The Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department of Saint Mary’s University is now a member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)- Philippine Chapter. It also renewed its institutional membership in the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB), Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines (COHREP), Association of Administrators in Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant Management Educational Institutions (AHRMEI), Union of Filipino Tourism Educators, Inc. (UFTE), and Junior Tourism and Hospitality Management Association of the Philippines (JTHMAP).

The initiative embodied the 3 I’s of SMU-HTM: it INSPIRES faculty members and students to build stronger connections and collaborations among other members for research, academic, and skills enhancement and training.; it INNOVATES the learning experience by introducing creative and interactive methods of delivering service excellence that meet the evolving demands of a very dynamic Hospitality and Tourism (HT) Industry; and it INFLUENCES to be the beacon of academic excellence and leadership in the field of HT. 

Aligned with the United Nations Tourism’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the commitment to building an inclusive education through membership in professional organizations directly supported Quality Education (SDG 4) by providing transformative and industry-relevant training; Peace, Justice and Strong Institution (SDG 16) by supporting activities initiated by these organizations and getting up-to-date ideas from its professional members; and Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17) by collaboration and working closely in attaining a better, inclusive and competitive  HT Industry for all. 

Indeed, SMU-HTM is true to its mission and will always be driven by excellence.

Written by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, Department Head