efforts, and the growing businesses of spas, timeshares, cruise ships, and destination weddings.

At the Westin Punta Cana Resort with Alberto Abreu, vice president for hospitality (right), and Frank Ranieri (center), who helped create Punta Cana as a travel destination more than 50 years ago. Punta Cana now receives almost 6 million tourists a year. (Photo credit: Tom Duetch)
At the Westin Punta Cana Resort with Alberto Abreu, vice president for hospitality (right), and Frank Ranieri (center), who helped create Punta Cana as a travel destination more than 50 years ago. Punta Cana now receives almost 6 million tourists a year. (Photo credit: Tom Duetch)

Among the tour stops were Hyatt’s newest all-inclusive properties; the Tortuga Bay Resort (the only AAA Five Diamond property in the country); the La Cana golf course, where the students learned about golf course architecture and received a golf lesson from architect P.B. Dye (son of the late golf course architect Pete Dye); the public medical clinic in the town of Veron, which is often assisted by medical residents in the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine; and a behind-the-scenes tour of cruise ship operations while in port with Miles Clark (HTM ’15), who works for Carnival Corporation and flew out to meet the students.

From left, front row: Guy Deschamps, Arellana Bacon. Back row: Suhani Pant, Akshat Chopra, Alicia Booher, Ben Lawson, Kanisha Khatri, Will Pilkinton, Amrit Dhanjal, Delanie Harris, Lauren Elmore, Anastasia Conyers, Destanie Taylor, Reed Kennedy, Kaela Kinder, Myriam Alazar. (Photo credit: Reed Kennedy)
From left, front row: Guy Deschamps, Arellana Bacon. Back row: Suhani Pant, Akshat Chopra, Alicia Booher, Ben Lawson, Kanisha Khatri, Will Pilkinton, Amrit Dhanjal, Delanie Harris, Lauren Elmore, Anastasia Conyers, Destanie Taylor, Reed Kennedy, Kaela Kinder, Myriam Alazar. (Photo credit: Reed Kennedy)

Spain

Students had a chance to practice their Spanish and learn about business, culture, and leadership in Spain during a 16-day program led by management associate professor of practice Reed Kennedy during winter break. Their itinerary included Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Pamplona, San Sebastian, and Toledo, where the group visited businesses that included the Barcelona Stock Exchange, Pastoret Yogurt Factory, and Torres Winery; explored historical and cultural sites such as the Arch of Triumph in Barcelona (above); and went on nature hikes. The program included discussions comparing leadership philosophies and styles in Spain and the U.S.