About Us

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Our Mission

The International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) is an international organization of industry professionals in travel, tourism and related fields representing all levels of educational institutions, ranging from professional schools and high schools to four-year colleges and graduate-degree granting institutions. We are a nonprofit international organization dedicated to improving the quality of education and research in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries by promoting the exchange of information, ideas, and outstanding service to our members.
  • Serving a Growing Industry
  • The world’s travel and tourism education community must respond to the diverse needs of an increasingly complex industry. Continued growth in travel and tourism will require an increasing pool of trained professionals at all levels who understand the close interrelationships among all segments of the industry.

  • ISTTE is an energetic and diverse international organization dedicated to advancing travel and tourism education and research, with a well balanced mix of educators and professionals. Since 1980, the membership has represented all levels of educational institutions, ranging from professional schools and high schools to four-year colleges and graduate degree granting universities. Current membership is represented by travel and tourism educators from countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Britain, Korea, China and from territories such as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. ISTTE prides itself on the diverse qualifications of its members who represent varied education and industry sectors.
  • Economics
  • Business Administration
  • Gaming Management
  • Geography
  • Hospitality Administration
  • Destination Management
  • Leisure Study
  • Marketing
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Sociology of Tourism
Zongqing Zhou, PhD President, ISTTE Prof. Niagara University phone: 7165239276 email: moveon@istte.org

Executive Committee

Nicholas Thomas
School of Hotel and Tourism Management, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Interim VP nicholas.thomas@polyu.edu.hk
Murat Kizildag
Central Florida University Treasuer (407) 903-8046 murat.kizildag@ucf.edu
Mark Meng
Indiana University Kokomo, USA Secretary
65-455-9590
mengz@iu.edu
Annamarie D. Sisson Chair, Membership annamariesisson@gmail.com

Board of Directors

Honggen Xiao
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
W: +852-3400-2250
honggen.xiao@polyu.edu.hk
Angela Durko
angelamdurko@gmail.com
Po-Ju Chen
North Carolina Central University pchen1@nccu.edu


Miranda Kitterlin-Lynch
Florida International University, USA 540-560-7512 mkitterl@fiu.edu


Li-Chun LIN
Montclair State University, USA
973-655-6852
linl@montclair.edu


Billy Bai University of Nevada Las Vegas billy.bai@unlv.edu


Wayne Smith
Toronto Metropolitan University Co-editor, JTTT wayne.smith@ryerson.ca


Advisors Cathy HsuHonorary ChairpersonThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityW: 852 2766 4682 cathy.hsu@polyu.edu.hk
Journal Editor-in-Chief Kara WolfeArkansas State University-Newport5504 Krueger Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401kara_wolfe@hotmail.com
Past Presidents
2019-2021 (first term) | Zongqing Zhou, Niagara University, USA 2013-2019 | Nicole Davis, Southern Illinois University, USA2009-2013 | Dominic Dillane, Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland2005-2009 | Michael J. Sabitoni, Johnson & Wales University, USA2003-2005 | Sharon Scott, Education Systems, USA2001-2003 | Cathy Hsu, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China1997-2001 | Kesler, John C., Lakeland Community College, USA1995-1997 | Kaye S. Chon, University of Houston, USA1991-1995 | Barbara Krygel, Agency Access Training, USA1989-1991 | Barry Resnick, Rancho Santiago College, USA1987-1989 | James Burke, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA1985-1987 | Thomas Powderly, Brandywine College, USA1983-1985 | Francis Domoy, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA1980-1983 | Barney Mead