Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management

The Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management Degree at Western Colorado University prepares students to lead organizations in the growing tourism and hospitality industries while promoting responsible business practices and environmental stewardship. This interdisciplinary program combines hospitality, tourism, business, and sustainability to prepare graduates for careers around the world.

Our program blends business fundamentals with a passion for people and the planet. You’ll dive into a well-rounded curriculum covering everything from Food and Beverage Management and Lodging Operations to Hospitality Law, Risk Management and sustainability practices.

Here, hospitality goes beyond service—it’s an experience. Through hands-on, industry-relevant courses, you’ll learn how to track a resort’s occupancy trends, measure an organization’s environmental impact, plan unforgettable guest experiences, and close sales with confidence. This approach is what we proudly call “Western Hospitality”—a warm, thoughtful, and resilient style of service that sets our graduates apart.

To prepare you for a career or graduate studies, we’ll connect you with valuable internships and research opportunities—locally, nationally or abroad—so you graduate ready to lead in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

Prepare for leadership in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries with Western’s Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management Degree.

FAQ

What can you do with a sustainable tourism degree?

A sustainable tourism degree prepares graduates for careers in destination management, outdoor recreation, tourism development, hospitality operations, event planning, and sustainable travel management.

What will I learn in a tourism and hospitality major?

A tourism and hospitality major includes coursework in hospitality management, tourism planning, sustainable business practices, marketing, leadership, and customer experience management.

How is a hospitality management degree different from a tourism management degree?

A hospitality management degree focuses on operating hotels, resorts, restaurants, and guest services, while a tourism management degree emphasizes destination planning, tourism development, visitor experiences, and community engagement. Western’s program combines both disciplines through Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management.

Why choose a hospitality degree in Colorado?

A hospitality degree in Colorado provides students with opportunities to learn in one of the nation’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality, offering valuable hands-on experiences and internship opportunities.